Working with Neurodiverse Communities

Every person’s life story is shaped by their unique experiences and ways of being in the world. Neurodiversity reminds us that human minds are wonderfully varied, and these differences contribute to who we are and how we move through life. For many, living in a society that prioritizes certain ways of thinking and behaving can create challenges, but it also offers opportunities for self-discovery, growth, and connection.

In my practice, I embrace neurodiversity as an essential and valuable part of human identity. I know that each client brings their own perspectives, strengths, and challenges to therapy. As someone with lived experience of ADHD, I offer a space where neurodiverse individuals can feel truly seen and supported without having to mask or justify their experiences.

Understanding Difference: A Personal and Professional Approach

I’ve spent much of my life learning to navigate a world that wasn’t always built for the way my brain works. Living with ADHD has taught me that there is no single “right” way to think, feel, or act—and that diversity in how we experience the world is a strength, not a deficit. This understanding shapes my approach to counseling, especially when working with neurodiverse clients.

Neurodiversity encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences, from ADHD and autism to dyslexia, Tourette’s, and beyond. I meet each client where they are, recognizing that their experiences, challenges, and strengths are deeply personal and meaningful. My role as a counselor is not to pathologize these differences but to support clients in understanding themselves, navigating life’s complexities, and embracing their full identities.

The Importance of a Safe and Flexible Space

For many neurodiverse individuals, traditional mental health settings can feel rigid or unaccommodating. I strive to create a space that feels comfortable, adaptable, and affirming of each client’s unique needs. This includes:

• Allowing clients to set the pace of sessions
• Offering flexibility in how we communicate and structure therapy
• Validating each person’s lived experiences without judgment
• Adapting therapeutic approaches to fit individual needs

Whether you need to take breaks during sessions, prefer visual aids, or require a less structured approach, I’m here to collaborate with you in finding what works best.

Embracing Strengths and Addressing Challenges

Neurodiversity brings with it a rich array of strengths, including creativity, problem-solving, and unique perspectives. However, living in a world that often doesn’t accommodate these differences can also lead to challenges like:

• Executive functioning difficulties: Managing time, tasks, and organization
• Sensory sensitivities: Navigating environments that may feel overwhelming
• Emotional regulation: Coping with intense feelings and reactions
• Social challenges: Building relationships while managing expectations and masking behaviors
• Stigma and self-esteem: Addressing internalized ableism and building self-acceptance

In our work together, we will explore these challenges and celebrate your strengths. I aim to help you develop practical strategies for navigating life while honoring your neurodivergent identity.

Therapy That Honors Your Unique Journey

No two neurodiverse individuals are the same, and my therapeutic approach reflects this. I draw on a range of modalities to tailor therapy to each client’s needs, including:

• Gestalt Therapy – Focusing on present-moment experiences and self-awareness
• Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques – Supporting clients in managing overwhelm and stress
• Feminist Therapy – Exploring power dynamics and fostering empowerment
• Client-Centered Therapy – Building a collaborative, empathetic relationship
• Solution-Focused Techniques – Highlighting strengths and working toward goals

I also incorporate neurodiversity-affirming practices, such as breaking down tasks into manageable steps, using visual aids, and maintaining a flexible, client-led approach.

Your Story Shapes Who You Are

Our life experiences shape who we are, how we relate to others, and how we see ourselves. For neurodiverse individuals, these experiences may include moments of feeling out of place or misunderstood, but they also bring unique insights and strengths. I’m here to help you unpack your story, find meaning in your experiences, and build a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

Together, we can explore who you are beyond labels or diagnoses. Therapy is a space for you to be your whole self—without masking, without judgment, and without the pressure to conform to someone else’s idea of what’s “normal.”

Let’s Embrace Your Unique Story

If you are a neurodiverse individual seeking support, I want you to know that your story matters. You are not alone in your experiences, and you don’t have to explain or justify who you are. Our sessions will be a collaborative space where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, knowing they will be met with empathy and care.

Let’s work together to uncover your strengths, address the challenges you face, and create a life that honors your unique way of being. Whether you want to process difficult experiences, navigate life’s transitions, or simply have a space where you can be fully yourself, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.