It’s my belief that therapy should meet you where you are. In practicing neurodivergent affirming therapy, I bring an understanding and honouring of the strengths and challenges that can come with being Autistic, having ADHD, or moving through the world with a differently wired brain.

That means I work from a neurodivergence framework. I don’t see Autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent traits as problems to be fixed. Instead, I see them as natural variations in the human brain. 

Considering the World’s Impact on You

Many neurodivergent adults feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or ashamed, not because they’re broken, but because they’ve had to survive in environments that weren’t designed with them in mind. I orient my work within a social model of disability to explore these feelings. Instead of locating the problem inside of you, we look at the barriers around you. We explore how societal expectations and systems might make it hard to thrive as your authentic self. 

Therapy can be a space to unpack the subtle (or not so subtle) messages that you are “too much,” “not enough,” or somehow fundamentally wrong, and the way those may have shaped how you speak to yourself and what you expect from yourself. 

You may have learned to suppress parts of who you are in order to appear more neurotypical or “acceptable”, a process sometimes referred to as masking. Or you might experience periods of burnout from the stress of living in a world that doesn’t understand or consider you. 

Together, we can reconnect with the authentic you, finding your unique rhythms of rest, regulation, and sustainability. We can discover how internalized ableism might be impacting you, and explore the possibility of unmasking, knowing it can happen in small ways or just in how you relate to yourself.

Making Space for More of You

Neurodivergence is not only a set of challenges; it can also be a meaningful part of who you are. What does your neurodivergence mean to you? How does it intersect with your trauma history, your relationships, your strengths, and your sense of self?

Together, we can approach these questions with curiosity and care, making space for a fuller, more integrated understanding of who you are.

We can also explore how you might want to bring that understanding out into the world, whether that’s sharing more of your true self (where it feels safe to do so), finding spaces of belonging, or advocating for your needs. 

Learning to name your needs can feel vulnerable, especially if you were taught to minimize or ignore them. Therapy can be a place to gently explore what genuinely supports you, and practice asking for it or offering it to yourself. 

Therapy Adapted to You

Neurodivergent affirming care means being thoughtful about the how of therapy, rather than a specific modality. In my approach, I consider things like:

Communication. You don’t have to force eye contact. You can take your time before responding. If it’s easier to write, draw, or think out loud in a nonlinear way, we make space for that.

Sensory needs. My Toronto office is set up with sensory sensitivity in mind, with fidgets and supports available. I’m mindful of the connection between sensory processing and nervous system regulation, and encourage you to adjust based on what’s comfortable for you, whether that’s in my office or your own space. 

Emotions and body awareness. Many neurodivergent adults find it difficult to identify emotions or sense what’s happening in the body. I offer gentle scaffolding and language to help you build connection with your inner experience, at your pace.

Executive functioning. I provide structure and clarity around what to expect, as well as options around scheduling and reminders. Therapy can be in person or online, depending on what supports you best.

How Therapy Can Support Neurodivergent Folks

My approach to therapy is trauma-focused, body-oriented, and grounded in an anti-oppressive lens. I draw from Internal Family Systems and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Working with neurodivergent folks, I bring to these approaches theoretical knowledge and first-hand experience of the unique considerations that come with neurodivergence. You don’t need to be fixed. You deserve support that understands your brain, your body, and your story.

My role is to bring warmth, consistency, and an authentic sense of collaboration to our work. Together, we’ll gently orient toward helping you feel more anchored, aware, and connected in your life. Rather than pushing for change, I hope to support you in recognizing and trusting the insight and resilience you already carry, allowing growth to unfold in a way that feels organic and aligned with your own sense of integrity and wholeness.