Meet the team behind Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center — affirming therapists and coaches specializing in autism, ADHD, and AuDHD relationships. About Us We are experts in autism , ADHD & neurodiversity. Why risk being misunderstood? Our team understands the challenges that the neurodiverse community faces when seeking help. We dedicate our lives to supporting you. Meet The Team Stephen Robertson Inna Kuchmenko (1)-newgall Danielle Grossman copy-newgall Nancy Rushing copy )-newgall2 Lea Choi_edited copy)-newgall Dan Chung copy)-newgall Tamala Takahashi Focus on Neurodiverse Couples Learn More > Experience 14,000 appointments per year Read More > Trauma- Informed approach to healing Read More > How we're different: Our Values: Neurological differences = Natural biodiversity Autism is not a disease Everyone must grow & change in a relationship Start with Strengths Curing differences denies one's true self Thriving neurodiversity changes the world

By Harry Motro Clinical Director, Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center You take your car in for an oil change every 5,000 miles. You see the dentist twice a year. You go for your annual physical to check your cholesterol and blood pressure. We do maintenance on everything that matters to us. We catch problems before they become disasters. Everything, that is , except the most complex thing in our lives: our relationship. In my practice at the Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center , I see thousands of couples—usually one Autistic or ADHD partner and one Neurotypical partner—who are deeply in love but critically exhausted. They usually arrive at our door only after a breakdown. They have tried standard marriage counseling. They have tried "date nights." They have tried "listening more." But the conflict remains. Why? Because they are trying to run Windows software on a Mac operating system without an emulator. They don't need to try harder; they need a better map of their wiring. The Myth of "Meeting in the Middle" Standard relationship advice suggests that if you compromise, you will find peace. In a neurodiverse relationship, "meeting in the middle" often results in Mutual Masking . The Autistic/ADHD partner suppresses their sensory needs and stims to appear "attentive," leading to burnout. The Neurotypical partner suppresses their need for emotional reciprocity to avoid triggering a meltdown, leading to loneliness (often called the "Cassandra Syndrome"). This isn't a lack of love. It is a classic example of the Double Empathy Problem (Milton, 2012). Research shows that while autistic people communicate effectively with other autistic people, and neurotypicals with neurotypicals, the breakdown occurs between the two neurotypes. It is a translation error, not a character flaw. Introducing the Neurodiverse Relationship Check-Up To help couples stop guessing and start understanding, we developed the Neurodiverse Relationship Check-Up . This isn't a "Cosmopolitan Magazine" quiz. It is a clinical tool designed to map the specific friction points between two different nervous systems. It analyzes your relationship across three critical layers: Core Dynamics, Communication Style, and Sensory Profiles . Here is what we are looking for when you take the check-up: Layer 1: The Core Dynamic (Your Archetype) Based on our scoring logic, most couples fall into one of three "Survival Loops," or hopefully, the fourth "Secure" state. Type A: The Logic vs. Emotion Loop (The Cassandra Dynamic) The Pattern: One partner (often Neurotypical) pursues connection and emotional validation. The other partner (often Autistic/ADHD) retreats into facts, logic, and problem-solving to feel safe. The Internal Experience: Partner A: "I am lonely. I am screaming in a glass box. My feelings are treated as math problems." Partner B: "I am overwhelmed. I am trying to fix the problem to make them happy, but I am constantly told I am doing it wrong." The Science: This dynamic is fueled by Alexithymia (difficulty identifying feelings) and different processing speeds. The "Logic" partner needs time to process emotion; the "Emotion" partner needs immediate responsiveness to feel safe. Type B: Parallel Lives (Sensory Survival Mode) The Pattern: You have stopped fighting. In fact, you barely interact. You have become roommates who manage the logistics of a household but share no intimacy. The Internal Experience: You have learned that "Space = Safety." To avoid sensory overload or conflict, you drift apart. The Risk: This creates a stable but "dead" relationship. It is often a coping mechanism for Sensory Overload . One partner retreats to a cave (video games, hobbies) to regulate, leaving the other feeling abandoned. Type C: The High-Intensity Cycle The Pattern: Common in ADHD-ADHD or ADHD-Autistic pairings. The relationship is a rollercoaster of dopamine-fueled passion and chaotic, impulsive conflict. The Internal Experience: "We can't live with each other, and we can't live without each other." Executive function challenges lead to a chaotic home environment, where one person often gets stuck as the "Project Manager," breeding resentment. Type D: Bridging Differences (The Neuro-Secure Partnership) The Goal: This is what a healthy neurodiverse relationship looks like. The Shift: You have stopped trying to "fix" each other's brains. You practice Translation over Transformation . Curiosity First: "Are you regulated?" replaces "Why are you yelling?" Explicit Clarity: You say exactly what you mean, removing the anxiety of guesswork. Layer 2: Communication Style The check-up also acts as a mirror for how you miss each other. Mutual Masking is a major red flag we look for. This happens when both partners are walking on eggshells. Research by Lai et al. (2017) shows that "camouflaging" or masking leads to higher rates of anxiety and depression. If your relationship requires you to hide your autistic traits or your emotional needs to survive dinner, the relationship health score will drop. We also look for Silent Scripts . This occurs when you assume you know what your partner is thinking ("They are being quiet because they are mad at me"), rather than checking the facts ("They are quiet because they are socially tapped out"). Layer 3: The Sensory Profile This is the most overlooked aspect of couples therapy. We cannot talk about emotion without talking about biology. The Check-Up analyzes your Sensory Compatibility : Sound: Does one partner need music to focus while the other needs silence? Touch Saturation: By 8:00 PM, an Autistic partner may be "touched out" (tactile defensiveness). If the Neurotypical partner tries to hug them, they flinch. This is often interpreted as rejection, but it is actually sensory regulation . Co-Regulation: How do you calm down? One may need to pace and stim; the other may need to verbalize and process. Why Take the Check-Up? You cannot fix a dynamic you cannot name. The Neurodiverse Relationship Check-Up takes about 5 minutes. It provides you with a Relationship Health Score (0-100%) and a detailed breakdown of your Archetype. 0-40%: Needs Attention (Maladaptive patterns are dominant). 41-75%: Moderate Strain (You have tools, but are frequently triggered). 76-100%: Thriving (You are bridging differences successfully). This is not a diagnostic tool for Autism or ADHD. It is a diagnostic tool for the relationship itself . It is a starting point for a new kind of conversation—one based on neurology, not blame. [Take the Neurodiverse Relationship Check-Up Here] Stop guessing. Get the map. Harry Motro Clinical Director, Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center © 2025 New Path Family of Therapy Centers Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of these statements may be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any form without explicit written permission from the New Path Family of Therapy Centers. Want to learn more about yourself? Explore our sister site, Adult Autism Assessment , and take a deeper dive into your journey of self-discovery. Click the links below to get started! Autism Screeners ADHD Screeners Tests Related to Autism & ADHD General Screeners References & Further Reading Baron-Cohen, S., et al. (2001). The "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" Test revised version: a study with normal adults, and adults with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry . Crompton, C. J., et al. (2020). Neurotype-Matching, but Not Being Autistic, Influences Self and Observer Ratings of Interpersonal Rapport. Frontiers in Psychology . Lai, M. C., et al. (2017). Quantifying and exploring camouflaging in men and women with autism. Autism . Milton, D. E. M. (2012). On the ontological status of autism: the ‘double empathy problem’. Disability & Society . Mitchell, A., et al. (2021). Overcoming the Double Empathy Problem Within Pairs of Autistic and Non-autistic Adults Through the Contemplation of Serious Literature. Frontiers in Psychology . Stuss, D. T., & Alexander, M. P. (2000). Executive functions and the frontal lobes: a conceptual view. Psychological Research . Important Note: This check-up was developed internally by the clinical team at the Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center based on our work with thousands of couples. While grounded in current research, this tool has not been statistically normed or validated as a psychometric instrument. Please treat the results as a "mirror" to spark conversation and insight, not as a standardized medical diagnosis. If you are seeking a formal evaluation, our clinical team can administer standardized, validated assessments upon request.* Use our Trait Wheels to better understand your strengths and challenges: Autism Trait Wheel ADHD Trait Wheel AuDHD Trait Wheel

Neurodiversity-affirming family therapy across generations for autism, ADHD, and AuDHD. Reduce blame, improve repair, and build a shared language.

Learn how the Autism Trait Wheel maps challenges and strengths. Available in two versions: an interactive version and a plain-text version for screen readers. Prefer plain text? The version below is optimized for screen readers and voice to text. The Autism Trait Wheel Exercise This page comes in two versions: an interactive version above that you move through on screen, and this plain-text version below. Both cover the same information. A guided, interactive exercise that maps your autistic traits as a balanced picture of strengths and support needs - one question at a time. 16 Questions 5–8 Minutes Read More About this Exercise The Autism Trait Wheel Exercise is a guided, interactive self-reflection tool. It asks one question for each challenge and each strength across eight everyday areas, then builds a personalized "wheel" from your answers. It’s built on the idea of a spiky profile - autistic and neurodiverse people often thrive in some areas while needing real support in others. The exercise makes that uneven pattern visible in a balanced, strengths-affirming way, rather than reducing you to a list of deficits. 16 Questions 8 Trait Areas Free To Take Who It’s For Autistic and neurodivergent adults - diagnosed, self-identified, or simply exploring - who want a clearer, more compassionate picture of how their traits show up. You can keep your results private, or bring them into conversation with a therapist or someone you trust. Try this exercise if... You want to understand your autistic traits as a whole picture - not just a list of difficulties. You feel "spiky" - capable in some areas and genuinely stretched in others - and you want to see that pattern clearly. You’re preparing for therapy and want a concrete starting point for talking about strengths and support needs. You’ve taken screeners before but want something more personal and reflective. You want a tool you can save, revisit, and share with a therapist or partner. The 8 Trait Areas Each area pairs a possible challenge with a related strength. You rate both, so your wheel shows the full picture. 1. Social Challenge: May struggle to connect in social situations Strength: Builds authentic, selective relationships 2. Routine Challenge: Finds sudden change difficult Strength: Thrives with routine and predictability 3. Planning Challenge: Has difficulty planning or prioritizing tasks Strength: Excels with interest-based tasks 4. Emotions Challenge: Can feel emotionally overwhelmed Strength: Highly attuned to emotions 5. Communication Challenge: May miss indirect social cues Strength: Values clear, direct communication 6. Interests Challenge: Has difficulty shifting attention when focused Strength: Highly passionate about interests 7. Sensory Challenge: Can be overwhelmed by sensory input Strength: Highly attuned to the environment 8. Masking Challenge: Experiences burnout from sustained masking Strength: Can mask intentionally while staying connected to self How to Read Your Wheel You rate each area from 0 to 10. On the finished wheel, the center is 0 and the outer ring is 10. Red marks a challenge or support need; green marks a strength or capacity. Red = challenge or support need Green = strength or capacity A spiky, uneven wheel is completely normal - and it’s the most useful part. The shape shows where support may matter most and where your strengths deserve to be recognized and protected. Take it with you When you finish, you can download a printable PDF worksheet of your wheel and reflections - perfect to save for yourself or send to your therapist before your next session. Make Your Pattern Visible Your wheel is a starting point for understanding yourself with more clarity and compassion - and for helping the people close to you understand both sides of how you experience the world. Important note: This exercise is a self-reflection and conversation tool. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a substitute for professional care. For diagnosis, treatment, or personalized clinical guidance, please consult with a member of our team or another qualified health professional.

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< Back Specialties and Certifications Neurodiverse Couples General Couples Therapy Depression and Anxiety Christian Couples Counseling Affair Recovery Parenting Grief Life Experience J oyfully married for 20 years, with a relationship that's grown stronger through dedication and mutual support, and a proud father to my young adult daughter. Over 25 years of work in non-profit organizations including urban youth, churches, and schools Adjunct graduate school professor teaching courses on the integration of psychology and spirituality Earlier career in the hospitality and semiconductor industries Education in psychology, theology, and spirituality at the Master & Doctoral levels About Dan Daniel Chung has over twenty years of wide-ranging experience working with people in all stages of life. He is a creative, dedicated therapist who is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families by coming alongside them, listening with empathy, helping to make sense of their concerns and needs, and providing vital tools to grow and thrive in life. Daniel focuses on providing a safe, nurturing, and judgment-free space that enables clients to heal and positively progress by fostering their agency to empower them to leverage their positive qualities toward lasting, satisfying, and harmonious relationships. He believes in holistic healing toward emotional, spiritual, and relational wellness that activates the mind, body, and spirit, and usher into deeper self-realization, purposeful living, better conflict management, and healthier coping skills over stress and grief. Neurodiverse Relationships Understanding the Neurodiverse Pain and Peace Cycles 💡 In neurodiverse relationships, the Pain Cycle can be especially challenging, as differences in communication styles, emotional expression, and sensory needs often amplify misunderstandings. Daniel helps couples recognize and interrupt these destructive cycles by: Identifying neurodiversity-related triggers that lead to feelings of blame, shame, or isolation. Bridging communication gaps by teaching partners to translate their emotional needs into language that both neurodivergent and neurotypical partners can understand. With his guidance, couples move toward the Peace Cycle, fostering trust, safety, and connection by: Developing shared tools for calm, respectful interactions that honor each partner’s unique needs. Building habits of empathetic listening to navigate differences without judgment or frustration. By teaching couples how to understand and manage their pain and peace cycles through a neurodiverse lens, Daniel equips them to deepen their relationship and embrace each other’s strengths. Enhancing Connection through Neurodiverse Collaboration 🤝 Daniel’s trauma-informed and client-centered approach creates a safe space for neurodiverse couples to explore their unique dynamics. He empowers couples to grow through: Open conversations about neurodiversity , helping partners express their needs and challenges in a non-critical environment. Practicing vulnerability , especially for neurodivergent partners who may find expressing emotions or needs more complex. By fostering collaboration, Daniel helps couples: Set realistic, shared goals that accommodate neurodiverse needs. Strengthen their relationship through teamwork, building a resilient partnership that honors each individual’s contributions. Through his compassionate guidance, neurodiverse couples gain the skills to navigate their differences and cultivate a relationship grounded in mutual respect and understanding. Navigating the Unique Challenges of Neurodiverse Relationships 🌟 For neurodiverse couples, challenges often arise from differences in how partners process and express emotions, manage sensory input, or approach social interactions. Daniel helps couples by: Promoting self-awareness : Encouraging neurodivergent partners to understand how their sensory sensitivities or executive functioning differences impact the relationship, while helping neurotypical partners appreciate these unique perspectives. Focusing on strengths : Highlighting the unique skills and insights each partner brings to the relationship. Providing practical strategies : Offering tailored tools to help neurodiverse couples navigate everyday challenges, such as managing overstimulation or scheduling meaningful quality time. Daniel believes that by embracing neurodiversity, couples can turn perceived obstacles into opportunities for growth and connection. Dan's Neuro-Informed Therapeutic Approach Daniel’s therapeutic approach is neuro-informed, trauma-sensitive, and client-centered , supporting clients in their healing journey while honoring the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals and their partners. He creates a working alliance rooted in empathy, acceptance, openness, and flexibility, ensuring that the therapeutic process is accessible and tailored to diverse neurodiverse experiences. Daniel’s work is informed by his deep understanding of how neurodiversity intersects with emotional and relational patterns. He provides tools and strategies that are practical and sensitive to sensory, communication, and executive functioning differences. Having worked with clients from diverse cultures, ethnicities, and neurodiverse profiles, Daniel relates to clients with authenticity, compassion, humility, and sensitivity. He strives to create a safe and empowering space where all clients feel seen, understood, and supported. My Therapeutic Modalities Daniel incorporates the following neuro-informed approaches into his work: Trauma-Informed Therapy : Acknowledging how trauma manifests differently in neurodivergent individuals and tailoring interventions accordingly. Restoration Therapy : Helping clients recognize and reshape destructive relational cycles, particularly those impacted by neurodiverse dynamics. Emotion-Focused Therapy : Supporting partners in expressing and interpreting emotions in ways that bridge neurodiverse communication styles. Brief Solution-Focused Therapy : Offering actionable, goal-oriented strategies that align with each client’s cognitive and sensory preferences. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) : Adapting CBT techniques to accommodate the thought processes and learning styles of neurodiverse individuals. Experiential Therapy : Using creative, hands-on techniques that honor sensory needs and promote meaningful emotional exploration. Adult Autism & ADHD Assessments Daniel specializes in providing neurodiversity-supportive assessments and therapeutic services designed to help individuals reach their full potential. His comprehensive approach includes administering questionnaires, engaging in discussions, making observations, and using tools such as the MIDAS-2 and SRS-2 for Autism, as well as the CAARS and Brown EF/A scales for ADHD. Daniel works collaboratively with clients to explore their unique traits and understand the value of a diagnosis in fostering success and fulfillment. Daniel also offers guidance, resources, and support to individuals and their families throughout the assessment process. By taking a holistic view, he identifies each person’s strengths and challenges from multiple perspectives. His goal is to serve as an ally, helping clients navigate the assessment journey and discover pathways to growth, progress, and lasting change. In his experience, Daniel’s clients have found the assessment process to be a transformative opportunity for self-discovery, leading to greater understanding and acceptance of themselves and fostering empathy in their relationships. Whether confirming or ruling out a diagnosis, Daniel emphasizes that neurodiversity is not a defect but a unique set of traits accompanied by gifts and areas for growth. With the right tools, clients can build essential skills to improve social, professional, and personal relationships. Clients Couples Individuals Families Adults Adolescents License Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapy #149769 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc. Specialty Areas: Emotion Focused Therapy, Neurodiverse Couples, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Christian, Betrayal/Affair Recovery, Emotional Intimacy, Assessment, Communication, Not Accepting New Clients, Autism, AuDHD, Emotional Regulation, Family Conflict, General Couples Coaching, Life Transitions, Attachment Daniel Chung Take an Autism Test

< Back Jen Terrell | Neurodiverse Couples Specialist At a Glance: My Journey & Experience Specialist in Neurodiverse Processing & Communication – Helps partners navigate differences in sensitivity, sensory load, and emotional expression, fostering connection across neurotypes. Trauma-Informed, Nervous-System-Centered – Prioritizes regulation before resolution so communication and repair can actually land. Autism, ADHD, and Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)–Informed Care – Helps clients understand their sensitivity, manage sensory and emotional overload, and develop regulation tools that make daily life and relationships more sustainable. 28 Years Married – Brings long-term partnership perspective to real-world issues like rupture, repair, routines, and seasons of closeness/distance. Mother of Four – Parent of four children (ages 13 to 17) with decades of lived experience; helps parents understand behavior through a sensory and regulation lens and build connection through practical routines and repair. Culturally & Biculturally Fluent (Korean/American) – Welcomes bicultural families, immigrants, and intergenerational dynamics; builds bridges without forcing assimilation. Betrayal & Trust Repair – Experienced in helping couples recover from relational injuries (ranging from major betrayals to quiet accumulations of hurt). Healing for Neurodiverse Couples Welcome! I believe that every neurodiverse couple needs a clear, repeatable way to stay connected without burning out. My approach is to translate different communication styles, reduce avoidable overload, and design a rhythm of togetherness and solitude that keeps both partners regulated enough to connect. Partners often speak different “native languages”—one may be more literal, direct, and energy‑limited; the other more inferential, fast‑paced, and socially tuned. We’ll get specific about time (how you start/stop, transition, and reunite), communication (how bids are sent and received), and environment (sensory factors that either drain or refuel), with an eye on roles, fairness, and repair. Here are core practices we’ll build together: Communication mapping & translation: turn missed bids into clear asks; bridge literal ↔ inferential styles; agree on scripts and hand signals for “I’m flooding” and “please be concrete.” Time design: set a predictable cadence of together/alone; use “parallel play” and low‑demand connection; build entry/exit rituals so reunions don’t derail. Sensory‑aware connection : plan dates and talks around noise/light/texture limits; negotiate eye‑contact and touch preferences; create a quiet‑connection menu. Executive‑function scaffolding: externalize plans with shared calendars/boards; define task hand‑offs; use time‑blindness tools and realistic transition buffers. Repair rituals: slow down escalations with step‑by‑step time‑outs; separate intent from impact; use brief apology/repair templates and scheduled do‑overs. Role clarity & fairness: make invisible labor visible; rebalance loads in weekly check‑ins; document “how we do it” for recurring friction points. Intimacy agreements: map bids for affection/sexuality; create a pressure‑free intimacy menu and consent signals so closeness feels safe, not demanding. Who I Work With If you’re seeking a relational, trauma-informed, nervous-system-centered approach—and you want practical steps that protect the dignity of both partners—you’re in the right place. Neurodiverse couples and individuals who want to better understand their brains and strengthen their connection. Partners caught in protest–withdraw, collapse–escalate, or silence–pursuit cycles Highly sensitive clients who feel overwhelmed or chronically misunderstood Couples facing communication breakdowns and trust ruptures Families navigating bicultural, immigrant, and intergenerational dynamics If you want a relational, trauma‑informed, nervous‑system‑centered approach—with practical steps that protect the dignity of both partners—I’d be honored to work with you. Personal Story Between Worlds (Bicultural Roots) I’m the first‑generation daughter of a Korean immigrant mother and an American father. From the start, I translated more than words—decoding emotion, catching the rules no one said out loud, and learning how to belong in two cultures that didn’t always speak to each other. Fluent in the Unsaid (Alexithymic Parent) In our home, the loudest things were often unspoken. My dad—late‑identified with alexithymia—showed love in steady, practical ways, but emotional words rarely appeared. I became fluent in tone, timing, and tension. In sessions, that means I track micro‑shifts in breath, eyes, and posture so people feel understood even before the words come. I help partners name what they’re experiencing without shame or minimization, so truth lands without doing more harm. Highly Sensitive, Not Fragile (HSP) As a kid, I over‑functioned—anticipating needs, smoothing conflict, and carrying more than I could hold. Adulthood asked me to refine that sensitivity into a strength. Today I honor bandwidth, set clear boundaries, and use sensitivity as a precise instrument for connection. In practice, we pace the work to what your nervous systems can actually tolerate and design environments—sensory, time, and tasks—that support connection rather than sabotage it. (If HSP is new—or you’d like a quick read and a brief screener— here’s a short guide . Twenty‑Eight Years Married I’ve been married for 28 years. Long‑term love isn’t a straight line; it moves through seasons. I’ve lived chapters of deep connection and chapters that required grit, mercy, humor, and repair. That history shapes my lens. I respect the real cycle of closeness, distance, rupture, and repair. I focus on daily design—routines, roles, and transitions—that make safety repeatable. My hope is honest, not naïve: change is possible when it’s practiced, not just promised. And I carry a bias toward repair in real time rather than perfection in theory. Steady When Sessions Feel Intense Couples therapy can feel pressure‑filled—voices tighten, bodies brace, and it can seem like everything is on the line. This is a space where I feel at home. Years of leading through real‑world crises taught me how to stay calm, keep dignity intact, and guide two good people back to each other when the moment feels impossible. In the room, I slow reactivity so thinking can return, I name the pattern that’s hijacking the conversation, and I help you find the next caring step you can actually do. From Othering to Belonging Growing up in a Northern California suburb, I often felt like an outsider—present but out of sync. That experience sharpened my empathy for anyone who feels “too much,” “too little,” or simply “different.” In couples work, that becomes bridge‑building: not assimilation to one partner’s style, but a third way where both people are understood and supported. Why This Matters in Therapy This background means I translate across neurotypes and cultures so messages land as intended. I privilege nervous‑system reality over willpower so change is sustainable. And I protect the dignity of both partners while we practice new moves in the room. What to Expect in Session Clients describe my style as warm, steady, and clear. I am direct without shaming and structured without being rigid. We will name what is actually happening between you, not just what you wish were happening. We will practice in the room so you don’t have to build new habits alone at home. We will keep an eye on sensory load, processing speed, and executive‑function bandwidth so that plans are doable, not performative. And when repairs are needed, we will do them well—at a pace your bodies can tolerate—so trust has a chance to grow again. Neurodiversity & Identity I’m proud to be neurodiverse. I’m unequivocally a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), and—when you look through the lens of how autism often presents in women—my profile includes strong autistic traits alongside very high camouflaging. That matches my lived experience: I feel deeply, notice quickly, and learned early to “blend in” to keep connection. I also experience meaningful sensory differences, so I pay close attention to sound, light, and tactile load—for myself and for my clients. Because I’m wired this way, I intuitively understand the push–pull dynamics many neurodiverse couples face, and I know how to translate, pace, and design safety so both partners can actually meet. Parenting Across Neurotypes I love being a mom of four precious children—ages 27 to 13. Parenting four different humans taught me more about neurodiversity than any textbook. Each child brought a distinct nervous system, sensory profile, and way of connecting. Strategies that soothed one could overwhelm another. I learned—sometimes the hard way—that what looks like “defiance” or “avoidance” is often a nervous system protecting itself from overload. I also learned that the same moment can require very different responses: one child needed quiet and deep pressure to come back online; another needed movement and a time‑boxed plan; a third needed humor and a snack before words; a fourth needed space and a predictable check‑in. That lived education is the backbone of my work with parents. In my work with parents, I translate behavior through a regulation and sensory lens, build routines that actually fit a family’s bandwidth, and protect connection while setting clear, sustainable boundaries. Structure and tenderness are not opposites; they’re partners. Decode: meltdown vs. shutdown; sensory overload vs. “oppositional”; lagging skills vs. willful refusal. Design: mornings, transitions, homework flow, screen‑time limits, and recovery plans after overwhelm. Co‑regulate: simple scripts, breath/grounding cues, sensory kits, and repair rituals after conflict. Boundaries: a few clear rules, visual cues, choices inside limits, and plans for high‑stress moments. Special Focus: Betrayal Healing Betrayal shows up in every relationship in one form or another—sometimes large and obvious, sometimes quiet and cumulative. However it appears, it wounds safety and reshapes the story two people tell about each other. My focus is to slow reactivity, put clear words to the harm, and build a steady, compassionate repair process that honors truth, restores safety, and rebuilds trust over time. This work is careful and paced to what bodies can tolerate; it’s not performative, and it’s not rushed. Training & Approaches My work is grounded in relational neuroscience—the brain is social and changes through co‑regulation. Insight matters, but change sticks through repeated, attuned moments of safety. I integrate: Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) — reference: PACT Institute Internal Family Systems (parts work) — reference: IFS Institute Polyvagal‑informed regulation work — reference: Polyvagal Institute Somatic tracking and attunement — reference: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute Attachment science for couples (EFT) — reference: ICEEFT Trauma‑informed principles — reference: SAMHSA Research‑based communication and repair tools — reference: The Gottman Institute License &Employment Information Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, #155583 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Family of Therapy Centers Specialty Areas: Neurodiverse Couples, Highly Sensitive People (HSP), Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Betrayal/Affair Recovery, Communication, Multicultural Challenges, Accepting New Couples & Indiv. Clients, ADHD, Blended Families, Cassandra Syndrome, Life Transitions, Teens, Trauma Jen Terrell Take an Autism Test

< Back Rachel Wheeler Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapist for Couples, Individuals, and Parents I don’t just study neurodiversity—I live it. I’m an AuDHD therapist, a neurodivergent parent navigating the complexities of raising a child with multiple neurodivergences, and someone who has spent her life learning how to translate across differences. I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals and couples who are tired of being misunderstood—and ready to build relationships based on clarity, compassion, and connection. Neurodiversity Is My Special Interest If there were a degree in neurodiversity, I’d have it. I’ve taken over 50 courses across autism, ADHD, PDA (Pervasive Drive for Autonomy), trauma, relationships, and more. Understanding how the nervous system interacts with communication, identity, and attachment is my passion—and the foundation of how I work. Neurodivergence isn’t just a topic I care about—it’s who I am. I’m Autistic. I’m ADHD. I’m PDA. I’ve built a neurodiverse marriage and I’m raising a neurodivergent child. Everything I know clinically is grounded in lived experience. I’ve had to figure out, step by step, how to make relationships work outside the neurotypical mold. A Marriage Transformed Our Story My husband and I have been married for over 16 years, after spending 7 years as close friends. That long friendship built our foundation—but it didn’t prepare us for the confusion that came from not understanding our different neurotypes. We appreciated each other’s quirks, but communication was hard. We missed signals. We misread needs. It wasn’t until I received my diagnosis that everything finally made sense. Suddenly, what once felt like failure became clarity. Our relationship shifted from expectation and blame to mutual understanding and compassion. We stopped trying to force a mold—and instead began co-creating a relationship that supported both of us. One built not on obligation, but on respect and accommodation. Understanding our differences made room for greater connection. It allowed us to build a dynamic that amplifies our strengths and honors our needs. We’ve been through a lot. But time and again, we reconnect—and come back stronger. That’s what’s possible when both partners are committed to learning and growing together. How I Help Other Neurodiverse Couples My own experience allows me to support couples in ways that feel grounded, real, and hopeful. I work with partners who: Are just discovering they’re in a neurodiverse relationship Feel stuck in cycles of blame, disconnection, or shutdown Long for more clarity, respect, and emotional safety In therapy, I help couples: Understand the neurology beneath their differences Replace misinterpretations with curiosity and insight Create accommodations that support both partners Rebuild connection after ruptures or misunderstandings Neurodiverse relationships don’t need to be confusing or lonely. With the right tools and understanding, they can become some of the most resilient, creative, and fulfilling connections there are. PDA: A Drive for Autonomy, Not Defiance PDA—often called Pathological Demand Avoidance—is deeply misunderstood. I prefer to use the frame Pervasive Drive for Autonomy . People with PDA aren’t being oppositional—they’re responding to perceived threats to their autonomy. When something feels like a demand, their nervous system can go into shutdown or resistance. This trait shows up in kids, in adults, in couples. It impacts how we relate, how we parent, how we experience daily life. I help: Parents reduce power struggles and increase connection Individuals name what feels threatening and find accommodations Partners spot PDA patterns in their dynamic and respond with compassion Understanding PDA allows us to stop fighting what we don’t understand—and start connecting in ways that work. Twice Exceptional, Fully Myself I’m 2e — a person who lives at the intersection of giftedness and neurodivergence. My strengths are vivid and unconventional, but for years, my giftedness masked my challenges, leading to unmet needs, emotional overwhelm, and burnout. I’ve felt the weight of sensitivity — the kind that absorbs everything and can’t always let go — and I’ve known the ache of social isolation behind a capable exterior. Being twice exceptional means living with both brightness and complexity. It’s not about being “high-functioning” — it’s about being human in ways that don’t always fit the mold. I’m passionate about mental health, neurodiversity (including autism, PDA, and ADHD), and making space for people whose experiences don’t fit into neat categories. I now advocate for the kind of understanding I once needed — for myself and for others walking the same layered path. Parenting While Neurodivergent—and Raising ND Kids I’m parenting a beautifully complex, profoundly sensitive neurodivergent child. We adapt constantly. And we do it as two neurodivergent people learning from each other. What I’ve learned from my daughter is invaluable. She’s helped me understand masking, sensory needs, emotional safety—and how to advocate fiercely while staying grounded. That’s a skill I bring to the parents I work with. In therapy, I support parents who are: Struggling to find support that actually fits their child Grieving the loss of conventional expectations Managing meltdowns and shutdowns with limited reserves Trying to hold their child while also holding themselves Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, flexibility, and repair. I help parents feel resourced, seen, and ready to do things differently. The High Cost of Camouflaging I was a highly camouflaging autistic person. For years, I didn’t even realize how much I was masking—until I saw the difference in how my daughter moved through the world. Her authenticity gave me the courage to begin unmasking. Not recklessly—but thoughtfully. Purposefully. In ways that allowed me to stay safe while becoming more whole. In therapy, I help clients: Identify when and why they’re masking Reconnect with their authentic self Understand how camouflaging impacts mental health and relationships Masking is a brilliant strategy. But it doesn’t have to be your default. There are safer, softer ways to show up in the world—and we’ll explore them together. A Brush with Mortality That Changed Everything As an adult, I had a near-death experience. It was beautiful—but also clarifying. It reshaped my relationship to time, purpose, and presence. I carry that insight into my therapy work. Especially with couples, I hold space for: Savoring the present instead of clinging to old arguments Letting go of pettiness in favor of connection Remembering what really matters before it’s too late Therapy is where we slow down and remember how precious life is. It’s where we build relationships worth waking up for. Outside the Therapy Room I love walking in nature, practicing yoga, meditating, cooking with my daughter, listening to music, dancing, and watching British TV (another special interest). These joys keep me grounded—and they remind me that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Training and Background MS in Advanced Clinical Practice, Columbia University Continuing Education: Audited Intensive Lectures & Seminars, C.G. Jung Institute, Switzerland PDA North America Level 2 Certified PAST PDA UK Level 3 Certified 50+ advanced trainings in neurodivergence, trauma, and relationships What I Offer Therapy for neurodivergent couples, individuals, and parents Expertise in PDA, masking, emotional regulation, and communication A space grounded in lived experience, deep compassion, and clinical skill If you’ve felt like no one’s really gotten you—therapy with me might feel different. Not because you’re broken. But because you finally don’t have to pretend. When you’re ready, I’m here. More Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW #126649 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Family of Therapy Centers Specialty Areas: AuDHD, ADHD, Autism, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Neurodiverse Couples, PDA, Attachment, ASD/Allistic Couples, Assessment, Highly Sensitive People (HSP), Trauma, Somatic Therapies, Alexithymia, Twice-exceptional (2e), Not Accepting New Clients Rachel Wheeler Take an Autism Test

< Back Neurodiverse Couples One of the many tricks the human mind likes to play is convincing us that: "I am the only one.” More specifically, we often tell ourselves: "I am the only one who… thinks like this, acts like this, looks like this, struggles with this kind of thinking." For those experiencing the challenges of navigating a neurodiverse relationship, it can feel isolating. That was most certainly true for me in my neurodiverse marriage. There was tremendous power for my wife and I in naming our neurodiversity. This allowed us to feel seen and affirmed. Even though we struggled with our communication, our daily habits, our differences, and our life together, our understanding gave us a path forward. This allowed us to begin to see one another with compassion and grace. Hi, I am Jory Wilson, a dedicated couples counselor with a focus on supporting neurodiverse couples. `I help couples with the dynamics of relationships where one or both partners are neurodivergent. My practice is built on a deep appreciation for the complexities of neurodiversity, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and sensory processing differences, and how these aspects influence relationship interactions. My holistic approach not only addresses the challenges but also highlights the strengths that neurodiversity brings into relationships. My objective is to empower couples to gracefully manage their differences and to build robust, resilient partnerships that celebrate both individuality and unity. ADHD Support: Work, Life & Relationships Because I navigate the world with an ADHD brain, I understand that its impact extends far beyond a messy desk or a forgotten appointment. I know how ADHD ripples through every layer of life—from the pressure to perform at work while battling "imposter syndrome," to the sensory overwhelm that can make social gatherings exhausting, to the unique dynamics it creates inside a marriage. I support clients in understanding how their neurodivergence shows up in the boardroom, at the dinner table, and in their inner emotional world, helping to untangle the complexities of navigating a world designed for neurotypical brains. My approach goes much deeper than just "executive function" hacks or to-do lists. We will explore the nuanced reality of the ADHD experience, including the intense emotional waves, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), and the dopamine-seeking behaviors that often get misunderstood as laziness or lack of care. Whether it is navigating the shame spiral of "not doing enough" or managing the burnout that comes from years of masking, I provide a space where you do not have to translate your brain to be understood. Ultimately, my goal is to help you move from fighting your brain to working with it. While we will certainly tackle practical strategies for organization and focus, we will also look for the unique strengths inherent in your wiring—your creativity, your ability to hyperfocus, and your deep capacity for empathy. I want to help you build a life and relationships that honor your authentic self, rather than trying to fit a neurodivergent square peg into a neurotypical round hole. Sex Addiction and Neurodiversity In addition to my focus on neurodiverse relationships, I have developed a specialization in addressing the complexities of sex addiction within these unique partnerships. Understanding that sex addiction can present distinct challenges in the context of neurodiversity, I approach therapy with sensitivity to the nuances of how neurodivergent traits can intersect with addictive behaviors. My goal is to help individuals and couples navigate the intricacies of sex addiction by fostering healthy communication, establishing boundaries, and rebuilding trust. I employ a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, blending therapeutic techniques such as IFS (Internal Family Systems), EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy) and mindfulness-based strategies to support recovery and healing. My work with neurodiverse couples and individuals facing sex addiction is rooted in the belief that every person and relationship has the capacity for growth and transformation. By creating a supportive and understanding environment, I aim to empower my clients to explore their behaviors, understand the underlying causes of addiction, and develop coping mechanisms that align with their values and relationship goals. Recognizing the importance of tailored interventions, I collaborate closely with each client to craft personalized treatment plans that address both neurodiversity and sex addiction, working towards a future where both individuals and their relationships can thrive. Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (Candidate) What is a CSAT? Certified Sex Addiction Therapists (CSAT) are professionals who have taken supplementary training to treat individuals experiencing unwanted or compulsive sexual behaviors, or sex addiction. CSATs take a deep dive into the root of the compulsive behavior, in many cases it is trauma, and provide a step-by-step guide to healing both the behavior and the wound it is protecting. Couples Retreats & Intensives I'm also passionate about helping couples in crisis find their way back to each other through innovative intensive sessions. My approach combines evidence-based therapeutic modalities with intuitive guidance, providing a powerful alternative to therapy (a process that can take months to years). Intensives are designed to be efficient and highly effective, providing tangible improvements in a rapid amount of time. Whether your relationship is on the brink of divorce, navigating trauma, or just stuck in unhelpful cycles, participating in an intensive with your partner can be a great way to jumpstart your healing journey. My Personal Story In a world that told me I needed to pick myself up by my bootstraps and tough it out I decided, after not being able to stuff emotions any longer, to go a different route. I left my career to focus on healing the deep wounds that I was not even able to name. That led to personal and couples therapy that forever changed my life for the better. I was so profoundly impacted by my experiences in therapy that I wondered if I could participate in the healing journey for others the way my therapist did for me. I decided to pursue a career in psychotherapy in efforts to extend the hand of compassion that was so lovingly extended to me. Make no mistake about it, the work of change is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it is also the most rewarding. I am living proof that couples therapy can have a profound impact on a relationship. My wife and I are living some of the most present and grateful years of our life as we raise a child together. We both entered our relationship with wounds that run incredibly deep, but the courageous work of change can heal in ways that I never imagined. If that is true in my life, then it is true for you as well. Specialties Sex Addiction Internet Addiction Affair Recovery Trauma OCD Modalities IFS (Internal Family Systems) EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy) Person Centered Therapy Trauma Informed Therapy Clients Couples Individuals Teens Families Group Therapy License and Employment Registered Associate Marriage Family Therapist, AMFT # 145913 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc. Specialty Areas: Neurodiverse Couples, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Sex/Physical Intimacy, Communication, Betrayal/Affair Recovery, Addiction, Emotion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Christian, Accepting New Couples & Indiv. Clients, IFS, General Couples Coaching, Emotional Regulation, Couples Retreats/Intensives, Trauma Jory Wilson Take an Autism Test

< Back Robin is a Licensed 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 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT #149872 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc. Specialty Areas: Assessment, ADHD, Discernment, Neurodiverse Couples, Autism, Addiction, Cassandra Syndrome, DBT, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Accepting New Couples & Indiv. Clients Robin Greenblat Take an Autism Test

< Back Alyssa Bayus Neurodiverse Couples Specialist | Associate Marriage and Family Therapist My Story Childhood: Reading the Room Early My parents divorced when I was born, so I grew up moving between homes, rhythms, and emotional climates. From an early age I learned to listen closely—to notice the small cues, the shifts in tone, the unspoken needs. That constant translating between worlds became its own kind of training, teaching me how to understand and attune to the nervous systems around me. It’s from that place of lived experience that this work first took root. Marriage: Lessons from the Inside I spent more than twenty years in a marriage that became a deep teacher for me—showing me so much about attachment, conflict, boundaries , and the tender truth that real change only lasts when both people are willing to look inward and try new patterns together. T hose years softened and steadied me. They made me practical, grounded, and clear about what truly helps people grow and stay connected. And when that marriage ended, the divorce became its own initiation. I had to start again—slowly, honestly, and with a courage I didn’t know I had. That experience didn’t harden me; it expanded me. It taught me that rebuilding is possible, that beginning again can be an act of wisdom, and that life after loss can be deeply alive and meaningful. Motherhood: Immersed in Neurodiversity I’m the parent of three wonderful kids who each learn and relate differently. ADHD is the loudest drumbeat in our home— time blindness, task initiation, emotional intensity, sleep shifts, school demands , and the constant need to right-size expectations. We’ve chased accurate diagnoses, weighed medication trade-offs, and rebuilt routines as they grew. Autism is also part of our extended family, so I understand the sensory and communication layers that shape daily life. I don’t treat neurodiversity as theory; I live it. How I Help Neurodiverse Couples I work with couples where one or both partners are autistic or ADHD. The goal is simple: reduce friction, increase connection, and build systems that fit your actual brains. What we map together Communication styles and processing speeds (literal vs. inferential, fast vs. deliberate). Sensory profiles (sound, light, touch, pacing) and how they affect conflict and intimacy. Executive-function load: who’s cueing, who’s tracking, and what regularly gets dropped. Stress cycles: masking, overwhelm, shutdown, and how each partner signals “I’m done.” What we build Effective rituals for connection, conflict repair, and de-escalation that either partner can start. Division-of-labor plans tied to energy and executive function, not wishful thinking. Conversation “lane markers”: slow starts, structured turns, timeouts that don’t feel like rejection. Sensory-informed intimacy plans (pressure/tempo/context/aftercare) that make closeness easier to reach. Burnout buffers : predictable recovery windows, transition cues, and re-entry scripts. A shared language for differences so misunderstandings stop turning into character judgments. How we work in session Short, plain language; concrete skills; measurable follow-through. One page of “what we’re trying” each week—small, repeatable, testable. Accountability and empathy in the same room. Methods I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) The Gottman Method Neurodiversity-informed psychoeducation and skills training Habit and routine design based on executive-function science Results you can expect Fewer blowups, faster resets. Less guessing, more predictable connection. Systems that survive real weeks, not fantasy ones. Parenting Support for ADHD and Autism Parenting neurodivergent kids is a moving target. I help you trade shame and “shoulds” for fit and function. Core tools we focus on: Executive-function scaffolds: externalize plans (visual schedules, timers, “next two steps” lists), create “ready states,” and use time anchors to cut decision fatigue. Motivation and momentum: short horizons, immediate feedback, two-minute starts, novelty cycles without turning life into a prize hunt. Regulation and meltdowns: map heat zones, co-regulate first, solve later; keep debriefs brief and blame-free. Sensory and environment: identify triggers, build predictable retreats, and translate “won’t” into “can’t yet under these conditions.” School/IEP/504 : write short, winnable requests; design a weekly homework rhythm that anticipates energy dips. Family load: rotate the “primary executive” role, write silent defaults (what happens if nobody cues), and use micro-handoffs. Outcome Calmer days, more follow-through, and systems you can keep when life gets busy. Money and Relationships Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a financial planner and advisor. The biggest problems weren’t math—they were meaning: safety, control, freedom, fairness, respect. Executive-function differences and processing mismatches add extra friction. I will help you lower it. What we do Build a shared language : turn “too much spending” into specific thresholds, categories, and timeframes. Separate values from methods so you stop arguing about tools and start aligning on what matters. Protect the relationship: clear roles, cool-off rules for high-stakes purchases, and scheduled repair talks. Result Money stops running the relationship. You get calm, clarity, and a plan that sticks. Sexual Addiction and Betrayal Although this bio centers neurodiversity, I also work with couples facing sexual acting out and betrayal using a structured pathway that prioritizes safety for the betrayed partner and accountability for the acting-out partner. If that’s your situation, ask about my dedicated track. Faith and Mindfulness I was raised in both Catholic and Protestant traditions and now consider myself spiritual. I value mindfulness and welcome couples from all faith backgrounds—and none. Your values lead the work. Personal Interests Golf keeps me present. Pickleball brings energy and fun. Horseback riding sharpens the nonverbal listening I use every day in therapy. I have fostered over 50 dogs and I love all animals. Education and Training M.A., Marriage and Family Therapy, National University, 2009 B.A., Sociology, Ithaca College, 1994 License & Employment Information Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT #158340 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Family of Therapy Centers If You’re Ready If you want less friction and more connection—with systems that fit your brains and your life—I’m ready when you are. Specialty Areas: Neurodiverse Couples, Emotional Intimacy, Communication, Betrayal/Affair Recovery, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Emotion Focused Therapy, Blended Families, Cassandra Syndrome, Divorce, General Couples Coaching, Attachment, ADHD, Emotional Regulation, Life Transitions, Not Accepting New Clients Alyssa Bayus Take an Autism Test

< Back Kimberly Hawks Neurodiverse Couples Specialist | Associate Marriage and Family Therapist My Approach to Therapy Welcome! I believe neurodiverse couples deserve understanding, practical tools, and compassionate support to navigate differences, repair ruptures, and strengthen their bond. Therapy with me centers on how you relate to yourself and how you connect with your partner, so we can co-create healthier patterns that respect your individual needs and the realities of your neurodiverse relationship. Together, we will design a clear roadmap with actionable steps for communication, shared growth, healing, and resilience —helping you navigate conflict, feel heard, cultivate compassion, and deepen your connection. M y Journey: Neurodiversity in Parenting, Partnership, and Life I’m a wife and mom in a neurodiverse family. Our three kids each have different neurotypes, my husband has ADHD, and I’m a highly sensitive person (HSP). As a couple, our different wiring impacts our parenting approaches, emotional needs, communication styles, and ways of showing and feeling love. Over the years, we’ve navigated the ups and downs of raising children, managing serious medical challenges for one of our children while keeping life “normal” for our other two, and juggling work and travel. In times of crisis and busy-ness, it’s easy to slip into survival mode and stop connecting—we’ve learned that relationships, especially between partners with different neurotypes, take intentional daily practice . Small, consistent efforts to stay attuned, adapt, and repair have strengthened our bond and our family rhythm. Children thrive when their parents are connected and in love. This experience informs how I support couples: empathy, practical strategies, curiosity, and consistent practice can make real, lasting change in relationships. Parenting Through Neurodiversity and Serious Medical Issues I’ve done the hospital all-nighters, medication schedules, insurance calls, and constant “Plan B.” I’ve navigated children with different needs, and when HSP and ADHD come into conflict at the least opportune times—and learned that clear communication and small repeatable routines steady a household better than one-off heroics. Families don’t need perfection; they need nervous-system regulation, aligned expectations, clear boundaries, and repair that actually sticks . Adoption, Attachment, and Complex Family Systems I was adopted as an infant and raised with split custody after my adoptive parents divorced. My mom came out as a lesbian when I was in first grade and built a large, loving blended family with her partner (now wife of 20+ years), her children, and my step-sister from a prior relationship. My dad remarried, and in that home I was an only child. As an adult, I reunited with my birth mother. Living between different households—and then doing the attachment work of reunification—taught me that belonging is built through safety, consistency, and trust , not titles. I bring those attachment lessons into therapy: predictable care, listening, straight talk, and small promises kept. Married 25 Years- Staying Connected My husband and I met in college on the East Coast, and in 2025 we celebrated 25 years of marriage. He was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult–learning about his neurotype, and understanding more about my sensitivity, enabled us to break old cycles of recurrent arguments, missed cues, and shutdown/flare patterns. Couples counseling has been key to our growth and staying connected , especially during medical crises and times of stress—prioritizing repair over being “right,” using clear scripts on hard days, and protecting time for intimacy and connection when everything else feels unstable. This experience informs my work as a couples therapist, helping partners navigate differences, improve communication, and strengthen their connection. Parent Coaching and School Support Before becoming a therapist, I helped to launch two schools –a preschool and a K-8 school, where I was deeply involved in school administration and admissions. That experience matters. I understand how administrators make decisions, how to make sure a school is a good fit for a child, and how to advocate for the support that each child needs and deserves through collaboration and IEP/504 processes. As a therapist, I bring experience working in elementary school settings and was honored with a California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) award in 2025 for my collaborative approach to working with neurodiverse children, their families, schools, and other specialists. Mind–Body Wellness Trail running with friends keeps me balanced—it’s nervous-system regulation in motion. Cooking with my family, whether we’re making homemade pasta or tackling creative kitchen challenges, brings joy and connection. Time with friends and family restores perspective, and reading keeps me curious. Playing with our golden retriever, going on dates with my husband, jumping on the trampoline with my son, and hanging out with my teen daughters make life deeply meaningful. These moments remind me that nurturing our closest relationships matters most, especially when life feels full and demanding. Neurodiverse Couples: Repair That Works Under Real-Life Stress Neurodiverse couples often love each other deeply but trip the same wires: intent vs. impact mismatches, processing-speed differences, sensory overload, executive-function gaps, and uneven social needs. When you add a child’s medical needs or school crisis, the bond can slide into logistics-only mode and resentment. What we build together: Shared language for neurotype differences. Clear, non-pathologizing terms that reduce blame and make needs discussable. Repair first, then reasons. Ownership before context; repair scripts that fit your brains and your stress window. Executive-function scaffolds for the relationship. Time anchors, transition plans, decision trees, and externalized reminders so love isn’t held hostage by working memory. Sensory-aware intimacy. Pressure-free closeness, pacing, and predictable rituals that make connection safe again. Conflict that ends. Shorter fights, calmer recoveries, and agreements you can actually keep during busy weeks or medical flares. Bottom line: we design routines and communication playbooks that hold under pressure—because that’s when you need them. Parenting Neurodiverse Children (Including Chronic Illness and 2e) Parenting neurodiverse kids is both beautiful and challenging. You’re balancing strengths with support needs, independence with safety, and your own burnout due to high demands. I help you: Stabilize the nervous system at home (yours and your child’s) before layering new skills. Build routines that survive chaos, using smallest viable steps and visual anchors. Translate assessments into accommodations schools will actually implement. Support 2e learners so giftedness doesn’t mask disability—or vice versa. Cope with chronic illness : pacing, grief, medical advocacy, and sibling care that doesn’t disappear. Manage dynamics between siblings of different neurotypes, fostering understanding, fairness, and connection. Align as parents to reduce conflict and create consistency, helping children feel safe and supported. Keep the couple strong so the family system can thrive. Blended Families (Informed by My Own Upbringing) Growing up across two homes—with different rules, values, and cultures—taught me how identity and belonging form in motion. In session, we clarify roles, set respectful boundaries, and create rituals that include everyone without erasing anyone. Small, predictable gestures build trust faster than good intentions. Working With Adult Adoptees Adults who were adopted in infancy or childhood often experience unique challenges around attachment, identity, and belonging. In my work with adult adoptees, I help clients understand how early adoption experiences can shape patterns of closeness and trust with partners and children, as well as how these dynamics may influence parenting. Together, we explore the impact of trauma, loss, and questions of identity while building tools for authentic connection and open conversations about adoption within relationships and families. Treatment Modalities- An Integrative Approach There’s no single approach that works for everyone. I take time to get to know you—both as individuals and as a couple—and tailor my work to meet your unique needs and goals. I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities and the latest evidence-based research to best support your growth and connection: Foundational Approaches: CBT, ACT, Humanistic/Person-Centered, Solution-Focused/Brief, Psychodynamic, Behavioral and Social Thinking interventions. Mind–Body & Experiential: Mindfulness, somatic-informed work, expressive arts to help clients connect with and regulate their internal experiences. Relationship & Systems: Family Systems Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Relational Life Therapy (RLT) to support connection and relational growth. Trauma-Informed: I use a trauma-informed lens in all of my work, creating a safe, attuned, and empowering environment to help clients process experiences and build resilience. Collaboration: I coordinate with medical teams, schools, specialists, and educational consultants when it supports the work and the client’s goals. Education Bachelor of Arts , Psychology — Boston College Master of Science , Counseling Psychology — Dominican University of California License & Employment Information Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, #156426 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Family of Therapy Centers Specialty Areas: Neurodiverse Couples, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), CBT, Attachment, ACT, Blended Families, Communication, Emotional Intimacy, ADHD, Discernment, Emotion Focused Therapy, Family Conflict, General Couples Coaching, Highly Sensitive People (HSP), ND at Work, Teens, Trauma, Not Accepting New Clients Kimberly Hawks Take an Autism Test

< Back Amanda is a Licensed 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: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT #150002 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc. Specialty Areas: Neurodiverse Couples, Cassandra Syndrome, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Betrayal/Affair Recovery, Sex/Physical Intimacy, Intimate Partner Violence, Christian, Accepting New Couples & Indiv. Clients Amanda Silvester Take an Autism Test