NEURODIVERSE COMMUNICATION < Back SPEAKING DIFFERENT LANGUAGES? Why do we feel like we are speaking different languages when we try to talk to each other? Do your partner's words sound like "blah blah blah...", where you are not really hearing each other? What hijacks our ability to communicate effectively? ​Do your conversations sound like: ​ Tammy: Look at me when I talk to you. ​ Tim: I am trying to but you're not making any sense. You said to walk the dog as soon as… Show More Schedule a Free Consult Now WHAT'S YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE? ​ The neurodiverse and neurotypical communication styles can be broken down as follows: ​ Logical vs. Emotional Concrete vs Abstract Absolutist vs. Relative Avoidant vs. Insistent ​ Furthermore, we send and receive information through the following filters : ​​ our expectations and stereotypes, our wounds or defensiveness, our past experiences, and our mood at the moment. ​ It is clear that many powerful forces color the way we hear our partner and express ourselves. COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES Our therapists are equipped… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test DOUBLE EMPATHY PROBLEM ​ The Double Empathy Problem is a concept that has been gaining more attention in recent years, particularly in relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It refers to the idea that both neurotypical individuals and autistic individuals may struggle to understand each other’s perspectives, leading to communication breakdowns and misunderstandings. ORIGINS The Double Empathy Problem was first proposed by Damian Milton, a researcher and autistic activist, in his 2012 paper “On the Ontological Status of Autism: The ‘Double Empathy Problem’”. Milton argued… Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send

SUPPORT FOR ADHD WOMEN < Back The Overlooked Symptoms of ADHD in Women Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects people of all genders and ages, but the symptoms in adult women often go unrecognized or misdiagnosed. This is due to a lack of understanding of how ADHD manifests in women and the assumption that it only affects boys and men. The symptoms of ADHD in women can include forgetfulness, distractibility, disorganization, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation. Women with ADHD are often labeled as “scatter-brained” or “flaky,” but these symptoms can have a significant impact on their daily lives and relationships. Understanding ADHD Symptoms in Women and Celebrating their Strengths It is important to note that ADHD is not just a disorder of deficits and challenges, but also of strengths and positives. Many women with ADHD possess unique talents and abilities, such as creativity, resilience, and adaptability. They are often highly intuitive, compassionate, and empathetic. Women with ADHD are also known for their ability to hyper-focus on tasks that they find interesting or enjoyable, leading to great success in areas they are passionate about. Our therapists recognize and celebrate these strengths while working with clients to manage their symptoms and build on their talents. Through therapy,… Show More Schedule a Free Consult Now Therapeutic Approaches for ADHD Women We offer a range of therapeutic approaches for women with ADHD, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and coaching. CBT is particularly effective for ADHD, as it helps clients to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to ADHD symptoms. We also provide practical tools and resources to help clients manage their symptoms on a day-to-day basis. A Holistic Approach to ADHD Therapy ​ Our therapists take a holistic approach to therapy for women with ADHD. We recognize that ADHD can impact many aspects of a woman's life, from hormone fluctuations to work and relationships. We work with clients to identify their unique challenges and develop strategies for managing symptoms in all areas of their lives. We also explore the impact of ADHD on their relationships, and help them to build stronger, healthier connections with loved ones. Steps of Therapeutic… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test Formal ADHD Assessment In addition to our therapeutic services, we partner with the Adult Autism Assessment Center to provide formal assessments and reports for ADHD. These assessments can provide clients with a formal diagnosis, as well as recommendations for accommodations and support. Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send

SUPPORT FOR AUTISTIC MEN < Back FROM SHAME TO ACCEPTANCE “Normal is an ideal. But it’s not reality.Reality is brutal, it’s beautiful, it’s every shade between black and white, and it’s magical. Yes, magical. Because every now and then, it turns nothing into something.” ― Tara Kelly, Harmonic Feedback FIRST PRIORITY Our first priority is to be able to see the beauty of our differences . This journey may require rethinking a life of experiencing negative messages from society. This rethinking process must operate in the background of all the more tactical work that is done as it is critical to be able to show up in a way that is less defensive and more whole. SECOND PRIORITY Once this primary work is underway, a secondary goal of many of our autistic clients is to increase the ability to meet the needs of the neurotypical partner AND, at the same time, stay true to himself . It is a delicate balance, one that our therapy team will support you in. Schedule a Free Consult Now EXAMPLE THERAPY ROADMAP When we work together, we will review the list below and together construct a session-by-session roadmap of our work together. ​ Strengths Identify your strengths and build a plan on how to leverage them in your relationship. Make peace with your Asperger traits. Sensory processing Understand your sensory processing system. In basic terms, your sensory processing system is how your brain detects, prioritizes, and remembers what is happening around you and inside of you. Explore strategies to manage your sensory sensitivities so you can express them to your partner and build a management plan together. Learn ways to recognize, decompress, and communicate with your partner when you reach sensory overload/overwhelm and enter " defense mode". Non-Literal Thinking Learning alternatives to literal thinking and deciphering non-verbal communication . Executive Function Addressing executive function issues which may exist. “Tuning out” is a typical coping strategy of an autism profile. When this happens, one's partner understandably does… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test TREATMENT RESOURCES Therapy4AutisticMen.com In addition to support from the Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center, we now have a site, Therapy 4 Autistic Men , dedicated to the unique needs of autistic men. Here, we: provide autism-focused & neurodivergent-affirming therapy help you feel safe, supported, and heard with compassion work with you to reduce anxiety, depression, masking & autistic burnout help you cope with emotional distress of meltdowns & shutdowns work to lift self-esteem offer solutions for family conflict share strategies for work or school help with Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (diagnosis available) support for LGBTQIA+, transgender, nonbinary, and BIPOC clients offer remote (video or audio) therapy Our team members are: ​ autistic and allistic (both perspectives can be helpful), men and women (yes, some of our male clients prefer a female therapist), athiest, agnostic, spiritual, people with deep faith, and single, divorced, in a committed relationship and married. Please feel free to indicate… Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send

SUPPORT FOR AUTISTIC WOMEN < Back WOMAN ON THE SPECTRUM? WE SEE YOU. If you are an adult woman who thinks you may be on the spectrum, we are so glad you are here. You have probably been overlooked and under-supported for years and maybe even decades. You may be struggling in your relationship but not know how to fix it. Sadly, feelings of being defective, lonely, confused and helpless may be all too common. Please don't despair. There is hope! On this web page, we will try to cover the basics of women on the spectrum but we invite you to connect with one of our neurodiversity specialists who would be honored to help you. Schedule a Free Consult Now OVERLOOKED IN CHILDHOOD As the field of neuroscience continues to develop, there is an ever-increasing consensus among researchers that autistic women are dramatically undercounted. Well-intentioned, parents, teachers, and counselors often miss the opportunity to identify women on the spectrum. There are two major reasons for this unfortunate situation: Reason 1: Girls Masking in Childhood Even though girls may share many core traits of autism with boys, they often react externally to it in dramatically different ways. One difference in how boys and girls react is the degree to which they mask their autistic traits. Masking is when a person puts on a “mask” to look the way others expect rather than show up in the world in a way that is natural and genuine. You can think of masking as camouflage. In other words, wearing something on the surface so you will not be noticed, yet fearing that you… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test DIFFERENCES & STRUGGLES Of course, young girls grow into women and the unequal treatment continues into adulthood along with the emotional struggles. ​ Here are a few examples of how adult men and women present differently in adulthood: ​ Adult autistic females are more comfortable than their male counterparts when interacting on a one-on-one basis. The women may often report that they have a few friends but would typically meet with them individually, not in a group. Men on the spectrum often report no friends. Adult autistic females are more likely to find a romantic partner , often putting a lot of effort (masking) in order to overcome loneliness. Men on the spectrum typically have more difficulty navigating the rules of romance, although this may be offset by lower expectations of romance from men. Adult autistic females are more likely to have the primary responsibility for parenting than autistic males. In spite of… Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send

NEURODIVERSE COUPLES RETREAT < Back If you are in a neurodiverse relationship and feel you need a lot of help, you're in the right place. ​ These are private couples therapy sessions, not small group retreats. Everything is customized with the two of YOU in mind. ​ Remote or on-location in Monterrey, CA. Learn More Show More Schedule a Free Consult Now Are you Autistic? Take this Test Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Thank you! Send Are you Autistic? Take this Test

< Back Anne Hoglund You've landed here looking for support, needing more care and attention for yourself and for your significant relationship. Perhaps you or your partner are also neurodivergent, and you're wanting neuro-informed support that understands the complexities of that experience and how that would impact a relationship. Connection is not a constant state in any relationship. We are always moving in and out of it. If disconnection lasts for too long, there is greater likelihood for misunderstandings and ways of relating that can further that separateness. Our work together helps you to reconnect more easily and helps you know, understand, and love each other better. By providing you warmth, compassion, and acceptance, I offer a space to feel seen and heard and can provide you direction on the roadmap back to one another. I take an integrative approach, accounting for the different aspects of who you both are, of your family, and the systems that you are embedded in. Know that there is help here for you and that, by working together, we can navigate the path back to greater, more effective communication, greater appreciation and understanding of yourself and your partner, and greater overall satisfaction in your relationship. I look forward to walking with you on this path towards reconnection. My Story I grew up in the Midwest and relocated to California in my early adulthood. I was always drawn to creative endeavors and pursuing my degree in fine art seemed like a natural choice. However, after working as a graphic designer for many years I felt that something was lacking. My heart wasn’t in it, as much as it was in the healing and spiritual pursuits I was doing outside of my work life. As a deep-feeling person, I knew that I wanted to contribute something, to have a positive impact. I enjoyed most helping others, especially in navigating their significant relationships and life's challenges. After experiencing the positive benefits of my own work in therap y, I returned to school to study counseling psychology. I loved the work and felt that I had finally found where I “fit.” Upon graduation from my program, I took a break from working as a therapist to start a family, and was thrust into the real "work" of a marriage, parenting, and managing a home as well as helping aging parents with significant health issues . During this time our oldest child also received an autism diagnosis . I know from experience how that can deeply impact a marriage and the needs of a family both at home and out in the world. I saw clearly that navigating support for resources was an extremely challenging and time-consuming process, and there was so little available to help parents process these changes and challenges. As well, little is offered to keep parents feeling hopeful for the future and appreciative of their unique child. I want to support individuals and couples, especially parents, around the topic of neurodivergence, as they find their way into new rhythms and greater joys in their relationships and families, as well as helping them build relationship skills and resilience to be more supported in life's harder times. Life Experience I have an autistic child who is exploring their gender and identity I have a sibling diagnosed with ADHD and neurodivergence exists on both sides of our extended families I have many autistic traits I have a background working in a creative field for over 20 years and in working in higher education and non-profit organizations Specialties and Certifications Neurodiverse Couples Specialist Neurodiverse Parenting Specialist Associate Marriage and Family Therapist ​Education Masters in Integral Counseling Psychology Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication License & Certifications ​Registered Associate Marriage Family Therapist, AMFT # 110323 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc . Specialty areas: Parenting Neurodiversity, Parenting, Autism, Neurodiverse Couples, ADHD Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) already in mind, include their names here: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours.

< Back Lisa Marie Anzaldua Neurotypical Partner Support Lisa Marie Anzaldua primary focus is supporting Neurotypical/Allisitic Partners Support with her Cassandra and OTRS Support Groups. Read more here . Personal Experience Lisa is personally familiar with divergence in how each partner experiences the world and communicates, being married for 18 years to someone from a different culture and race than her own. She is a mom of two boys - 13 and 18. As the daughter of a diplomat, a multicultural experience was integral to Lisa's early life and has continued since, as reflected in her multiethnic/interracial marriage. While a neurodiverse relationship means that one or both partners are on the autism spectrum, deeply understanding how to bridge relationship barriers comes from her personal relationship experience. Furthermore, having the experience of personally overcoming Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Lisa is equipped with wisdom and education to guide healing and transformation. ​Neurodiverse Coaching Approach Lisa specializes in neurodiverse couple coaching. Her expertise is grounded in neurodivergent communication and attachment science, which is informed by the scientific study of human development and bonding, integrated with insights from emotional processing neuroscience. Through her compassionate and insightful guidance, Lisa supports neurodiverse couples on their journey from feelings of exhaustion and hopelessness toward achieving their desired outcomes around communication and connection. Her unique approach is characterized by a profound empathy and understanding that individuals can become entangled in self-deception, outdated coping mechanisms, beliefs, and habits that, while once protective, may no longer serve their current needs. Lisa's coaching helps couples navigate these challenges, fostering an environment of ease and understanding that paves the way for growth and reconnection. ​ Formal Training Lisa is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a seasoned couples coaching professional. Her expertise results from being trained by Tony Robbins and Cloe Madanes as a certified life coach, her graduate-level education in Marriage and Family Therapy (Delta Kappa Pi), and her undergrad in Transpersonal Psychology. Cloe Madanes is one of the originators of the strategic therapy approach and founded the Family Therapy Institute of Washington, D.C., and the Family Therapy Center of Maryland. Her pioneering work laid the foundation of many of the most effective approaches and techniques used in couples therapy. Publications: Lisa is a published author: Inner Sanctum: Your Most Empowering Resource This book is a transformative journey from inner turmoil to authentic self-realization. This book isn't just about healing; it's a guide to realigning with your core truth through introspection and transcendence. Anzaldua delves deep into how our perceptions, shaped by unresolved experiences and conditioning, often lead to emotional suffering and repetitive life patterns. Through her powerful narrative, she illustrates that liberation lies not in changing who we are but in becoming more attuned to our true selves. "Inner Sanctum" offers a unique blend of psychological insights and spiritual wisdom, demonstrating how breaking free from our ingrained narratives can lead to profound emotional relief and a richer life experience. Anzaldua's approach is about appreciating ourselves, including our habits and fears, and understanding their origins as coping mechanisms that once served us but may no longer be beneficial. The book outlines practical methods and transformative practices, supported by scientific evidence and spiritual teachings, to help readers embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. With its focus on unbecoming what we are not and revealing the layers of our authentic selves, "Inner Sanctum" is more than a self-help book; it's an invitation to a life of expanded awareness, where personal growth and spiritual expansion converge. It's a guide to appreciating the brilliance of our true nature, transcending limitations, and aligning with our deepest truths for a fulfilled and meaningful existence. Lisa has several articles on Medium.com . Her website is www.ThrivingBeyondCassandraSyndrome.com ​ Specialties in addition to Neurodiversity: Cassandra Support - Group and Individual Ongoing Traumatic Relationship Stress Trauma Bond Toxic Shame Narcissist / Empath Dynamic (Personal Healing) ASD / Allistic Couples Counseling and Coaching General Couples Coaching Family Conflict Life Transitions Transformational Coaching Integrative Spiritual Therapy Internal Family Systems Emotionally Focused Therapy (couples and individual). ​ License: Registered Associate, MFTA #132097 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc. Specialty areas: Cassandra, Discernment, Internal Family Systems, LGBTQIA+, Buddist - Spiritual, Trans Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) already in mind, include their names here: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours.

< Back Lauren Florio Helping Someone like Myself When I think about the kind of work I want to do as a therapist, I think about my younger self and how much easier my life would have been if I knew then what I know now about my neurodivergence. If you’re at a stage in your life where you’re trying to navigate your differences in an allistic world, you’ve come to the right place. As someone with AuDHD (Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) , I felt like there was something wrong with me for most of my life. Now I’ve learned to appreciate, cope with, and embrace my differences. And now I want to help you do the same. ​ My Story ​ I grew up in Northern California, under the poverty line. In a family struggling with finances, doctor visits were scarce, and psychiatry visits were nearly out of the question. ADHD AND ME Though I was able to get my ADHD diagnosis relatively young, not much changed for me and the crippling differences I felt from the rest of society. With ADHD medication not being a good fit for me, it seemed this diagnosis was a dead end at the time. I wish I had known more back then and would have kept exploring my neurodivergence as it would have likely led me to my autism diagnosis much sooner. FIGHTING BACK Instead, I spent the majority of my life trying to push through a world that felt like it was fighting back at me. Much of my life was spent disassociating or with severe panic attacks from under or over-stimulation. As an adult, I finally began seeking mental health help after a lifelong battle with depression. Though I saw some benefits from my depression and anxiety treatments, it felt like a band-aid on the real issue. I spent years in therapy with dozens of different therapists. MY AUTISM DIAGNOSIS It wasn’t until I was told to explore an autism diagnosis that things changed for me. During this time, I was also in school. I received my Bachelor's Degree at Chico State University before moving down to Southern California to complete my Master's of Arts in Counseling Psychology in San Diego. During this time, I was learning more about psychology and my passion continued to grow for the human mind, specifically neurodivergence. Finally, receiving my autism diagnosis was like a breath of fresh air. MASK COMES OFF Since coming to terms with my autism, I have learned to unmask, reconnect with my inner child, and develop unique coping skills beyond breathing and meditation, skills that actually work for me. Through this journey, I have become a better partner, friend, daughter, and sister. For the first time in my life, I am able to meet myself with kindness. My journey here was tumultuous, but I hope because of my journey, I can help you learn about your neurodivergence and guide you to becoming a better version of yourself along the way, too. ​ NEURO-INCLUSIVE NOURISHMENT ​ Binge, Restrict, & Purge Cycles In elementary school, I put myself on my first diet. Mimicking what I saw around me, I grew up in a house where there was constant dieting which affected me heavily. I was aware of my body, weight, and every aspect of my beauty as a result. My relationship with eating disorders changed in many ugly ways from middle school through my undergrad program. With hard work and lots of help, I was able to overcome my many battles surrounding binge, restrict, and purge cycles. I want to use my both personal and professional experience to help you heal your relationship with food and create a more positive body image. ARFID Data shows there is an overlap of neurodivergence and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). Many people believe that ARFID is a disorder that only affects children, but this is simply not true. As an Autistic woman with ARFID, I am very aware of how sensory issues can negatively affect your ability to eat regularly and get adequate nutrition. Overcoming sensory issues is hard, but you only get one body. Maintaining regular caloric intake with diverse nutrition is vital in keeping our body healthy. Let's work together to overcome this and keep our bodies healthy and happy. ​ To read more about Neuro-inclusive Nourishment, click here. Certifications & Education Board registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #139592 (supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, clinical director). Master’s of Arts in Counseling Psychology from National University in San Diego. Neurodiverse Specialist Co-Founder of She Rocks the Spectrum Neuro-inclusive Nourishment Specialist ​ DBT/CBT/EMDR The therapeutic modalities I am trained in and use are: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma processing. ​ Group Facilitator I run our She Rocks Friendship Group . Read more here. When I am not working with my clients here at She Rocks the Spectrum, I host small groups which are designed for those with social anxiety, neurodivergence, and members of the LGBTQ+. ​ COMMON GROUND I am a trained CommonGround Specialist. CommonGround is a program created by Pat Deegan, which was developed to help promote advocacy and independence for those with mental health issues.Clients Neurodiverse women Autistic, ADHD, Highly Sensitive Neurodiverse clients with eating struggles Modalities Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma processing CBT/DBT License Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, #139592 (supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , clinical director) Specialty areas: Trans, LGBTQIA+, ADHD, Autism, Sex-Kink-Poly, Eating & Autism, Parenting Neurodiversity, Children, Teens, Assessment, DBT, ND at Work, Neurodiverse Couples Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) already in mind, include their names here: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours.

< Back Robin Greenblat Robin is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who has graduated with a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA. She has a background in behavioral health, education, transitional youth, addiction and recovery services, and suicide prevention. She has worked with couples who have adult children struggling with ASD, ADHD, addiction, depression, and anxiety . She has experience working in diverse cultures and backgrounds in outpatient clinics, large healthcare systems, and private practices. She believes everyone has a voice and deserves to feel safe, respected, and heard. Robin encourages her clients to connect by offering a safe, nurturing environment, enabling clients to feel supported and valued. Life experience With 30 years of marriage and parenting four children. Robin's personal experience has given her a unique perspective to help her clients explore, reconnect, and rediscover their "sparkle." She understands the challenges of working, parenting, and finding time for self-care while strengthening personal and professional relationships. ​ Working with couples She works with couples, individuals, and family systems to develop improved communication, respect, and love. She helps couples and individuals through life transitions such as a new home, first child, loss of career, or loss of a loved one by exploring coping skills to reduce stressors and move towards healing. In addition, Robin works with couples to become more self-aware of their behavior and how it affects their loved ones. ​ Robin's approach to therapy Robin's approach is humanistic and creates a safe and non-judgmental environment for her clients to communicate openly. She has worked with families and children by guiding her clients towards rewarding and harmonious connections. She specializes in working with couples and individuals who want to improve their relationships, reduce stress, and make realistic goals with solution-focused therapy, positive communication, self-awareness, and self-care. Robin uses evidence-based therapeutic approaches by helping her clients to focus on building solutions by providing emotional and psychological safety to foster positive motivation and change. NEURODIVERSE RELATIONSHIPS The Basics: Neurodiverse couples have one partner that is neurotypical and one partner who has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Neurodiverse couples can have different communication styles and perspectives, making intimate and loving relationships a challenge. However, neurodiverse couples can grow together by finding meaningful connections, focusing on their preferences, and learning to understand each other better. ​ Based on the goals of the Neurodiverse couple, Robin will help support stronger relationships and work on problem-solving skills. Couples will learn to focus on new ways to celebrate each other, reconnect, and interpret intention successfully. Through acceptance, education, and self-awareness, couples will practice relating to each other to create a more harmonious relationship. Common Symptoms: In adults, some common symptoms of ASD might look like: having difficulties interpreting facial expressions, interpreting body language, or understanding the social cues of others. Regulating emotions during conversations, reflecting emotions through vocal inflection, and engaging in repetitive behaviors might be challenging for someone with ASD. In addition, individuals with ASD may have specific and/or extreme interests and routines. The interests of individuals on the spectrum may seem obsessive, such as spending large amounts of time engaging in only certain activities under certain circumstances. Difference Turned into Strength: With these challenges, how can neurodiverse couples expand and enhance their relationship? Neurodiverse couples can use their different perspectives as strengths to shift away from conflict and understand each other’s thoughts and perspectives. Because everyone sees the world differently, a neurodiverse couple has a unique perspective. Each partner has a different way of thinking, different brain wiring, and experiences. While the neurodiverse couple may face challenges, having different ways of viewing situations and experiences can bring new and comprehensive perspectives. Neurodiverse couples can develop an awareness of their unique perspectives and accept their differences as a value rather than an annoyance . For example, each partner can see different ways of interacting or completing tasks. Working out tasks together can be an opportunity rather than a challenge for the neurodiverse couple to work together to become more tolerant of each other’s way of thinking. Having both shared and individual interests can encourage the neurodiverse couple’s autonomy and enhance the quality of life. Through acceptance and commitment, the neurodiverse couple can see each other through a new lens. Trust and Emotional Safety: Couples therapy can help the neurodiverse couple by finding how to deepen trust and understand how each partner views their experiences. By creating emotional safety and acceptance, couples therapy can help the neurodiverse couple to develop goals. Bringing importance to each partner and their intentions allows the neurodiverse couple to focus on their differences as a strength. Acceptance and commitment can help to increase feelings of compassion, connection, love, and happiness. Specialties Neurodiverse Counseling (ASD and ADHD) Couples and individual life transitions Discernment Counseling Pre-marital Counseling Depression and Anxiety Grief, loss, and shame Self-forgiveness Clients Couples, Elder Couples, Individuals Modalities Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family System Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Humanistic Approach License Registered Associate, AMFT #114045 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc. Specialty areas: Assessment, ADHD, Discernment, Neurodiverse Couples, Autism, Addiction, Cassandra, DBT Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) already in mind, include their names here: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours.

< Back Danielle Grossman Neurodiverse Couples C ounseling I love working with neurodiverse couples. Every couple I work with is unique and complex. The therapy process is creative, surprising and never boring. There is no one size fits all. How do you take two people who love each other, but whose minds, bodies, nervous systems and brains interpret the world and express themselves in very different ways, toward mutual understanding and connection? That is what we figure out together. “What we have here is a failure to communicate” - movie ‘Cool Hand Luke’ ​ Multifaceted Communication Breakdown By the time most neurodiverse couples seek counseling, patterns of defensiveness and disconnection have become entrenched. Even if some areas of the relationship are going well, others may be going really poorly. ​ Bids for connection have been unanswered, signs and signals that you are feeling unhappy or distressed have been missed, and attempts to discuss problems have gone sideways and caused despair, unkindness and avoidance. ​ You may find yourselves in a reinforcing negative loop of misunderstanding and hurt that becomes more and more convincing… ‘my partner doesn’t understand me, they don’t care about me, my needs don’t matter to them, they are selfish, they are controlling, they don’t like me, they want things from me I’m not capable of giving, they are going to leave me, this is not a healthy relationship, we are doomed.’ ​ Communication Reconstruction The good news is that just like patterns can form, patterns can also change. Even if both of you are still exactly who you are, the way you perceive each other and interact with each other can get much better. You can develop: More accurate narratives about each other. Increased understanding of what’s driving the other person’s behavior. More clarity about what each of you need. More emotional safety and connection. More sensory safety. Calmer and more cooperative conflict resolution. More respect for each other’s priorities. Better physical intimacy. More fun. More love! ​ Depth and Practicality We can go as deep as you want to go in the therapy. I have extensive training and clinical experience in trauma-focused work that allows each of you to identify and shift any of your own patterns that may be interfering with the health of your relationship. These patterns develop through a lifetime of being misunderstood or not having your needs met or respected. The patterns are held in your thoughts, behaviors, nervous system, mind and body. ​ I am also happy to keep things practical and help you with day to day stuff like division of labor, basic communication, finances/budgeting, parenting and trip planning. ​ Often clients choose to do a combination of deeper work and practical skill building. Your feedback about what’s helpful or not helpful guides the direction we take. ​ Life Stressors and Your Relationship Relationships do not take place in a bubble. My work with couples can include supporting you as a couple with a range of life stressors: Addiction (substance use and behavioral) Problems with food and eating Dealing with narcissistic or toxic people in your lives Deciding whether to have a child or more children Fertility issues Postpartum anxiety and depression Anxiety and depression associated with the menopause transition Chronic illness or medical problems Career transitions Aging parents Death of loved ones Children going through crises or developmental challenges Balancing time between athletics, special interests and relationships Managing difficult interpersonal aspects of your work environment ​ Can I see you individually? Can you see my partner individually? As part of the couples work, I do meet one on one with each person as needed or wanted. Because those sessions are part of the couples counseling framework, not everything you share will be kept confidential from your partner. Individual counseling, on the other hand, offers you full confidentiality. If you or your partner prefer to see me for individual counseling (I am not able to see both of you for individual counseling), I can offer you a referral to another team member for the couples counseling. ​ Individual Therapy for Neurodivergent Adults I love working one on one with clients who identify as ‘neuro-different’. Every client is beautifully unique and complex. I never offer a one size fits all. What you need, what you want, and what actually helps you is what the therapy is all about. ​ Why does life feel so hard for me sometimes? For neurodivergent people, there can be a wide gap between the things that come easily and magnificently and the things that are incredibly difficult, painful and overwhelming. ​ There can also be a gap between our intentions and motivations and how others perceive those intentions and motivations. ​ These gaps can cause us to experience rage, anxiety, shame, self-blame, an unstable self-concept, intense frustration, confusion, self-doubt, hopelessness, and despair. ​ They can also lead to patterns of alienation, not only from others, but from ourselves. ​ They can lead to burnout, depression and use of substances or behaviors that numb us from our pain. There also may be chronic pain or illness. ​ What can help me? We identify patterns in your mind, body, nervous system and brain, many of which may be adaptive responses to being misunderstood or not getting your needs met or respected throughout your lifetime. ​ You are supported to move toward: More compassionate and accurate narratives about yourself. Improved capacity to honor the needs of your body. Practical strategies for nervous system regulation. Communication and life skills that support you in your life goals and relationship goals. Establishing relationships with people who treat you respectfully and setting boundaries with those who do not. ​ We go deep and we stay practical. ​ We deal with whatever relationship or life stressors that you bring to the table. ​ (For information about my work with Neurotypical people in relationships with neurodivergent people, please see https://www.believing-cassandra.com ) Specialty areas: Addiction, Cassandra, Sex-Kink-Poly, Trans, Discernment, Parenting, Eating & Autism, LGBTQIA+, Internal Family Systems, Autism, Neurodiverse Couples, Blended, Affairs Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) already in mind, include their names here: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours.

< Back Julie Anderson Welcome. I’m glad you landed here. I know you’re wondering if maybe, just maybe, there’s help available to make life feel a little (or even a lot) easier. Did you search “autism”, “ASD,” “Spectrum”, “ADHD,” or something similar to find us? As the parent of neurodiverse 16-year-old boy/girl twins, let me tell you I know how that feels. I can assure you, there is hope. You have it within yourself to meet the challenges that you face. And there is help here, either with me or one of my colleagues. You’ve made that important first step – you’ve Googled and scrolled the web and found us: a practice that cares deeply about the unique difficulties that sometimes make you feel alone. You are not alone. ​ Neurodiversity ​ “I know of nobody who is purely autistic or purely neurotypical. Even God had some autistic moments, which is why the planets all spin” – Jerry Newport. Your Life is Not a Label ​ Diversity is the one thing we all have in common, and neurodiversity is part of what makes the mosaic of humanity so rich. If you used neurodiversity terms to find us, you already know that what makes us unique can drive attraction and connection, but can also contribute to misunderstanding and confusion. Our goal is NOT to help the neurodiverse “fit into” the neurotypical world. While a square peg can probably be forced into a round hole, that might only work by damaging or changing the peg. Instead, we seek to build upon the strengths and strategies that each person brings when creating attachments with those around them. We honor each person’s uniqueness by creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space that will allow a safe place for growth and connection to flourish, both inside and outside the therapeutic experience. Neurodiverse Couples Closeness and intimacy are integral to a healthy relationship. Life’s demands can take their toll on how a couple connects physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Any couple may start to feel disconnected in some or all of these areas leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. For individuals who differ in their neurodiversity, this difference may require more focused attention to build and maintain intimacy. Showing up for each other means honoring each partner’s strengths and needs. In therapy, we will identify goals and patterns of interaction and work collaboratively to create new communication patterns that grow from a place of open-heartedness and connection. Neurodivergent Parenting For a moment imagine what it is like for a child to have one adult after another bending down and speaking to them with impatience, frustration, and annoyance in their faces and voices. Imagine how overwhelming this is for a child who already experiences heightened sensory and emotional sensitivity. Bridging the generation gap can be challenging for parents and children whose brains work in similar ways, it can be even more tricky when it feels like you are speaking different languages through the filter of neurodiversity. We are a team supporting your needs and concerns as a parent while honoring your child’s singular experience. OTHER AREAS Infertility, ART, and Post-partum depression ​ Nothing is more natural than having a child, except when it isn’t. Julie understands when the journey to parenthood does not go as anticipated. From fertility treatments to childbirth to post-partum depression, things have a way of defying best-laid plans. The process of becoming parents and the feelings around parenthood can be complicated and have a profound impact on your intimate relationships. Sandwich Generation ​ You are in the Sandwich Generation if you are caring for both children and aging parents. Squeezed in the middle, are you juggling the delicate and demanding tasks of caring for everyone but yourself? Is it any surprise your relationship is also suffering? Julie is particularly versed in supporting clients who have become caregivers for parents or spouses experiencing dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Co-parenting ​ Sharing a parenting relationship is among the most enduring experiences in life. Even after the dissolution of a marriage, connection through children remains. When one co-parent is neurodivergent there may be additional communication and executive function challenges that further complicate this delicate relationship. Creatives and Highly Sensitive Individuals ​ Before making this career transition Julie worked for decades in the arts. In her current practice, Julie specializes in working with writers, actors, musicians, and other individuals who identify as “highly sensitive.” About Julie I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in Santa Monica, California. Born and raised in the Midwest, I lived in New York City for 20 years. Before becoming a therapist, I was a freelance writer and worked in film, theatre, and nonprofit arts and education. I am the parent of a couple of 16-year old neurodiverse comedians. Long interested in people who “see differently,” I wrote a children’s book about color blindness, Erik the Red Sees Green . The first person in my family to go to college, I received a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University, then New York University, leaving a Ph.D. program at NYU to start working in the arts. I graduated summa cum laude with an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide and am currently enrolled in a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) program at California Southern University concentrating on counseling and neurodiversity. Other areas of focus (in addition to Neurodiversity): ​ Affair Recovery Ambiguous Grief Caregiver Support Co-Parenting Couples Counseling Creative Support Divorce Recovery Infertility Kink-Aware LGBTQIA+ Allied Life Transitions Parent Coaching Poly Friendly Sex Therapy​ Sex Positive Modalities: Coaching Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Experiential Therapy Internal Family Systems (IFS) Narrative Therapy Polyvagal Theory Psychodynamic Trauma-Informed Therapy​ Clients Couples Individuals Families ​ License Registered Associate, MFTA #136580 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc. ​ Specialty areas: Blended, Cassandra, Sex-Kink-Poly, Discernment, Parenting Neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+, Trans, Buddist - Spiritual, Neurodiverse Couples, Affairs, Autism, Parenting Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) already in mind, include their names here: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours.

< Back Amanda Buckman ​ Amanda is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a mother of 4, plus 2 children from a blended partnership. She is currently working towards the completion of her doctoral degree in counseling education and supervision. Amanda specializes in working with couples and individuals who want to strengthen their lives and relationships through positive communication, conflict management, and improvement in intimacy as well as self-care, so they are able to continue to care for others. Using a non-judgmental, strength-based approach, Amanda guides couples in finding solutions to problems, while also maintaining a safe and supportive space where couples can communicate safely and openly about the fears that paralyze them, such as fear of loss, disappointment, rejection, and loss of self. Neurodiverse Couples Communication is important in every relationship, and it can be particularly challenging for a neurodiverse couple. Amanda believes that it is vital to identify solid communication strategies between partners, using specific techniques for handling relationship troubles, whether perpetual or solvable. These techniques encourage the understanding that emotions are important, there is no absolute reality, only two subjective ones, acceptance is crucial, and a development of fondness and admiration within the relationship. Amanda encourages couples to celebrate the small steps towards a larger goal and helps keep focus on what the couple can do to set themselves up to thrive. Parenting Neurodiverse Children Amanda has personal experience as a mother of a neurodivergent 13 year old, working through the white waters of concern for her child’s behavior and development, receiving the diagnosis of neurodiversity, and wondering what it means to parent a child who is neurodiverse. Parenting neurodivergent children can be exponentially intense. Amanda teaches parents positive parenting skills that encourage the use of “Why?” to address the child’s behavior, focusing on an understanding of the purpose that behavior serves the child and what they are trying to tell you. Allowing the behavior to inform what needs to be put into place ahead of time to help the child manage the particular challenge, and also ensuring that consequences are related to the behavior/issue as a last resort to addressing behavior. Amanda encourages parents to catch their child’s positive behaviors whenever possible and to name specifically what they see so as to encourage the positive behavior to reoccur. Other areas of focus (in addition to Neurodiversity): Addiction Affair Recovery Major Life Transition Support, co-parenting, blended families, separation/divorce Parent Coaching Sex Therapy​ Clients: couples and families Modalities: Coaching Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Gottman Method Internal Family Systems (IFS) Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Strength-Based Structural Family Therapy ​ License: Registered Associate, MFTA #126006 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc. ​ Specialty areas: Blended, Affairs, Addiction, Discernment, Parenting, Parenting Neurodiversity, ADHD, Autism, LGBTQIA+, Sex-Kink-Poly, Sex, Neurodiverse Couples, Christian, Cassandra, Intimate Partner Violence, Teens Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) already in mind, include their names here: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours.

< Back Anne Hogland You've landed here looking for support, needing more care and attention for yourself and for your significant relationship. Perhaps you or your partner are also neurodivergent, and you're wanting neuro-informed support that understands the complexities of that experience and how that would impact a relationship. Connection is not a constant state in any relationship. We are always moving in and out of it. If disconnection lasts for too long, there is greater likelihood for misunderstandings and ways of relating that can further that separateness. Our work together helps you to reconnect more easily and helps you know, understand, and love each other better. By providing you warmth, compassion, and acceptance, I offer a space to feel seen and heard and can provide you direction on the roadmap back to one another. I take an integrative approach, accounting for the different aspects of who you both are, of your family, and the systems that you are embedded in. Know that there is help here for you and that, by working together, we can navigate the path back to greater, more effective communication, greater appreciation and understanding of yourself and your partner, and greater overall satisfaction in your relationship. I look forward to walking with you on this path towards reconnection. My Story I grew up in the Midwest and relocated to California in my early adulthood. I was always drawn to creative endeavors and pursuing my degree in fine art seemed like a natural choice. However, after working as a graphic designer for many years I felt that something was lacking. My heart wasn’t in it, as much as it was in the healing and spiritual pursuits I was doing outside of my work life. As a deep-feeling person, I knew that I wanted to contribute something, to have a positive impact. I enjoyed most helping others, especially in navigating their significant relationships and life's challenges. After experiencing the positive benefits of my own work in therap y, I returned to school to study counseling psychology. I loved the work and felt that I had finally found where I “fit.” Upon graduation from my program, I took a break from working as a therapist to start a family, and was thrust into the real "work" of a marriage, parenting, and managing a home as well as helping aging parents with significant health issues . During this time our oldest child also received an autism diagnosis . I know from experience how that can deeply impact a marriage and the needs of a family both at home and out in the world. I saw clearly that navigating support for resources was an extremely challenging and time-consuming process, and there was so little available to help parents process these changes and challenges. As well, little is offered to keep parents feeling hopeful for the future and appreciative of their unique child. I want to support individuals and couples, especially parents, around the topic of neurodivergence, as they find their way into new rhythms and greater joys in their relationships and families, as well as helping them build relationship skills and resilience to be more supported in life's harder times. Life Experience I have an autistic child who is exploring their gender and identity I have a sibling diagnosed with ADHD and neurodivergence exists on both sides of our extended families I have many autistic traits I have a background working in a creative field for over 20 years and in working in higher education and non-profit organizations Specialties and Certifications Neurodiverse Couples Specialist Neurodiverse Parenting Specialist Associate Marriage and Family Therapist ​Education Masters in Integral Counseling Psychology Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication License & Certifications ​Registered Associate Marriage Family Therapist, AMFT # 110323 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc . Specialty areas: Parenting Neurodiversity, Parenting, Autism, Neurodiverse Couples, ADHD Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) already in mind, include their names here: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours.

< Back Stephen Robertson Stephen is a creative, dedicated, and passionate therapist with a background in behavioral health, education, and social services. He has wide-ranging experience working with people in all stages of life, helping them to become happier and healthier as individuals, in couples, and in families. He integrates art therapy to enable couples to connect emotionally and intimately. Strength, resiliency, and connection are essential elements of a lasting, satisfying, and harmonious relationship. Stephen believes that these are the building blocks for healing, forgiveness, and positive progress. He provides a safe, nurturing, and judgement-free space where couples can explore resolutions to a current problem, prevent an exacerbation of problems, or simply provide support for a couple experiencing a period of transition or increased stress. Stephen facilitates the discovery of fresh energy to create a healthy emotional connection. His approach is nurturing , thus enabling clients to engage with the healing power of their own personal symbols. This entails fostering self-agency to empower them to leverage their positive qualities in order to become more free, powerful, happy, and healthy. ​ In addition to strength-based work, his therapeutic approach is trauma-informed in order to support clients in their process of trauma integration and healing. He provides treatment that activates the body, mind, and brain with expressive methods that are engaging and empowering. ​ Stephen has worked with people of diverse culture and ethnicity. He brings the ability to relate to clients with authentic knowledge and sensitivity to culture and ethnicity. In particular, he has experience with interracial couples. ​ NEURODIVERSE RELATIONSHIPS: ​ Expertise Stephen offers expertise in supporting your unique neurodiverse relationship. He empathizes with the often-challenging themes that give rise to relationship stress: the dearth of emotional reciprocity and the challenge of maintaining meaningful balance with your partner and others in your life. Stephen provides a safe space enable you to share your feelings and expectations. He believes the willingness to improve communication and to be open to be open to managing expectations and finding solutions becomes the foundation of increasing trust in your relationship. ​ Compassion and Insight Stephen presents a compassionate and understanding approach to neurodiverse couples’ therapy. This enables you both to gain fresh understanding and perspective. He helps nurture awareness in each partner of their own individual patterns, from these insights he invites adjustments to enable both partners to get more out of their relationship. The neurotypical partner gains insight that the neurodiverse retreat into safe behaviors and routine, is not a rejection but is a consequence of the Defense Mode. The defense mode being one hallmark coping strategy of the neurodiverse individual. Stephen supports the neurotypical partner process feelings of abandonment, frustration, and grief. Catharsis and forgiveness in both partners enable openness to positive feelings and increased self-esteem. ​ Making Sense of Neurodiversity It is important that you both make sense of your neurodivergent partner’s behaviors. You may have pondered why anxiety can be a problem for your neurodiverse partner. Stephen shows you how anxiety can lead to impulsivity, melt-downs, rage, and withdrawal, all negatively impacting the relationship. More importantly he supports you both to strategize, problem-solve and better connect to make progress on the challenges to your special relationship. ​ Fresh Perspectives By offering a fresh perspective, Stephen helps you both positively revaluate your relationship. He offers structure and effective tools to use, this enables reengagement and motivation for your partnership. Such understanding enables collaboration to use your combined strengths and resilience. Stephen believes that neurodiverse people have numerous assets such as loyalty, honesty, intelligence, strong values, the ability to work hard, generosity, and humor. He is passionate in using these qualities to bring you closer together. ​ Communication Stephen supports effective communication and step-by-step actions to grow the loving connection you both deserve. This sensitive, nurturing process, enables neurodiverse individuals and their partners to feel supported in dealing with their communication challenges. The discontent in neurodiverse partnerships that comes from the lack of initiation of connection will be assuaged by enabling you both to safely verbalize your needs. Stephen’s will work with you on a relationship schedule. Your relationship schedule will ensure quality time is set aside to meet both your needs. Other areas of focus (in addition to Neurodiversity):​ Children Couples’ relationships Separation and Divorce Parent and child conflicts Depression and Anxiety Trauma and Stress Grief and loss and shame Forgiveness and Self-forgiveness Modalities: Internal Family Systems, Emotion Focused Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy ​ Clients: Couples and Families, Adults, Adolescents, Children ​ License: Registered Associate, MFTA #126705 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc. Specialty areas: Autism, Neurodiverse Couples Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) already in mind, include their names here: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours.