My Own Journey
Struggling with dyslexia can shape our mental health in profound ways. As someone who has navigated this journey, I understand the unique challenges dyslexia presents, from feelings of frustration to the sense of being misunderstood. In my practice, I focus on creating a supportive environment where your experiences are valued. You'll never be asked to fill out a form. Instead, we engage in meaningful conversations, exploring strategies to harness your unique strengths and transform the way you engage with the world.
My journey with dyslexia began in kindergarten, where I struggled to keep up with my classmates in reading. Held back to repeat the year, I quickly learned to survive school by becoming the class clown, masking my difficulties with humor and mischief to avoid the pressure to fit in. Despite being placed in special education, I felt isolated and inadequate.
In 11th grade, I took charge, seeking a reassessment that revealed my reading and writing skills were at a second-grade level. With targeted support, I made progress, but dyslexia remained a constant struggle, affecting my confidence and self-esteem. Repeatedly denied college entry, a dedicated committee fought for my chance, leading to accommodations that enabled me to learn through audiobooks. Outside the academic setting, dyslexia continued to impact my life, from misunderstanding workplace emails to struggling with forms.
Despite the challenges, I found solace in audiobooks, discovering joy in literature I once thought beyond my reach. My experience drives my commitment as a therapist to advocate for workplace equality and help others with dyslexia connect with environments that have to re-connection and inclusion. I strive to be a voice for those with dyslexia, recognizing that our challenges extend beyond the classroom into everyday life. Through my work, I aim to foster understanding and create supportive spaces where everyone can thrive.
Adlerian Theory
Alfred Adler, a prominent psychologist, introduced the concept of "organ inferiority," suggesting that individuals may have physical weaknesses or defects in certain areas, leading to feelings of inferiority. This can influence a person's psychological development and behavior. In the case of dyslexia, an individual might experience challenges with reading, leading to feelings of inadequacy. To compensate, they might overcompensate by developing exceptional skills in other areas, such as problem-solving or creativity, to counterbalance their feelings of inferiority. This process can significantly shape their personality traits and behaviors.
