Common challenges for gifted adults

Who is a gifted adult? It is a commonly misunderstood term with a limited traditional definition, often associated only with IQ. The reality is that there are multiple types of extraordinary abilities (including creativity!) not captured in that conventional conception of giftedness. 

Being gifted also comes with its own unique challenges due to the overall experience of feeling misunderstood (and being misunderstood) by others. Here are some common concerns that I see in gifted clients:

• Low self-esteem. Consistent feelings of not fitting in with others in addition to perfectionistic tendencies + strong inner critic may contribute to a negative self narrative.
• Relational frustration. Gifted adults often find others’ interests or conversation to be superficial or dull, which makes it difficult to participate socially in a genuine manner.  This also makes partnering a challenge for gifted adults as well as getting support from a coach/therapist/mentor who can match their complexity, speed and/or depth.
• Creative issues. Gifted adults may experience a constant sense of urgency about wanting to pursue many ideas at once, which can make it difficult to decide where to put energy and even lead to underachievement. 
• Lack of career satisfaction. Gifted adults may feel bored and ready for the next challenge once they reach a certain point in their career. They also may find it difficult to find career satisfaction when they can see so many issues, see how they could be addressed, and yet feel unable to make an impact.
• Existential concern. Gifted adults’ innate ability to think abstractly may lead them to consider and deeply question issues such as death, freedom, and  the human condition. These thoughts can lead to feelings of hopelessness and meaninglessness.  
• Substance use or addictive behaviors. In hopes to mitigate the intensity of their emotions and heightened sensitivity, gifted people may find ways to attempt to escape or numb. 
• Misdiagnosis. Since many therapists are not aware of the different experience of gifted individuals, they may misinterpret thoughts, feelings, and behaviors typical of gifted adults and inappropriately diagnose.

Gifted Support at Method
Think you may be gifted, and seeking support hasn't been so helpful in the past? Check out the Life Architecture Program at Method. This series of individual sessions consists of a multi-phase format that includes:

• exploring + accepting one's complex, highly sensitive + creative self
• identifying + deconstructing goals + values that are congruent with purpose 
• challenging barriers to meaningful change
• embodied decision making + focusing work
• between session experiential homework

Each session will be 60-minutes in duration and the number/frequency of sessions will vary for each individual.  Curious?

Learn More About Gifted Support at Method