The word “neurodiversity” emphasizes that there is a range of ways people experience the world and function in their lives.

Neurodiversity is often used to refer to autism and ADHD. However, the umbrella also includes diagnoses like depression, schizophrenia, OCD, and so on. This club is not exclusive!

Some neurodivergent folks have received formal mental health diagnoses and some are self-diagnosed. Some folks may identify more with non-medical language such as feeling like the odd one out or being highly sensitive, introverted, or empathic. Figuring out how to describe yourself in various contexts is important, and I respect your choices.

For some people, neurodivergence affects their functioning to a disabling extent. Those requesting accommodations (e.g., at work or school) for autism and ADHD will generally need a formal diagnosis from a doctor (i.e., a psychiatrist or psychologist).

I am a masters-level clinician, so I do not offer formal diagnosis of autism or ADHD. I am happy to point you to a doctor for formal diagnosis, as well as workshop how to describe your symptoms.

I do not believe that your differences require fixing. It is not my goal for anyone to become more “normal.”

I am interested in helping people define their strengths, as well as the changes that can be made in their lives to make conditions more favorable.

This could entail identifying and communicating needs, nourishing special interests, processing stress, finding a sensory balance between over / under stimulation, and whatever other creative options we imagine together.

Especially when unaccommodated, neurodivergence often involves anxiety, chronic pain, low mood, relationships that don’t feel right, and unsustainable patterns related to food, drugs, or addictive technologies. Our work will address these flags your life has been using to signal a need for change.

Many neurodivergent folks use psychiatric medications to mediate the misalignment between their needs and what the world offers. I am happy to support people who are designing sustainable lifestyles that will allow them to work through gradual, prescriber-supervised medication tapers.

I work with adults in California one-on-one and in groups.

Participating in group therapy might sound intimidating, but it is a powerful option for accelerating change and combatting loneliness. It is cheaper than individual therapy, yet certainly not a consolation prize. For those with histories of relational difficulties, group work cuts right to the chase.

I create groups by looping together 4 folks to meet weekly for 8 weeks. Each group is a closed cohort, so once we begin meeting, we do not add newcomers to the group. Each meeting centers on a different topic related to neurodivergence.

Please let me know if you’d like to be added to the interest list for future group cohorts.