Australian Enterprise Awards 2021

10 APAC / Australian Enterprise Awards 2021 , The theory of a Functional Legacy Mindset™ approach is grounded by the therapeutic benefits of embracing the authentic self, to promote a sense of purpose, in which clients feel empowered to embrace their unique strengths and abilities to contribute to society in ways that feel authentic and meaningful to them. The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental health disorders (DSM-5) offers standard criteria for the classification of disorders. Whilst this information is essential for providing a toolbox of coping skills to treat mental health concerns, what the DSM-5 does not portray is the strengths associated with different ways of thinking and relating to the world. The term neurodiversity, coined by sociologist Judy Singe in 1998, refers to a combination of traits (variations in the human brain regarding attention, mood, different ways of thinking and other mental functions) that are viewed as both strengths and challenges. Simon Baron-Cohen states that, “There is no single way for a brain to be normal” and Temple Grandin has famously stated, “he/she is “different not less”. Neurodiverse individuals are acutely aware of their differences energetically, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Many clients block their emotions and mask (camouflage) due to societal discrimination and a lack of accommodations designed to meet the neurocognitive needs of neurodiverse minds. An important first step to removing the mask is one of acceptance before we can identify and embrace the many strengths and beauty of neurodiverse minds. When we can come to accept our whole selves, we can remove the mask that makes us feel hidden, rejected, and disconnected. A great tragedy is going through life disconnected from our brilliant minds, because we see the self as broken. A strength-based perspective does not deny that neurodivergent disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Bi-Polar, carries potentially life-threatening risks and deficiencies, however, it also seeks to acknowledge the talents, interests, and skills upon which the person can build a life of success and joy. If a person is genuinely proud of who they are, it helps them to navigate the world better. In this way, expectations become more realistic and do not require the person to meet standards that are unreasonable. Clinical Psychologist of the Year (Victoria): Dr Kerry Chillemi Dr. Kerry Chillemi gives an overview of her personal view of trends in the industry, that informhow the assumptions and narratives that dominate different minds play an important role in the mental health and wellbeing of clients. Dr. Kerry Chillemi designed The Functional LegacyMindset™ approach, with the aimof educating people on how different minds function, to embrace their strengths, and to acknowledge the contributions and richness of suchminds in terms of the benefits to society. We delve into the fascinating field of psychology as we celebrate her success. Jan21136 The Functional Legacy Mindset™ approach is designed to address environmental factors that adversely impact neurodiverse minds, enabling people to build a life of success and joy. It is important that clients feel safe enough to reach out for help before they reach breaking point (develop maladaptive thinking about their plight) and believe that they have utilised all-of the responses in their coping repertoire (including seeking help). Repression of emotions and masking (suppressing your natural way of existing and camouflaging), may lead to burnout, disconnection, and isolation. Whilst it is important to teach people about refraining (holding back), repression has a different energy in which you are afraid to express your emotions or feel the need to suppress your natural way of existing. To refrain is a healthy response, rather than a reaction, that is a choice rather than a requirement. You do not grow out the way your mind works, rather you grown into it. Personalising treatment for precision goes beyond challenging thinking and treating avoidance behaviours to allow people to embrace their authentic self. A safe path in the form; of a healthy self-identity (integrating a healthy sense of self), a self-compassionate mindset, accommodations, energy-accounting, supporting an interest-based nervous system, creative flow, and connecting with your tribe, allows people to minimize any negatives and leverage on the positives. Ultimately, in-order to promote neurodiversity in society, we must move beyond seeing the challenges and start seeing the opportunities offered by difference. By offering respect, support, and flexibility (accommodations in society), we will encourage self-determination, empowerment, and innovations for the good of all. The discipline of psychology is evolving at a rapid pace, with a move away from the idea that people need to meet neuro-normative expectations in-order- to succeed in life. When you build a healthy self-concept, clients are eager to learn and are more likely to develop a self-compassionate mindset to acknowledge that support is vital and needed. In addition to neurodiverse individuals developing new skills to promote their wellbeing, acceptance and understanding from others is needed. Dr. Kerry Chillemi passionately advocates, “To all of the beautiful minds I have had the privilege of working with, I acknowledge the