Counselling for Gifted Adults

Describing someone as ‘gifted’ instinctively makes us think of them as being highly intelligent. But that isn’t right. Although normally considered to be ‘clever’, the defining characteristics are that they tend to have above average skills in multiple areas, all of which they can do simultaneously. Counselling for Gifted Adults helps them find ways to live happier lives.

What is a Gifted Adult?

‘Gifted’ adults usually have lots of drive and can quickly understand new ideas and concepts and expect that everyone else can too. Multiple careers in a lifetime would be normal with two or three of those careers done simultaneously with some hobbies too.

One minute they could be talking about deep philosophical issues and the meaning of life. Then, nuclear physics – with the ability to flit between the two with enough knowledge to hold a conversation with an expert in both. And without the need for ‘wasteful’ small talk before doing so.

They struggle in life because this is not how most people live. Most people like stability and security, and a good life would be one with a lengthy career in the same job or company before retiring to do a hobby or two. As gifted adults think differently they can get very frustrated and critical of people around them. Similarly, people around them can get frustrated at what appears to be their inability to settle on one thing or to slow down.

These websites provide more information on giftedness :

• Extra Ordinary You – https://www.extraordinaryyou.com.au/gifted
• Gifted Challenges – https://giftedchallenges.blogspot.com/2018/05/gifted-adults-embracing-complexity.html
• Mary-Elain Jacobsen – Has written an excellent book for Gifted Adults including tests to help you assess your particular forms of giftedness and with techniques to help you navigate and thrive in the world with the trait.

What to Expect in Counselling for Gifted Adults

The first stage is realising what giftedness is, then accepting it. This can be the hardest and longest stage. Then it’s about building a life based around what works for you. Not what people say it ‘should’ be, what works for you. You will need to learn more about yourself, which is what counselling for gifted adults is designed to do.