Deconstructing Systemic Assumptions in Therapy

The more I teach, the more I see conditioned beliefs hurting us all

Rethinking western mental health frameworks is more than an intellectual exercise. It's an essential part of nervous system healing. 

Whether you’re navigating the mental health system as a neurodivergent person or working within it as a professional, this series is designed to help you unlearn harmful narratives, reclaim agency, and foster neuro-affirming, liberatory approaches to mental well-being.

Fixed beliefs and conditioned assumptions—especially those rooted in shame, pathology, or rigid ideas about "normalcy"—can keep the nervous system in a state of chronic stress, tension, or dysregulation.

When we internalize harmful narratives about ourselves and the world, our bodies remain on high alert, bracing against these ideas. This can lead to chronic stress responses, making it difficult to access true rest, connection, or a sense of safety.

Unlearning these beliefs allows the nervous system to shift toward greater ease and stability. As we challenge internalized shame, release oppressive expectations, and embrace more compassionate, affirming perspectives, our bodies no longer have to operate in survival mode as much.

This process of unlearning creates space for deeper self-trust, relational safety, and a more sustainable sense of well-being.

Who is this for?

This is anti-bias education for coaches, counselors, therapists, social workers, somatic practitioners, massage therapists, yoga teachers, other types of helping professionals, and for neurodivergent humans who want to understand their own body better.

If you are interested in analyzing systemic assumptions in therapy with the goal of unlearning harmful conditioning in a group context with others who are doing the same, you're invited to join us. 

It is important that everyone who joins the course be interested in critiquing the system and dreaming new possibilities rather than defending the current mental health paradigm. 

You'll get the most from this experience if you already have some basic nervous system education, but there are no prerequisites for taking this course. 

Topics List

  • Module 1

    Individualism, Saviorism, Capitalism

  • Module 2

    Neuronormativity, Sanism, Behaviorism

  • Module 3

    Mind-body dualism, Materialism, Scientism

What is the course like?

  • Zoom sessions

    The core of this course is 1 weekly live zoom call for 6 weeks. The video call lasts 1 hour. Arrive late or leave early if you need to. Replays of each session will be posted in the course page the next day. Transcripts are available for each recording.

  • 3 Modules

    Each module spans 2 weeks. The first module covers individualism, saviorism, and capitalism. The second module covers neuronormativity, sanism, and behaviorism. The 3rd and final module covers mind-body dualism, materialism, and scientism.

  • Private Group for Discussion

    We have a private Facebook group that supplements the zoom sessions. This is a place to share about our process, connect, continue discussions, and support each other as we deconstruct mental health and nervous system science.

Pricing options

The cost of the full series is $300. If that amount is financially difficult, you may choose a payment plan or you may pay half price, no questions asked. If the reduced cost is inaccessible, please scroll down to the end of the page to find the scholarship sign up. Scholarship spots are for anyone who would have trouble paying for necessary items if they purchased the course.

Facilitator / Teacher

Janae Elisabeth

Trauma Geek

Janae (they/she/he) is an information synthesizer who has been studying polyvagal theory and related nervous system models for 6+ years. Their specialty is tying together threads of information from many different fields to create a holistic understanding of the nervous system and neurodivergence. Janae has deeply studied these topics in an effort to understand herself better as an AuDHD PDAer with complex trauma. Since 2018, they have been teaching about trauma, the nervous system, and neurodiversity through local peer support circles and through the advocacy and education project, Trauma Geek. Past students in Janae's courses have reported transformational experiences including more self-love, more gentleness with themselves, more understanding of their own bodies, more acceptance of themselves, and more connection to community. For legal reasons, please note, Janae is not a counselor or therapist.

As an Autistic PDAer, I was doing deconstruction intuitively long before I understood what the word meant.

I am the only one of my family to escape the extraordinarily controlling community I was born into. 

I questioned and wrestled with the dogma I was expected to accept, eventually leaving their church at age 20, because my neuroceptive drive for autonomy gave me no other choice.

This early deconstruction journey paved the way for a lifetime of deconstruction projects. Breaking down the status quo is one of my top favorite special interests. I've deconstructed gender, romance, friendship, family, school, work, and more. 

Deconstructing mental health is something that I've been doing ever since my first therapy experience in 2014. When they told me I was depressed because my brain was broken, I questioned that narrative until I found a better explanation. 

Deconstructing mental health means examining the assumptions and beliefs that shape how we understand mental well-being. This process involves questioning dominant narratives, challenging historical and cultural biases, and exploring alternative perspectives.

Deconstructing has been one of the biggest things that helps me build safety for my nervous system. Through this process, I've identified and change fixed beliefs that are overwhelmingly destabilizing for my nervous system. 

My goal with this course is to model my own deconstruction journey in the realm of mental health and nervous system science and offer support with this process through community connection. 


FAQ

  • Does this course cover religious decontruction?

    No, this course is not about religious deconstruction. We may point out some parallels between the process of deconstructing mental health and the process of deconstructing a religion but discussion will not focus on religion.

  • Can we access the course after the dates if it takes us more time to process?

    The course will be available here on this site for at least 6 months. Everyone in the course will receive a link to a private YouTube channel where the videos will live indefinitely after that.

  • If I do the recorded version, is there a way to ask questions?

    Yes, we have a private Facebook group for questions about deconstruction! You can also email about any admin or logistical questions.

  • Would this course work for a high school student?

    Teens may take the course if they have an adult in their near-community take the course at the same time. It's important for young adults to have someone to process the material from this course with.

  • Are there CEUs?

    Check with your supervisor! My in-person groups count for CEUs but online groups have varying requirements. If you need a certificate of completion, you can create one and I will sign it for you.

  • Can I buy the course as a gift for someone else?

    Yes! When you go to the checkout page, you can click the box next to "This is a Gift" and then add the recipients email address.