I agree that the binary mindset of the public misconstrues the intention of diagnosis.
The intention of diagnosis is to aid the patient in responding to the way their mind is functioning.
Recently I have witnessed patients of other therapists using their diagnosis in the neurodivergent category as a pass to being a responsible self determined adult.
It is a shame that the public in general is not aware of the degrees to which a person can inhabit a diagnosis. In truth, many can have a diagnosis which is a very mild case, while others hold the full spectrum of symptomology.
There is much more subtlety to mental health diagnosis than “is this bone broken or not”.
Thanks for your comment. You're absolutely right, diagnoses exist on a spectrum, and the public often misunderstands their purpose. Diagnoses are meant to be a roadmap, not a rigid box. I share your concern about some individuals using diagnoses as an excuse rather than a tool for self-understanding. That's why collaboration is so important in my practice.
By working together with the client, we can explore the nuances of their experience and ensure their diagnosis serves their journey towards self-determination and responsibility. It's a team effort to find the right tools and strategies for their unique situation.
I agree that the binary mindset of the public misconstrues the intention of diagnosis.
The intention of diagnosis is to aid the patient in responding to the way their mind is functioning.
Recently I have witnessed patients of other therapists using their diagnosis in the neurodivergent category as a pass to being a responsible self determined adult.
It is a shame that the public in general is not aware of the degrees to which a person can inhabit a diagnosis. In truth, many can have a diagnosis which is a very mild case, while others hold the full spectrum of symptomology.
There is much more subtlety to mental health diagnosis than “is this bone broken or not”.
Thanks for your comment. You're absolutely right, diagnoses exist on a spectrum, and the public often misunderstands their purpose. Diagnoses are meant to be a roadmap, not a rigid box. I share your concern about some individuals using diagnoses as an excuse rather than a tool for self-understanding. That's why collaboration is so important in my practice.
By working together with the client, we can explore the nuances of their experience and ensure their diagnosis serves their journey towards self-determination and responsibility. It's a team effort to find the right tools and strategies for their unique situation.
Perfect. I agree. And the clients who use their diagnosis as their excuse for bad behavior never liked me very much.
Great article. Thanks, j e moyer.
Thank You!🙏