negotiations with a nervous system: Life as a PDA Therapist

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) isn’t just about behavior — it’s about how the nervous system responds to perceived demands. In “Negotiations with a Nervous System,” a PDA‑affirming therapist reflects on what it’s like to live with a nervous system that equates obligation with danger. They explore how nervous system threat responses shape everyday life, influence avoidance, and offer insights into a more compassionate, autonomy‑centered approach to therapy. This perspective reframes PDA as extreme sensitivity to autonomy loss rather than avoidance of effort, making it a powerful lens for neurodivergent‑affirming care.