ADHD & Autism
Life isn’t easy, and life with an ADHD or Autistic brain can feel like you’re constantly living on hard mode. You deserve support that recognizes the differences you experience in day-to-day life. I practice therapy from a perspective that acknowledges and validates variances in the human nervous system and brain - something we call neurodivergence. This might look like ADHD, Autism, learning disorders, or other neurotypes. In therapy, we work together to address things that are important to you, which may include:
strategies for supporting executive functioning
emotional regulation strategies and coping skills
self-awareness and self-compassion
social communication strategies
depression and anxiety
burnout and stress management
By working together, we can help you to identify your strengths and use them to meet the goals that are important to you. Therapy isn’t about changing you to fit into the world, but rather to give you the tools and strategies you need to succeed in a world that wasn’t made for you.
Counselling Rates: 50 mins | $220
FAQs
Are you neuro-diversity affirming?
Absolutely. I believe neurodiversity is a paradigm and a different and legitimate way of being. As I often tell my clients, it’s like having a different operating system; you’re not broken, you’re just wired differently than neurotypical brains. The goal of therapy isn’t to fix something wrong with you, but to offer you validation and support in areas where you’re experiencing challenges.
What type of challenges do you see in ADHD/Autistic clients?
There are a lot of common themes that can come up in therapy, especially for folks looking for support with a later-in-life diagnoses of ADHD or Autism. We might explore masking, sensory issues, challenges with executive functioning, and mood/anxiety symptoms, and finding strategies and ways to make sense of these things in ways that support better functioning and self-acceptance.
How can therapy help me?
I use an approach that combines practical, skills-based help as well as validation. Many of my clients are looking for concrete strategies with things like planning, time management, organization, task initiation, and routines. Others might be looking for therapeutic experiences to validate the challenges of their lived experiences as a neurodivergent person lliving in a neurotypical world, or with support for trauma, masking, and communication skills. I can work with you to address your needs in ways that are comfortable, help you make sense of your experiences, and find solutions and strategies that help you make changes.
Do you take a trauma-informed approach?
Yes, this is the foundation of how I approach therapy with all clients. I understand that neurodivergent folks often experience trauma at higher rates or in different ways than neurotypical people do. I do not gaslight or minimize your experiences but help to make sense of them and how your body/mind have experienced trauma, and find ways to reduce and heal your distress. I take a collaborative approach, working with you to create goals and work on things that are important to you and what’s meaningful for your life.
How much experience do you have with neurodivergence? Are you neurodivergent, too?
Great question! I have over 20 years of experience working in educational and counselling settings with neurodivergent kids, youth, and adults, including 11 years teaching programs for neurodivergent kids in public schools in Edmonton and Calgary. I identify as neurotypical, but so many of the people that I love (family members, colleagues, and friends) are neurodivergent so I have a lot of lived experience in relationship with all different kinds of brains.