Masking & Unmasking In Neurodiverse Affirmative Therapy

Masking & Unmasking in Neurodiverse Affirmative Therapy, Melissa Dellens, MA, LMFT, TRM-1 Autistic masking is the conscious and unconscious suppression of natural Autistic responses and adoption of socially “normal” behaviors (Pearson & Rose, 2021). This chronic performance experienced by Autistic and other neurodivergent people may lead to mental health concerns, including increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Unmasking is a supportive, lifelong process of cultivating self-awareness and flexibility to align with an authentic sense of self. Clinicians have a lot to hold in mind when addressing the anxieties related to expressing authenticity. There can be conflicts in safety considerations within the client's relationships and environment, and the wish to disrupt unwanted patterns. This presentation will review current clinical research and best practice to support therapists in implementing safer un-masking interventions in neurodivergent-affirming treatment. Melissa Dellens, MA, LMFT (she/they) works to help people reconnect with their ability to work, love, and play with more ease. Melissa is a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor at Out Couch Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, a group practice and training space where LGBTQIA+, CNM/ENM, and kink affirming pre-licensed therapists can learn to incorporate psychoanalytic theory into their work. Prior to her transition into mental health, Melissa supervised a community integration program for Autistic, Neurodivergent, and Intellectually/Developmentally Disabled people for 12 years. Melissa served as COO, an educator, and an author at The Affirmative Couch for five years, and has been adjunct faculty at Antioch University Los Angeles and Alliant International University, Los Angeles. Melissa earned their Master of Arts in Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles with an emphasis in Applied Community Psychology. Their certifications include the one-year Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Certificate at the Los Angeles Institute and Society for Psychoanalytic Studies (LAISPS) and Level 1 of the Trauma Resiliency Model. Melissa is an affiliate member of LAISPS and is active in the institute’s Diversity Affairs Committee. References McLennan, H., Aberdein, R., Saggers, B., & Gillett-Swan, J. (2025). Neurodiversity: A scoping review of empirical research. Neurodiversity, 3. Pantazakos, T. (2025). Neurodiversity and psychotherapy—Connections and ways forward. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 25(1). Pearson, A., & Rose, K. (2021). A Conceptual Analysis of Autistic Masking: Understanding the Narrative of Stigma and the Illusion of Choice. Autism in Adulthood, 3(1), 52–60. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2020.0043.