Empowering Neurodivergence: A Clinical Conversation with Dr. Matt Zakreski

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What does it mean to truly honor neurological differences in the therapy room? In our latest Clearly Clinical podcast CE course, clinical psychologist Dr. Matt Zakreski joins host Elizabeth Irias to explore how mental health professionals can reframe neurodivergence—not as deficits to “fix,” but as distinct operating systems that carry both challenges and unique strengths.

Drawing from his personal story and years of professional experience, Dr. Zakreski outlines what he calls the “big five” neurodivergent profiles: giftedness, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and OCD. He explains how phenomena like the performance cliff, twice-exceptionality, and executive functioning difficulties often lead to frustration and misinterpretation in school, work, and therapy contexts. Importantly, he highlights the higher rates of comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression that emerge when clients must constantly adapt to a world not designed for them.

Listeners will also gain practical interventions, including:

  • Body doubling to enhance focus and accountability

  • Feedback-informed treatment to strengthen alliance and repair misattunements

  • Flexible intake procedures that accommodate diverse processing styles

  • Environmental supports that reduce stress and increase client engagement

The episode also explores masking versus authenticity, the double empathy problem, and the importance of creating therapy spaces where neurodivergent clients feel affirmed rather than pathologized. As Dr. Zakreski emphasizes, “Nobody who is neurodivergent is a failed neurotypical.”

By the end of this course, participants will leave with a strengths-based framework and concrete tools to adapt care in ways that help neurodivergent clients thrive.

Listen to this new on-demand podcast CE course: Empowering Neurodivergence: Honoring Neurological Differences from Giftedness to ADHD
Earn CE credit for listening to this episode; join our 1-year membership for $130 for unlimited podcast CE credit for a year.