Autistic and ADHD affirming therapy

Social norms in therapy like sitting still for an hour and making consistent eye contact, along with ableist comments and behavior can make it inaccessible and stressful for many Autistic and ADHD people. Whether you know you’re Autistic and/or ADHD or feel curious about if you are, I believe you know yourself best and will respect your identity. Autism and ADHD are not “conditions” to be treated- they are neurotypes or identities that can be helpful to understand to increase self-compassion and quality of life. In therapy, we may explore developing a positive sense of self, increasing your self-understanding, creating accommodations, engaging in self-advocacy, and connecting with neurodivergent community. If you’re wondering about formal diagnosis, we can chat through the pros and cons and various assessment options so you have information to make your own decision. Throughout therapy, I will invite you to experience Autistic and ADHD culture in session by practicing unmasking and exploring what makes the therapy process and environment most comfortable for you.

LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy

Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community often comes with unique experiences that can be important for your therapist to understand. Exploring your gender and sexuality, coming out to people in your life, finding queer community, and navigating prejudice and discrimination are all things that can be challenging to talk about with a therapist who isn’t aware or understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences. Especially with the current social and political climate, I recognize how risky it can be to enter a space without knowing how accepted and safe you will be, so I want you to know that I accept and celebrate however you identify- you know yourself better than anyone else. Also, if you are a trans or gender expansive person seeking a letter of support for gender-affirming care, I’d be glad to help.

Eating disorders and stress in relationship with food and body

I believe that the relationship we have with food and our bodies does not exist in a vacuum. The ongoing oppression of marginalized communities creates a hierarchy of how much access people have to safety, comfort, belonging, and nourishment for their bodies. Alongside other stressors in your life and relationships, it can feel so out of reach to have a comfortable relationship with food and your body. In my work with clients with eating disorders or stress in their relationship with food and body, I prioritize client autonomy, radical compassion, cultural humility, body liberation, fat positivity, building up a network of support people, challenging diet culture myths and oppressive ideologies, and harm reduction education.

Shame and exploring self-compassion

Shame is a powerful emotion that can lead to dysregulation in our nervous systems and disconnection from ourselves and others. It may present as self-critical thoughts, feelings of isolation, anxiety, and/or depression. Shame often comes from messages we have received from painful life experiences, interpersonal relationships, or harmful societal narratives. In therapy, establishing a trusting relationship where you feel like you can speak openly about your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences is an important first step to addressing shame. Shame often can be relieved when we have a chance to share it with a trusted person and receive warmth, compassion, and validation. It also can be relieved through unraveling harmful messages and being able to channel anger toward oppressive ideas and systems instead of toward oneself. In session, I tend to frame self-compassion as a practice rather than a place of arrival.

Anxiety

Racing thoughts, restlessness, feeling worried and out of control, tense muscles, headaches, and fatigue all can be signs of anxiety. Anxiety is a form of nervous system dysregulation which can make it difficult to feel present in our daily lives. Anxiety is a natural response to anything that seems threatening, and this can look so different for everyone. In therapy, we can be curious about identifying what sends your nervous system into an anxious, overwhelmed state and explore if it may be possible to increase access to safety and regulation in any way. We may also practice radical acceptance of uncertainty and discomfort in life when appropriate.

Trauma

Trauma can be any painful experience or experiences that live with you and continue to impact your emotions, sense of self, interpersonal relationships, nervous system and more. You may notice that reminders of past trauma can bring up distressing memories, emotions, or feelings in your body. In therapy, trauma can be addressed through developing mindful awareness of connections between past and present, exploring attachment themes, building skills to regulate your nervous system, reprocessing traumatic experiences, and considering future desired states. Trauma work goes at your pace- seeking consent and building a trusting relationship are centered in this process.