Counselling for Twice-Exceptional (2E), Thrice-Exceptional (3E), and Multi-Exceptional Adults

Counselling for Twice-Exceptional (2E), Thrice-Exceptional (3E), and Multi-Exceptional Adults

Being twice-exceptional (2E), thrice-exceptional (3E), or multi-exceptional often means living at the intersection of significant strengths and genuine challenges. Many adults have grown up with parts of themselves recognised, such as intellectual ability or academic potential, while other aspects, including neurodivergence, learning differences, or mental health needs, were overlooked, misunderstood, or unsupported.

Over time, this can lead to chronic overcompensation, burnout, self-doubt, and a sense of feeling “out of sync” despite high capability. Counselling offers a space to explore how these intersecting experiences have shaped your identity, relationships, work, and wellbeing, and to develop ways of supporting yourself that are sustainable and affirming.

What Does 2E, 3E, or Multi-Exceptional Mean?

The term gifted has traditionally been used to describe high cognitive ability. More recently, twice-exceptional (2E), thrice-exceptional (3E), and multi-exceptional have been used to describe individuals who are gifted and experience one or more additional exceptionalities.

This may include neurodivergence or disability such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, sensory processing differences, OCD, misophonia, or physical disabilities. Some individuals may also experience additional layers of complexity related to culture, gender, race, identity, or socioeconomic context.

Being multi-exceptional does not negate giftedness, nor does giftedness eliminate the need for support. These terms simply reflect the presence of multiple, intersecting ways of experiencing the world, each of which may influence how a person learns, works, relates, and copes.

How Counselling Can Support 2E, 3E, and Multi-Exceptional Adults

Counselling for 2E, 3E, and multi-exceptional adults focuses on addressing the practical and emotional impacts of navigating multiple exceptionalities in daily life. Counselling is tailored to your cognitive style, capacity, and goals, rather than applying standardized approaches.

Counselling may support you to:

  • Develop strategies for emotional regulation and stress management

  • Strengthen executive functioning skills in ways that align with how you think and process

  • Clarify identity and self-understanding without pressure to reduce your experience to a single label

  • Reduce the impact of perfectionism, self-criticism, or rigid internal expectations

  • Navigate work, academic, or relational challenges with clearer boundaries and self-trust

  • Build self-compassion and sustainable coping strategies that respect capacity and sensory needs