If you’ve ever heard the phrase “therapy intensive” and immediately pictured something like a boot camp for your emotions, you’re not alone. It’s not what we’re used to and can sound a little… intense, pun intended. The truth is, therapy intensives are often misunderstood simply because they’re unfamiliar. And when something’s unfamiliar, myths take hold. Let’s clear those up.

Recently when I was in the shower, I went to shave my legs and realized “The water is already cooling off. I missed my shaving window again, dang it!” And just like that, I had to call it. Not because I was done with my shower tasks or because my morning was marching onward but because my neurodivergent brain’s preferred notification system for showering is simply running out of hot water. Sound familiar?

The term "neurodivergence" celebrates the diversity of human brains, recognizing that differences in processing, perception, and interaction can be assets rather than deficits. There are several types but this blog post focuses on the four that are most well known: ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Giftedness, and Highly Sensitive People (HSP).