Counselling- worth it or damaging if not done with a counsellor who understands autism?

I’ve been through three different therapists and two psychiatrists. I had two one-on-one therapists (one was an art therapist with experience with children with Autism, but was still fantastic because she was willing to learn more about adults along with me) and one couples therapist. Every single one of these professionals were helpful for me in different ways. Particularly that art therapist. She was awesome.

My personal advice is to give it a shot. Yes, there is the possibility of having a bad experience, but the good news is that no one is forcing you to stay with whoever you are with. I would recommend that if you do have a bad experience, don’t completely write off the possibility that you may have a better connection with a different therapist. It could even take a few tries to find the right person who understands your needs. However, as I’ve seen evidenced on this site, therapy isn’t for all Autistics.

Also, please note that - at least here in America - there are a LOT of counselors out there that specialize in Christian counseling. That’s great if you’re Christian, but if not that could be iffy. If you do go the route of seeing a religious counselor, check out their credentials carefully, since priests/pastors can offer counseling without any form of therapeutic license. Since I am an agnostic atheist, I fear the possibility of having a “professional” analyze my thoughts and choices from the lens of an old book rather than recent proven psychological sciences, but maybe that is something you’d be interested in? Just another aspect to think about, I guess.

I’ve been through three different therapists and two psychiatrists. I had two one-on-one therapists (one was an art therapist with experience with children with Autism, but was still fantastic because she was willing to learn more about adults along with me) and one couples therapist. Every single one of these professionals were helpful for me in different ways. Particularly that art therapist. She was awesome.

My personal advice is to give it a shot. Yes, there is the possibility of having a bad experience, but the good news is that no one is forcing you to stay with whoever you are with. I would recommend that if you do have a bad experience, don’t completely write off the possibility that you may have a better connection with a different therapist. It could even take a few tries to find the right person who understands your needs. However, as I’ve seen evidenced on this site, therapy isn’t for all Autistics.

Also, please note that - at least here in America - there are a LOT of counselors out there that specialize in Christian counseling. That’s great if you’re Christian, but if not that could be iffy. If you do go the route of seeing a religious counselor, check out their credentials carefully, since priests/pastors can offer counseling without any form of therapeutic license. Since I am an agnostic atheist, I fear the possibility of having a “professional” analyze my thoughts and choices from the lens of an old book rather than recent proven psychological sciences, but maybe that is something you’d be interested in? Just another aspect to think about, I guess.