< Back Education & Licensing Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #150408 Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #13526 Bachelor of Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Pepperdine University Specialties ADHD Couples Counseling Autistic/Asperger's Couples Counseling Neurodiverse Families & Parenting Neurodiverse Individual Counseling Other Areas of Focus High Achievers, Gifted, and Twice Exceptional Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Tech and Corporate Executives Midlife and Life Transitions First Generation, Immigrants, and Children of Immigrants Trilingual: Farsi (Persian), Spanish, and English Neurodiverse Couples Insurmountable Problems? Being in a relationship where one, or both, partners has a neurodiversity can present unique challenges that may seem insurmountable at times . Perhaps you and your partner have been struggling to connect, and you're not sure how to move forward. You may feel like you're speaking different languages, that your partner doesn't understand you, or that you can't find common ground. I've worked with many couples in similar situations, and I've seen firsthand the toll it can take on both partners and the relationship. One partner may feel like they're always walking on eggshells, trying to avoid triggering their partner's sensitivities, while the other partner may feel like they're constantly being criticized or misunderstood. Communication may break down, leaving both partners feeling frustrated, alone, and disconnected. Perspective Taking to Bridge the Gap With the right support and guidance, it's possible to create a safe and loving partnership that enables each of you to thrive and grow. As a neurodiverse couples’ therapist, my goal is to help you both understand each other's perspectives and needs , and to find ways to bridge the gap between you . I'll work with you to identify areas of strength in your relationship, as well as areas that need improvement. We'll explore strategies to build empathy, trust, and communication skills, and we'll develop tools to manage conflict and build resilience. I approach therapy with a focus on collaboration, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. I believe that each person and relationship is unique, and I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences and feelings without fear of criticism or rejection. I'll work with you to tailor our sessions to your specific needs and goals, and we'll work at a pace that feels comfortable for you both. If you're struggling in your relationship and feel like you're at a crossroads, I encourage you to reach out for support. Together, we can work towards building a stronger, more connected partnership that brings out the best in each of you. Parenting Neurodiverse Children, including ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, OCD, Giftedness, and Twice Exceptional (2e) As a parent, you seek insightful solutions for your unique child rather than labels and generalizations. You may have long recognized that your child differs from other children. Despite seeking answers in parenting books and receiving advice from friends and family members, you have yet to find lasting solutions to your child's behavior. In fact, some of the advice may have even caused setbacks or worked as temporary band-aids, at best. You may be in awe of your child's unique talents in certain areas, but at the same time, perplexed by their inability to complete certain basic tasks. You may observe uneven patterns in your child's development, leaving you uncertain about how to set appropriate expectations. To Push or Back off? You may wonder how much to push your child to their full potential and when that pushing may be jeopardizing their mental health or pushing them farther away. You may notice that teachers, friends, and family unfairly judge your child, leading to a negative impact on their self-esteem and sense of worth. It's possible that you have already enrolled your child in various programs or interventions, but you are still searching for a more comprehensive understanding of how to best support your child and your family. You may be hesitant to seek help, out of concern that a professional may not be able to perceive your child's uniqueness and individuality in the same way that you do. Toll on Relationships Meanwhile, this struggle with meeting your child’s needs can be taking a toll on your relationship with your partner and other children. You’ve been struggling to meet everyone else’s need in the family at the expense of your own and you recognize you need a better strategy. “Beneath every behavior there is a feeling. And beneath every feeling there is a need. And when we meet that need rather than focus on the behavior, we begin to deal with the cause, not the symptom. ” My Approach When working with families, I strive to integrate a personalized, emotion-focused approach with evidence-based research and best practices . This approach allows us to create a meaningful connection and work together towards positive change. I create a comprehensive and tailored plan of action that takes into account your family’s and your child's unique strengths and challenges, without solely relying on labels and diagnoses. I work with parents every step of the way and help them discover the “why” beneath their child’s behavior and guide them toward positive changes. I offer specific guidance to help parents engage with their children in ways that tap into their intrinsic motivation for growth and success. My approach is founded upon evidence-based neuropsychology, curiosity, thoroughness, and clinical integrity, to help your child and the family reach their full potential. In our work together, you will come away with a nuanced and individualized roadmap that is tailored to your child's unique needs, allowing you to make current and future decisions that are suited to their individuality. I am a firm believer that therapy has the power to unlock the world-changing potential of the neurodiverse mind, and I am committed to helping your child achieve their full potential. Read more about our care for Twice-Exceptional Children . Life Experience Licensed Psychotherapist at Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center and Parenting Autism Therapy Center. Working with Dr. Harry Moto, Clinical Director and Founder. Clinical training - The Center for Professional Counseling of Los Angeles. Trained from a psychodynamic, depth-oriented clinical theoretical orientation, integrating alternative modalities as needed such as family systems theory, attachment theory, and CBT/DBT/ACT. Clinical training - Outreach Concern. Work with children, teens, and families as a school-based mental health therapist at multiple school sites. Handle a diverse caseload of students with behavioral, social, emotional, and academic needs. Incorporate a strengths-based orientation to foster academic growth and help students reach their personal potential, both inside and outside the classroom. Graduate Research Associate working alongside Dr. Shelly Harrell in her Culture, Wisdom, and Resilience Lab. My primary focus was the development of a unique application designed specifically for mental health therapists. This innovative tool enables therapists to incorporate quotes from thought leaders into their therapy practices, promoting greater wisdom, insight, and resilience among their clients. Prior President, CFO, COO, and Founder of various tech companies, startups, and non-profit organizations. Learnings from the corporate world helped shape my passion for understanding people’s behaviors, motivations, and drives. These experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective and skill set that I bring to my work as a mental health therapist. Clients Individuals Couples Families Teens/Kids Modalities Psychodynamic/depth-oriented psychology EFT (emotion focused therapy for couples) IFS (internal family systems) CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) including ACT and DBT Family Systems Dynamics Solution focused therapy Specialty Areas: LGBTQIA+, Muslim background, Kink/Poly-Affirmed, Addiction, Assessment, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Teens, ND at Work, Neurodiverse Couples, ADHD, Autism, Buddist - Spiritual, Cassandra Syndrome, Discernment, Internal Family Systems, Accepting New Couples & Indiv. Clients Leila Pirnia Take an Autism Test

< Back Nancy Rushing Not accepting new clients See our other clinicians or Fill our our contact form to get matched My Neurodiversity I am AuDHD , living with both Autism and ADHD. This combination shapes how I think and feel—offering a mind that can focus deeply on details while juggling a steady stream of ideas. AuDHD means I experience the world with a unique clarity, noticing subtleties others might overlook, alongside a restlessness that keeps me seeking new connections. It’s a way of being that balances routine with flexibility, teaching me patience and a quiet strength in embracing differences. I am a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). I am also raising two Highly Sensitive Children (HSC). Specialties and Certifications Neurodiverse Couples Specialist ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, Sensory Sensitivities and Processing Sex Anxiety and Depression Parenting Children (Neurodivergent and Neurotypical) Social Anxiety Intimate Partner Abuse Perfectionism/High-Achievement Grief Chronic Illness/Caregiving Support Brainspotting Phase 1 & 2 Languages Spoken English Mandarin Chinese Life Experience Born and raised in the South—in Louisiana and Texas—by immigrant Chinese parents, both of whom are neurodivergent. Experienced various neurodiverse relationships through family, friends, partnerships, teaching, parenting and counseling. I have been an Early Childhood Educator for over 10 years with direct experience working with children ages 4-17. Before attending graduate school, I was a stay-at-home parent for 8 years. I have been teaching yoga since 2011 and enjoy creating classes that bridge the mind-body connection in yoga with psychoeducation. Multicultural Competencies Intergenerational Trauma Immigrant/Refugee Trauma Second-Generation Immigrants- Bicultural/Multicultural BIPOC LBGTQIA+ Bilingual: Mandarin Chinese My Therapeutic Approach My approach is client-centered and tailored to your unique needs, incorporating an integrative approach based on our interactions over time that include: Neurodivergent-Informed Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Dialectical Behavioral (DBT) Emotionally Focused (EFT) Trauma-Informed Brainspotting Phase 1 and 2 Solution-Focused Attachment-Based More about Nancy I really enjoy making connections with people and am a naturally curious and inquisitive person. I am an avid animal lover and advocate for the benefits of the bond between neurodivergent children and animals, drawing especially from firsthand experience. I have perfect pitch and can identify notes in any song I hear immediately and can play the song on piano. This gift is linked to neurodivergent individuals, and a gift that I hid from others for most of my life, while I was still masking. Hi, I'm Nancy. I'm glad we connected today! I want to acknowledge how difficult it can be to take this first step in your journey in understanding more about yourself, your partner, and your relationship—especially if you’re at a crossroad. It takes courage to cross an unknown journey. You might be feeling hopeless, pessimistic, confused, and possibly filled with anger and angst about your relationship, especially when you notice recurring patterns—repeating the same conversations, and experiencing the same interactions, thoughts and emotions. In each of our personal journeys, we metaphorically travel a path and face various obstacles along the road— let’s call these life’s “challenges”. Sometimes, these obstacles can make us feel stuck, pressure us to turn back, confront them aimlessly, repeat familiar patterns, or find a new path and direction. Obstacles are an essential part of a journey, just as the challenges we face in our life experience are unique and contribute to growth and transformation . Without these hurdles, it would be difficult to gain insight into our strengths, understand ourselves and the world around us, and develop the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges. Each obstacle we encounter shapes our character, deepens our understanding, and ultimately enriches our experience, making the journey more meaningful and rewarding. The goal of our therapy sessions is to help you explore and harness the power of perspective and the choices you make, leading to acceptance and understanding around your unique challenges. I aim to assist you in finding the right tools to gain insight and effectively navigate the obstacles along your life’s path. Additionally, I want to help you, and your partner reconnect and intertwine your paths, enabling you to continue the journey and create meaningful destinations together. My Story I am a child of Chinese Immigrant parents, born and raised in the south—specifically Louisiana and Texas. My neurodivergent journey started when I lost my mom in 2019 and discovered that she had undiagnosed mental health issues and was also neurodivergent. Witnessing the disconnect and misunderstandings that happen in a neurodivergent relationship helped me realize that every person wants to be loved and wants to love others. Every person deserves to be loved and longed for, the way they need and understand love to be. Since childhood, I have been extremely curious and inquisitive by nature and have a passion to learn about and understand others. I am a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) and was late-diagnosed ADHD during graduate school while I was studying about neurodiversity and discovered that my perceived anxiety was an excess of complex thoughts in my mind that was misdiagnosed as generalized anxiety. It took the right therapist to connect me to this understanding and acceptance. My passion is to support others on their neurodivergent journey—to help them discover their authentic selves embrace their unique differences and build meaningful connections in their relationships. I have been living in the Bay Area for 17 years, married for 13 years, and have two neurodivergent children who are 7 and 9 years old. When I am not spending time with my family, I enjoy teaching yoga, exercising, cooking, having meaningful conversations and experiences with others, and being an avid animal lover. Obstacles faced be neurodiverse couples: Communication Differences – How do you express yourself, interpret what your partner is saying, and understand their message: Are you feeling misunderstood? Sensory Sensitivities – Are there feelings of being uncomfortable or overwhelmed by sensory stimuli such as sounds, lights and textures that prevent you or your partner from processing feelings or engaging with each other? Emotional Processing – Is it difficult to recognize, interpret, and manage emotions during emotional experiences? Do you and your partner respond in a way that is challenging for each other? Contrasting Perspectives -Do you and your partner have different views on issues or, see them differently? Social Expectations - How do you and your partner navigate societal or cultural expectations in your relationship, and what impact do these expectations have on your interactions? Routine & Flexibility - How do you and your partner handle changes to your routines or plans, and what effect does this have on your relationship? Support Needs - How do you and your partner express and respond to each other's needs for support, and what challenges do you face in meeting these needs effectively? 🎯 Working with AuDHD Clients Living with AuDHD (Autism + ADHD) often means navigating a world that doesn’t fully understand your unique way of thinking, processing, and engaging. Whether you’ve always known you were different or recently discovered your neurodivergence, therapy can help you untangle challenges, embrace your strengths, and create a life that works for you. Many AuDHD individuals experience a mix of intense focus and executive function struggles, sensory sensitivities and sensation-seeking behaviors, deep emotional intensity, and difficulty with social expectations . These traits can impact relationships, career paths, and day-to-day functioning in ways that feel frustrating and overwhelming. In therapy, I help AuDHD clients: Understand their unique wiring – Recognizing the interplay of ADHD and autism and how it shapes their experiences. Manage executive function challenges – Developing practical strategies for focus, organization, and task completion. Navigate sensory sensitivities & overwhelm – Identifying triggers and creating coping strategies to reduce stress. Build meaningful relationships – Learning communication tools to express needs, set boundaries, and connect authentically. Regulate emotions – Developing techniques for processing feelings without burnout, shutdown, or emotional overload. Work with, not against, their brains – Creating routines, systems, and environments that align with their natural rhythms. Whether you’re struggling in your relationships, career, or personal growth, I provide a nonjudgmental space to explore what’s working, what’s not, and how to move forward in a way that makes sense for you. Your brain isn’t the problem—let’s find ways to work with it, not against it. Other Areas of Focus (in addition to neurodiversity) Sex Anxiety and Depression Parenting Children (Neurodivergent and Neurotypical) Social Anxiety Intimate Partner Abuse Perfectionism/High-Achievement Grief Chronic Illness/Caregiving Support Clients Couples Individuals Families License Registered AMFT # 149167 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc . Specialty Areas: ADHD, Autism, Intimate Partner Violence, Emotion Focused Therapy, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Neurodiverse Couples, Sex/Physical Intimacy, Emotional Intimacy, Communication, Not Accepting New Clients, Assessment, Attachment, Buddist - Spiritual, Cassandra Syndrome, Discernment, Highly Sensitive People (HSP), IFS, Internal Family Systems, PDA, Teens, AuDHD, Twice-exceptional (2e) Nancy Rushing Take an Autism Test

< Back At a Glance Mother of two teenagers (ages 16 and 13) — parenting across neurotypes, up close ADHD, diagnosed in her twenties, and now discovering her own autism Grew up surrounded by neurodivergence — an autistic sister and a highly sensitive mother An expert in blended families and co-parenting, in childhood and adulthood Deep focus as a superpower — the ability to study a subject all the way to its depths Lived and clinical understanding of masking, sensory sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and high sensitivity Adapts established therapy approaches to how the neurodivergent brain works Rooted in Narrative Therapy, with Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Former real estate broker and operations leader; group facilitator, including anger-management work Coaching clients worldwide; therapy for clients in California Why I Do This Work I know what it's like to feel different, misunderstood, or exhausted from trying to fit into spaces that weren't designed with you in mind. I'm a mother of two teenagers, ages 16 and 13. I've built and rebuilt a family through divorce and blending, navigated my own neurodivergence, and had several successful careers before this one. I mention that early because the experience behind it is exactly what I bring into the room. As someone with ADHD who is also coming to understand my own autistic traits, I know firsthand both the strengths and the challenges of being neurodivergent — thinking differently, processing differently, and working to balance my own needs against everyone else's expectations. I work with neurodivergent individuals, couples, and families as they come to understand themselves and each other more clearly. Many of the people I work with arrive feeling stuck in cycles of misunderstanding, conflict, burnout, anxiety, or self-doubt. Together, we build insight, strengthen communication, and create relationships that hold each person's strengths and needs. What I Understand About Neurodiverse Couples When two people experience the world through different nervous systems, the same conversation, the same Tuesday night, the same small moment can land in completely different ways. One partner may be more literal, more direct, and more easily overloaded; the other may read between the lines, move faster, and need more back-and-forth to feel close. Without a map, those differences start to feel like rejection, distance, or "you just don't care." I have deep expertise with autistic adults, ADHDers, mixed-neurotype couples, and families navigating the challenges that arise when people experience the world in different ways. My work is about slowing the painful loops down — not by asking either partner to become someone they're not, but by identifying exactly how each person's brain, history, and communication style is shaping the moments that keep going sideways, and then building something that works for both of you. I work with couples who want to communicate better, strengthen their connection, and truly understand one another. I also work with individuals and families, because meaningful change doesn't require everyone to be in the room. Growing Up Surrounded by Neurodivergence Neurodiversity isn't something I studied from the outside — it's the water I grew up in. My sister is autistic, and my mother is highly sensitive and deeply detail-oriented, with her own neurodivergent wiring. Difference was simply part of my family. I was a shy, quiet child — so much so that I didn't speak to anyone outside my own home until I was seven years old. School was hard socially; fitting in never came easily. We moved often, which meant starting over again and again, each time having to find a way to connect and belong. I learned early to cope, to mask, and to camouflage — to study how other people worked and to perform the version of myself that seemed expected of me. With so much to navigate at home, I also grew up quickly. I took on more than a child should, and in some ways I didn't get to simply be a kid. I understand now, with language I didn't have then, how being parentified shapes a person — how it can make you capable and responsible while also leaving you disconnected from your own needs. For a long time, these were just facts about me. Now I look back on all of it with understanding and grace, through the lens of my own neurodivergence, and it finally makes sense. That shift — from "what's wrong with me?" to "this is simply how I'm wired" — is one I know from the inside. It's a big part of why I connect so deeply with clients who are coming to understand themselves later in life. My Own Neurodivergence I was diagnosed with ADHD, inattentive type, in my twenties, and so much clicked into place — including the classic "out of sight, out of mind" experience, where if I can't see something, it may as well not exist. Over the years I've built real systems and strategies to work with that brain rather than against it. More recently, I've been exploring my own autism-adjacent traits — I'm on that discovery journey myself, even as I walk it alongside my clients. One of the gifts of how I'm wired is the ability to focus deeply — to fixate on a subject and study it all the way down (what some call monotropism). When something captures me, whether it's the ocean, sharks, or the workings of the human mind, I go all the way in. I've learned to treat that intensity as a strength, not a flaw — and to help clients recognize their own. This path has helped me name things I carried quietly for years — the high cost of masking, sensory sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and life as a highly sensitive person. I'm also a veteran of my own therapy: I've done the work of learning to pay attention to my feelings, to accept myself, and to do things my own way rather than the neurotypical way. Coming to understand these patterns in myself changed how I understand them in others. When I sit with someone exhausted from masking, bracing against the sting of rejection, or overwhelmed by a world turned up too loud, I'm not working from theory. I know that territory, and I know there's a way through it. A Blended Family, Then and Now Blended families are something I understand from every angle. My own mother was married before I came along, so I grew up with a step-brother and a step-sister — a blended family was my normal from the very start. As an adult, I married my high school sweetheart. We divorced after six years, when I was twenty-six. Today my former husband is remarried, I'm in a long-term relationship, and my partner and I are raising my two teenagers, ages 16 and 13, together. My ex and I co-parent successfully — not because it was easy, but because we did the work to make it work. So when I sit with a blended or co-parenting family, I'm not speaking from a textbook. I know the logistics, the loyalties, the grief of a family that changed shape, and the real, ongoing work of building something healthy across households. Family dynamics — the roles we fall into, the patterns that pass down through generations, and the work of rewriting them — are a genuine area of expertise for me. Many Careers, One Throughline Therapy is not my first career — it's the one all the others were quietly preparing me for. I've been a real estate broker, worked in the title and insurance industry, led operations and teams, supported a busy chiropractic practice, and worked in healthcare administration. I've moved cities more times than I can count and started over successfully again and again. Along the way I learned something I now bring into the room: the drive to succeed can be both a strength and a trap. It can carry you a long way, and it can also leave you burned out, disconnected, and measuring your worth by how much you produce. I help people hold that tension — to use their drive without being used by it. Identity, Culture, and How It Shifts So much of who we are is shaped early, and it keeps changing — as we grow, and again inside our closest relationships, where two histories, two cultures, and two sets of expectations meet and reshape each other. Helping people understand that evolution — where their story began, how it has shifted, and who they're becoming — is central to how I work. I also bring a personal appreciation for the beauty and complexity of interracial and multicultural relationships, and for how culture, family expectations, communication styles, and lived experience shape a partnership in both meaningful and challenging ways. Whatever your background, I work to create a space where every part of your experience is welcomed and respected. How I Work A word about method, because with neurodivergent clients it matters enormously. Standard therapy models — Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, CBT, and the rest — were not designed with neurodivergent brains in mind. Applied straight off the shelf, they can miss the mark, and sometimes they backfire: a pace that feels "gently challenging" to one nervous system can be flooding to another, and a technique that builds insight for one person can create shame for the next. I adapt established therapy approaches to how the neurodivergent brain works. That adaptation is the work, and it's where my expertise lives. Within that neurodiversity-informed frame, I draw most heavily from Narrative Therapy, because people are always more than the problems they face, their diagnoses, or their circumstances. I integrate Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to make sense of the patterns that developed for a reason, strengthen relationships, and build practical tools for change. I will tell you what I see clearly and directly, I'll challenge you when it serves you, and I will always treat you as the expert on your own life. Who I Work With Neurodiverse couples — mixed-neurotype and dual-neurodivergent partners navigating communication gaps and the search for connection Autistic adults and ADHDers (diagnosed or self-identified) AuDHD adults — people who are both autistic and ADHD, a distinct profile with its own strengths and challenges Adults coming to understand their neurodivergence later in life Blended families and co-parents navigating divorce, remarriage, and life across households People who grew up parentified — the responsible one who never quite got to be a kid Individuals working on anger, conflict, and emotional regulation Adolescents and young adults working through identity, confidence, and belonging Anyone navigating interracial, multicultural, or cross-cultural relationships What to Expect in Session Clients tell me I'm genuine, easy to talk to, and grounded. I believe therapy should feel like a partnership — a place where you feel safe and supported, and also honestly challenged when it will move you forward. I accommodate neurodivergent needs, including movement, fidgeting, reduced eye contact, written summaries, and flexibility around sensory and energy load. What can look like resistance is often a nervous system protecting itself, and we work with that, not against it. You won't be asked to perform or to become someone different — you'll be asked to show up, stay curious, and let us slow things down together. "Therapy doesn't require you to become someone different. Often, it is about helping you better understand who you already are, and learning how to build a life that works for you." License, Training, & Education Neurodiverse Coach Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) — AMFT #164737 All sessions are virtual. I coach clients worldwide and provide therapy to clients in California. Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Family of Therapy Centers Education: Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy — Touro University Worldwide Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — Sacramento State University Associate of Arts in Psychology & Sociology — Bakersfield College Clinical Training & Experience: Neurodiversity-affirming and neurodiversity-informed care; Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), each adapted for neurodivergent clients; group facilitation and class instruction, including anger-management work; strengths-based approach Specialty Areas: Neurodiverse Couples, Autism, Autistic Adults, ADHD, AuDHD, Late-Identified Neurodivergence, Mixed-Neurotype Relationships, Masking & Camouflaging, Sensory Sensitivity, Rejection Sensitivity, Highly Sensitive People (HSP), Blended Families, Co-Parenting, Family Dynamics, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Parentification, Anger, Emotional Regulation, Communication, Connection, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Family Systems, CBT, Divorce, Life Transitions, Multicultural Challenges, Interracial Relationships, Adolescents, Young Adults Shandy Grantham Take an Autism Test

< Back Education & Specialties: Neuro-Inclusive Nourishment Specialist Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Aurora University Certified Life Coach, Universal Coach Institute Client Focus: Neurodiverse women Individuals with Autism, ADHD, Highly Sensitive Persons Neurodiverse clients with eating struggles Neurodiverse couples Coaching Modalities: Solution-focused strategies Action planning Mindfulness techniques Motivational interviewing Journaling Cognitive-behavioral techniques My Story Hello, I'm Cassie Clayton. Since 2016, I've dedicated my career to supporting individuals on their journeys to recovery from eating disorders and mental health challenges. My path began as a Recovery Coach, inspired by my own experiences navigating recovery. Recognizing the profound impact of connection and support from those with lived experience, I've committed to helping others share their stories and find healing. Supporting Neurodiverse Couples At the Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center, I specialize in working individually with a partner experiencing eating issues that affect their relationship. Understanding the intricate dynamics of neurodiverse partnerships, I provide tailored support to address these challenges. With your consent, I collaborate closely with your neurodiverse couples counselor to ensure our efforts are aligned, promoting healthier eating habits and enhancing relationship satisfaction. Neuro-inclusive Nourishment I am deeply passionate about empowering individuals to feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment. My empathetic, non-judgmental approach fosters an environment where you can thrive, receiving the encouragement and guidance needed to move forward. I specialize in helping clients articulate their visions, set attainable goals, overcome obstacles, and collaboratively develop actionable plans. In addition to one-on-one support, I've facilitated outpatient and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) therapeutic support groups, creating safe spaces for clients to connect, process emotions, and reduce eating disorder behaviors. I prioritize meeting clients where they are and assessing their unique needs, ensuring that each individual receives tailored support throughout their recovery journey. Personalized Care In a world often dominated by diet culture and unrealistic expectations, I advocate for a personalized approach to healing one’s relationship with food and body image. I celebrate the uniqueness of each individual, understanding that there is no 'one size fits all' solution in recovery. With extensive experience working with young adults and adults facing body image issues and disordered eating, I am dedicated to helping you navigate your path to wellness. Whether your struggles have been ongoing or more recent, you deserve compassionate support and understanding. I invite you to share your story with me. Together, we can explore meaningful steps toward your recovery—because even the smallest steps can lead to significant change. Specialty Areas: Eating & Autism, Communication, Autism, ADHD, Emotional Intimacy Cassie Clayton Take an Autism Test

< Back Tamala Takahashi Not accepting new clients See our other clinicians or Fill our our contact form to get matched About Tamala: Hi there! I was late-diagnosed ADHD (inattentive) at age 49. Two of my three adult children were also diagnosed with ADHD in their late teens/early 20’s. My oldest child is undiagnosed, however they are likely autistic/ADHD as well. My husband of 27 years is late-diagnosed with AuDHD (at age 48). After a fulfilling first career in nonprofit consulting, I decided to focus on helping couples heal and grow in their relationships. Today, I specialize in guiding couples to reconnect, improve communication, and build healthier, more fulfilling partnerships. I am sharing this with you because I believe it will help me understand and support you. I look forward to hearing from you. Navigating Neurodiverse Relationships Neurodiverse couples work is about building communication and coping skills that work best in this particular relationship while maintaining one’s autonomy and individual self. In neurodiverse relationships, clients may have difficulty understanding each other, may be unsure what is OK and not OK to do or say, may feel lonely or annoyed, and may feel like fights and conversations continue to go around and around without resolution. My goal with couples is to meet both individuals where they are at and to assist each individual identify their needs and wants, articulate them, and respond when their partner does the same. The couple decides where they want to go with the relationship and works best for them. And in this process, I hold space, grace, and validation for each individual’s experience in how they process the world as well as the emotional lessons they have learned from their past. You Are NOT Alone The neurodiverse experience can feel lonely. Whether you are neurodiverse or have a neurodiverse partner/family member, it can feel like you are expected to behave a certain way and say certain things, or that no matter how hard you try, you can’t do it right. Maybe you feel like there are things that just don’t make sense but nobody else can see it. That struggle can feel so lonely. My intention in therapy is to provide a space where you are no longer alone. Whether in couples or individual therapy, I am there to support you and hold space for your lived experiences. You Can Do This You have made it to this moment. Congratulations! But I’m guessing those coping skills you developed aren’t working as well anymore and you’re looking for something to help navigate life and relationships. The good news is that you can learn new skills that are more appropriate to your life now. You did it before, and you can do it again. I believe all of us have the capacity to heal and improve our inner lives. That said, it can sometimes be difficult to do this work alone, let alone know what to do at all. That’s where therapy can be a bridge to confidence and a calmer inner world . When humans work together interdependently, we can go further and do better than we can do alone. My position as a therapist is to support my clients in this journey to inner strength and groundedness . My Therapeutic Philosophy While it seems like today we have more understanding of (neuro)diversity, more grace and compassion for each other, and more freedom to move about the cabin without masking, we also live in the modern world where we witness folks’ lives on full display to be judged on social media, where we are told we can do anything yet can receive harsh criticism for not being perfect, and where there is a lingering feeling of uncertainty of the future. This mixed messaging can be destabilizing. In addition, our sense of self and perceptions of others are derived from a combination of our personal experiences (including trauma and triumphs), what we learned from our caretakers, the lessons from other authority figures, society’s messages, and our neurobiology. This mixture is unique to each individual. How we process information therefore has an impact on how we perceive and interact with ourselves and others. I believe a therapist’s role is to provide stability while the client(s) works through uncertainty, reality checks the lessons they learned in life, tries something new, and finds a healthy path to what it looks like for them to be grounded. The specifics will look different for each client(s), but all sessions are built around the principles of acceptance, patience, and kindness. I work collaboratively with the client(s) to identify areas of focus and what works best for them from their perspective. In our 50-min. sessions, therapy goals are usually a combination of gaining clarity, self-awareness, self-compassion, and coping skills. When working with couples or families, communication skills are a significant part of the work as well . Areas of focus Adult diagnosed/suspected ADHD/Autism/AuDHD ADHD/AuDHD with anxiety and depression Women/Non-binary with ADHD/AuDHD cPTSD and Trauma Adolescent diagnosed/suspected ADHD/Autism/AuDHD Parents of adolescent/adult neurodiverse children Childhood emotional neglect/emotional abuse Adult neurodiverse relationships with parents and other family members Empty nest/menopause transitions Multi-cultural relationships/families Intersection of neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ Young adult launching (college, early career, living away from parents, adult relationships) Self Esteem and Assertiveness Social media/video game addiction Religious/cult abuse recovery Modalities Client-centered Therapy Trauma Informed Therapy (CTP certified) Solution Focused Therapy Strengths-Based Approach Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) Somatic Therapy for Trauma Tarot Therapy Positive Psychology Relationship Anarchy approach: anti-hierarchical practices (everyone in the relationship is equal) anti-normativity (every relationship’s success criteria is unique to them) interdependency (partners can share feelings and needs openly and safely) individual autonomy (each partner is a complete human on their own) License & Certifications Registered Associate Marriage Family Therapist, AMFT Registered Professional Clinical Counselor Certified Trauma Professional (CTP) Education Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Antioch University of Los Angeles Employment Information Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc . Specialty Areas: Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Neurodiverse Couples, Autism, Sex/Physical Intimacy, Teens, ADHD, Emotional Intimacy, Communication, Not Accepting New Clients, Attachment, AuDHD, LGBTQIA+, Trauma Tamala Takahashi Take an Autism Test

< Back Shea Davis, AMFT Therapist for Neurodivergent Couples, Individuals, and Families Neurodivergent connection thrives when it’s understood on its own terms. I help individuals and couples uncover what makes their relationships work—not in spite of their differences, but because of them. My Story Is the Foundation of My Work A Long-Term Neurodiverse Marriage. I didn’t come to this work by accident— I lived it long before I trained for it. For 24 years, I was married to a neurodivergent partner in a relationship filled with both deep connection and constant misunderstanding . We loved each other, but our wiring didn’t always match—and that mismatch shaped everything from how we handled conflict to how we expressed love. I know firsthand what it feels like to be in a relationship where you’re trying your hardest, but somehow still missing each other. Parenting a Neurodivergent Child I’m also the mother of two children , now 29 and 22, including a neurodivergent son who struggled deeply in traditional systems. As a parent, I was often the translator—advocating, soothing, interpreting, and holding space for a child whose brilliance the world couldn’t always see. That experience taught me the importance of co-regulation, flexibility , and finding ways to honor a child’s nervous system, not fight against it. Recovery from Addiction and Trauma And I’ve lived through collapse and rebuilding. Years ago, I walked into a 12-step meeting broken by addiction, emotional pain , and a lifetime of pushing through instead of healing. Recovery didn’t just help me get sober—it helped me reclaim my voice, learn boundaries, and rebuild relationships based on mutual safety and respect. That process of healing, integrating, and re-emerging is the lens I bring to every therapy session. Life After Betrayal and Emotional Neglect I’ve navigated betrayal, financial infidelity, and the quiet ache of emotional neglect. I’ve also felt the hope of starting over—as a single mother, as a woman in long-term recovery, and as a partner learning to love again after rupture. My blended family has been one of my greatest teachers. I understand the complications of co-parenting, the grief of unmet expectations, and the beauty that can emerge when people commit to doing things differently, even when it's hard. Working with Neurodiverse Couples Much of my clinical focus is shaped by my own long-term relationship with a neurodivergent partner. I’ve lived through the beautiful highs and painful disconnects that can come when two people with different processing styles, emotional languages, and nervous systems try to build a life together. In that relationship, we often found ourselves stuck in patterns we didn’t understand. I’d long for emotional attunement while he sought logical solutions. I’d press for closeness during conflict; he’d retreat to manage overwhelm. Over time, we developed workarounds, built shared language, and grew in our awareness—but not without struggle. Those experiences inform the way I work with couples today. Neurodiverse relationships often look confusing from the outside—and feel lonely on the inside. One partner might seek verbal connection, while the other prefers action. One might shut down under stress, while the other presses in, desperate for clarity. These dynamics aren’t about a lack of love —they’re about different operating systems . In our work together, I help you: Understand the neurology beneath the behavior Slow down reactive cycles and shift from blame to curiosity Rebuild emotional safety after chronic misattunement or betrayal Learn new ways to communicate that actually land with your partner Navigate sensory, pacing, and executive functioning differences Reimagine intimacy and connection on your terms—not the world’s I integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), polyvagal theory, trauma-informed care, and structured communication tools from the Gottman Method. My goal is to help you feel seen, safe, and better equipped to relate —even when things are hard. Parenting Through a Neurodivergent Lens When I was raising my son—especially during his most difficult years—I often felt like I was operating without a roadmap. The strategies other parents used didn’t work for us. He needed something different: less pressure, more regulation support, and a deep commitment to understanding his nervous system. I had to learn how to show up in ways that were both nurturing and flexible, even when I felt depleted myself. As a therapist, I bring this lived experience into the room. I understand how isolating it can feel to be the one holding everything together—to be the parent who understands what the school system doesn’t, who translates your child’s needs to extended family, and who navigates the tension between advocacy and acceptance. I support parents who are: Co-regulating with differently wired kids while staying regulated themselves Navigating shutdowns, sensory overload, and burnout—on both sides Co-parenting after divorce or in blended family systems Wrestling with grief over unmet expectations Trying to break harmful patterns while creating new family rhythms You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be open to learning—and I’ll walk beside you as you do. Support for Blended Families When my marriage ended and I stepped into the world of co-parenting and step-parenting, I quickly realized that blending a family isn’t about forcing connection—it’s about creating space for each person’s story. Add neurodivergence to the mix, and the need for flexibility, empathy, and honest communication only grows. In my own blended family, we had to re-learn how to listen to each other . We had to acknowledge sensory needs, adjust expectations around emotional expression, and recognize that some members of the family processed grief or change much more slowly—or more intensely—than others. There was no one-size-fits-all approach. As someone who has built and lived in a blended family with neurodivergent members, I support: Step-parenting roles and boundaries that evolve over time Navigating loyalty binds and emotional shifts with compassion and clarity Repairing ruptures in co-parenting or ex-spouse dynamics Helping new partners understand neurodivergent kids and their unique wiring Developing shared rituals and rhythms that work for your family’s actual neurobiology Blended doesn’t mean broken. Neurodivergence doesn’t mean incompatible. Together, we can create something flexible, respectful, and uniquely yours. Working with Addiction and Neurodivergence My recovery journey began with hitting rock bottom—and then learning to rebuild a life from the inside out. For me, addiction wasn’t just about substances. It was about managing overwhelm, avoiding emotional pain, and trying to cope in a world that often felt too intense. As I later came to understand more about neurodivergence, it became clear how intertwined the two could be . Many neurodivergent individuals develop addictive behaviors as a way to soothe sensory overload, mask social confusion, or cope with chronic rejection . And unfortunately, many recovery spaces aren’t built to hold that complexity. In my work with clients at this intersection, I help you: Identify the neurodivergent roots of addictive behaviors Explore sensory-friendly and emotionally attuned recovery strategies Navigate recovery spaces that may feel rigid, triggering, or misaligned Manage co-occurring challenges like executive dysfunction or trauma Build sustainable recovery that makes space for your full self You don’t need to choose between being seen as someone in recovery or someone who’s neurodivergent. I’ll help you hold both—without shame. Who I Work With Neurodivergent adults (diagnosed or self-identified) Neurodiverse couples (ND/NT or ND/ND) Partners of autistic or ADHD individuals Parents of neurodivergent children Adults in recovery from addiction, betrayal trauma, or relational chaos Individuals navigating blended family dynamics and second-chapter relationships What I Bring I bring the lived experience of neurodivergence, depression, anxiety, and addiction. I bring decades of parenting through challenge, the insight of a long-term neurodiverse marriage, and the resilience of someone who’s rebuilt from the ground up. My therapy room is a space where you don’t have to perform, explain, or justify how your brain works. You get to be fully yourself—and that’s where real change begins. License & Employment Information Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, #154799 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Family of Therapy Centers Specialty Areas: Neurodiverse Couples, Cassandra Syndrome, Communication, IFS, Addiction, Trauma, Blended Families, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Accepting New Individual Clients Only, Betrayal/Affair Recovery, ADHD, Attachment, Divorce, Discernment, Emotion Focused Therapy, General Couples Coaching, Accepting New Couples & Indiv. Clients Shea Davis Take an Autism Test

< Back Relationships can be challenging, and for neurodiverse couples, those challenges often come with unique layers of complexity. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to face them alone. For over 40 years, I’ve been in a neurodiverse relationship with my high school sweetheart. Together, we’ve navigated grief and loss, financial storms, and health crises, and we even separated for two years. My personal experience and advanced clinical training in counseling psychology equip me with a deep understanding of the joys and hurdles neurodiverse couples face. If you feel your relationship is on shaky ground due to neurodiversity, I’m here to help. Tackling Common Neurodiverse Relationship Challenges One of the most common patterns I see in therapy is communication struggles . Misunderstandings can escalate quickly when partners don’t know how to express their needs or interpret each other’s cues. I help couples identify the roadblocks in their communication and introduce strategies like active listening, open needs-sharing, and negotiation that pave the way for deeper understanding. Another frequent challenge is balancing emotional regulation . One partner may feel constantly overwhelmed or anxious while the other seems far more relaxed, creating a divide in how emotions are handled. Together, we’ll work on finding a middle ground—creating space for feelings without constantly trying to “fix” each other. “We are born in a relationship, we are wounded in a relationship, and we can be healed in a relationship.” --Harville Hendrix And then, there are the triggers . No relationship is immune to them, but in neurodiverse relationships, these triggers can be heightened, especially due to sensory issues. We’ll explore ways to identify each partner’s triggers and develop techniques to reduce overstimulation. Whether it’s through setting boundaries, creating calming routines, or practicing grounding exercises, we’ll find tools that work for you. In addition to weekly or twice-a-month therapy sessions, I also offer Couples Retreats and Intensives and ASD and ADHD Assessments. Couples Retreats & Intensives Struggling in your relationship? It’s time to take action. My couples intensives are designed to help you and your partner reconnect, heal, and move forward—quickly and effectively. Unlike traditional therapy, which can stretch over months or even years, intensives deliver meaningful progress in just a matter of days. Through a blend of evidence-based therapeutic techniques and intuitive guidance, you’ll work with me in person or over Zoom in a focused, immersive environment. Whether you’re facing the pain of trauma, stuck in unhealthy patterns, or standing at the edge of separation, these sessions provide a clear path forward. ASD & ADHD Assessments Neurodivergence is part of who you are. For clarity, neurodiversity-affirming assessments unveil strengths and foster growth, helping individuals thrive in a world that often misunderstands Autism and ADHD. I use this thorough, personalized process utilizing tools like MIDAS-2 and SRS-2 for Autism and CAARS and Brown EF/A scales for ADHD, alongside interviews and evaluations for meaningful results. It’s not just a diagnosis but a gateway to self-understanding and empowerment. Recognizing the challenges faced by neurodivergent adults, this approach celebrates individuality, unlocking potential, enhancing communication, and building social confidence. The goal is to help people feel seen and understood in daily life. These assessments aim to offer what many have wished for during their journeys by providing support that often feels out of reach. This process can be a transformative first step for those ready to pursue clarity and empowerment. Why I’m Different I’m Barbara Lazarony, but everyone calls me Blaze. I bring more than theoretical knowledge—I’ve lived this experience. My personal insights as someone in a neurodiverse relationship, combined with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, create a unique space for couples to thrive. Every couple’s story is different, and I’m here to honor yours. It’s not just about managing conflict—it’s about building a foundation of patience, love, and mutual understanding. My Back Story I'm a mature adult living out my third career; my first role was working in retail for twenty years, where I mentored executives and managed $2.5 billion in sales across 42 locations in the United States. I was uber-successful with a sassy job title and a large office overlooking Market Street in San Francisco. I loved it! But, little did I know back then that I was an overachieving workaholic, and the signs that my health was an issue couldn’t be ignored any longer. In 2003, I was told I had thyroid cancer, and I decided to resign from my job. Those were dark times for me; in addition to cancer, I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It was a journey, and I sought support from modern and holistic medicine, along with help from fantastic therapists and coaches. The truth was, I had no idea who I was or what I wanted out of life beyond my job title. As I was healing from cancer, I earned an Advanced Certified Integral Coach certification and started my own business. I loved being a coach for eighteen years but realized I could not help people achieve long-lasting success, fulfillment, and healing because I didn’t have the skills, training, and knowledge to get to the root of the issues holding them back. To support people in the way I wanted to, I decided to go to graduate school at the age of fifty-three and earn my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. Since finishing my degree and earning my LMFT, I have navigated different types of cancer twice and supported my life partner through his cancer journey. And sadly, no one in the medical profession told me I had both an acquired and genetic form of neurodiversity; it took me a while to discover that my brain was wired differently. I know what it feels like to be different from everyone else! I am someone who understands the deep well of trauma and grief that needs to be acknowledged and validated in therapy. So, Enough About Me, Let's Talk About You... If you and your partner are navigating the challenges of a neurodiverse relationship, reach out today. You deserve a fulfilling and strong relationship, no matter what life throws your way. We’ll work toward clear communication, deeper connection, and lasting love. You’re not alone—I’m ready to guide you on this path. Specialties and Certifications Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist 151788 Neurodiverse Couples Specialist Certified Autism & ADHD Assessment Specialist Advanced Certified Trauma Specialist Advanced Certified Integral Coach Brainspotting Certified-Level I & II Life Experience Has personal experience in multiple neurodiverse relationships Worked with thousands of people as a Coach, Manager, Leader, and Mentor Former careers as an Executive and Business Coach, Executive Director in a non-profit, and Senior Director in retail-coaching people, as well as managing staffing operations and finances Education Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, Fashion Merchandising, The Ohio State University Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Sofia University, also earned a Certificate in Creative Expression. More about Barbara (Blaze) Diagnosed as Neurodiverse 20 years ago Offers Neurodiverse Couples Retreats Married for 35+ years to her high school sweetheart, together for 40 years Cancer Survivor -3 times! Specialty Areas: Assessment, Sex/Physical Intimacy, Kink/Poly-Affirmed, Discernment, Neurodiverse Couples, Autism, Cassandra Syndrome, Couples Retreats/Intensives, Brainspotting, Emotional Intimacy, Accepting New Couples & Indiv. Clients Blaze Lazarony Take an Autism Test

< Back Colleen Kahn Not accepting new clients See our other clinicians or Fill our our contact form to get matched Welcome, I am so delighted you are here. My Passion for Neurodiverse Couples I am dedicated to helping neurodiverse couples find a new way to love and appreciate each other. Understanding Neurodiversity First, let me cover the basic terms. A neurodiverse relationship is where at least one partner is neurodivergent (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Down’s Syndrome...). This means that you and your partner are different; not better or worse. Neurodiversity may be a new concept for you. Maybe it's what you have been searching for but didn't know. It may be an awakening to the difficulties you have been experiencing in your relationship but could not quite articulate. In fact, many neurodivergent adults have gone undiagnosed for most of their lives. Neurodivergent is “the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in different ways; there is no ‘right’ way of thinking, learning and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits,” according to Harvard Health. Please know that I recognize the distinct challenges you face. My personal experience has provided me with a first-hand rich understanding of the intricacies of neurodiversity. Communication Struggles Neurodiverse couples often struggle with communication breakdowns . The neurotypical partner may struggle to understand the neurodivergent partner's unique needs. The neurodivergent partner may face challenges with ADHD/Autism in expressing themselves in a way that resonates with their neurotypical partner. This two-sided communication breakdown is called the double empathy problem. Understanding this helps reduce blaming one person for the problem. This is the tip of the iceberg so to speak and one of many issues that you may be dealing with. I truly understand the frustrations that can arise. A Safe Place for Healing I am here to provide a safe and understanding space for you to explore your issues and relationship. My therapeutic approach offers a clear road map that emphasizes: fostering mutual understanding and compassion, enhancing communication skills, providing exercises and tools that you can work on separately and together, and embracing the unique strengths that each partner brings to relationships. Neurotypical Partners (Cassandra Syndrome) My journey is not just a professional one but also deeply personal. If you are in a relationship with a neurodivergent partner, it may feel isolating, frustrating, and exhausting. You may spend a lot of time and energy trying to make sense of your partner's behaviors and your reactions. You may seek books, podcasts, or any article to understand why your relationship is different. You may feel misunderstood, isolated, disconnected, and hopeless. I have been there. I have been married for 19 years. Every experience is unique. You are so special. You deserve to be seen and heard. Supporting Autism and Cancer: I recognize the importance of a compassionate, supportive ally for autistic individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. I had the honor and privilege to work bedside with neurodivergent pediatric oncology patients and their families at Stanford Children’s Hospital. My firsthand experience at Stanford, expertise in supporting neurodivergent individuals, and being a stage four cancer survivor myself allows me to be a source of comfort and strength on the path to healing. I am here to provide a trusted environment that acknowledges and addresses your unique needs when facing a cancer diagnosis. You can read more about Cancer and Autism by clicking here . About Me: I bring a unique blend of professional expertise, passion and personal experience to my practice. I am a proud mother of two sensationally strong willed teenagers. I am also a former software engineer turned therapist. My journey took a fascinating turn from the world of coding to the intricate landscapes of the human mind. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and forged a successful IT career starting at Apple Computers. My love of learning led me into engineering and product management. I became the first female self-taught software engineer at Alcatel TeleCommunications. My team dubbed me the engineer whisperer. I was the essential communication bridge between our neurodiverse engineering team and our neurotypical sales and marketing team. I eventually learned that my heart yearned for something more – a meaningful connection with people and the opportunity to contribute to their lives in a significant way. Driven by my desire to help others, I embarked on a transformative path towards becoming a therapist and returned to school. I received my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University. While in school, I cultivated my passion for mental health and overall well-being. How I Work: My therapeutic neuro-informed approach covers a broad range of modalities. I tailor each session to meet the unique needs of each couple. My work is rooted in a client-centered, humanistic approach emphasizing compassion, building understanding, inclusive communication, empowerment with respect and dignity. In our sessions, we'll work on enhancing your relationship through mindfulness and effective communication. Let's navigate the challenges together so you can build a stronger, more connected partnership. Other areas of focus (in addition to Neurodiversity): Adolescent Counseling Art Therapy Caregiver Support Co-Parenting Couples Counseling Cancer Support Divorce Recovery Infertility Individual Counseling Life Transitions Neurodiversity New Parents Parent Coaching Teen Counseling Clients Couples Individuals Families License & Certifications Registered Associate, MFTA #324701 Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) Neurodiversity Specialist Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc . Specialty Areas: Cassandra Syndrome, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Teens, Neurodiverse Couples, Communication, Not Accepting New Clients Colleen Kahn Take an Autism Test

< Back Maring Higa, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist | Neurodiverse Couples Specialist 💛 Lived Experience Shapes the Way I Work I know what it’s like to fight for connection—and to finally find it, in a way that feels real, earned, and deeply alive. Earlier in life, I was in a neurodiverse marriage that ended in divorce. It was a relationship filled with both love and difficulty, and navigating the differences in communication, processing, and emotional rhythms taught me more than any training ever could. That experience was humbling and powerful—it cracked me open to what it really means to bridge worlds. I carry forward the insight, empathy, and hard-won clarity I gained from that relationship with deep gratitude. It made me who I am today. Now, I’m over a decade into a new relationship with someone I truly consider my soulmate. But “soulmate” doesn’t mean easy. It means we’re committed to doing the work—especially the work of blending families, healing old wounds, and growing through inevitable friction. We still have our differences. We still stumble. But we keep showing up with curiosity, humility, and care. Having lived through both disconnection and deep repair, I bring a grounded, compassionate hope to couples who are struggling. I don’t offer quick fixes—I offer real tools for real relationships. 🧠 How I Work with Neurodiverse Couples I specialize in helping neurodiverse couples —whether autistic, ADHD, or both—untangle the confusing, painful cycles that often arise when two very different nervous systems and communication styles collide. I don’t see either partner as “the problem.” Instead, I help couples understand how their unique wiring, regulation needs, and processing styles impact the way they connect—or miss each other. Together, we: Slow things down so both people feel safe and heard Shift out of blame and into shared curiosity Build a relational language that works for both neurotypes Learn how to repair misattunements with compassion and intention Respect sensory needs and differences in emotional pacing My approach blends depth and structure. Some of the methods I draw from include: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for co-regulation and secure attachment Imago Therapy for exploring how early wounds shape current conflict Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help each partner access compassion for their own inner world Gottman tools for practical support around communication, rituals, and conflict management Somatic and bioenergetic work to address what's held in the body, not just the mind Every couple is different—and in neurodiverse relationships, that difference is often wider and more profound than in neurotypical ones. That’s not a deficit—it’s just reality. With the right support, it can become a strength. 🌿 The Body Knows—Especially in Neurodiverse Relationships Before I became a therapist, I practiced acupuncture for 17 years. I’ve also trained in somatic healing and bioenergetic therapy, and I bring that deep respect for the body into my work with clients every day. Neurodiverse individuals—especially autistic folks—often live disconnected from their bodies. They may struggle with interoception (the ability to sense what's going on inside) or feel overloaded by sensory input, leading them to numb out or dissociate. Others may live in a state of chronic stress without even realizing it. In my work, I help clients tune back in—gently and safely. Whether through breath, movement, somatic tracking, or body awareness tools , we reconnect to the body not as a “fix,” but as a source of wisdom and regulation. This is especially important in relationships, where the body holds unspoken tension, patterns of shutdown, and the longings we can’t always verbalize. My training and experience include: Acupuncture and holistic bodywork Somatic therapy and bioenergetic release Support for postpartum health and hormonal transitions Women’s health and trauma recovery Personal experience as an athlete, injury survivor, and circus arts performer This embodied lens helps me work with clients whose nervous systems are exhausted, disconnected, or over-activated—especially in the context of neurodiverse relationships. 🌱 Parenting Neurodivergent Children I’m a mom of two amazing kids. My daughter is 9, and my son is 14 and autistic. Parenting a neurodivergent child has taught me more than any book or training ever could. I've come to understand the sensory challenges, the meltdowns, the brilliance, the beauty, and the fatigue. What’s more, I was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, which helped make sense of so many struggles I carried silently as a child—overwhelm, internal shame, and the constant feeling of falling short in a world that didn’t match how I was wired. This personal journey allows me to support other parents—especially those navigating diagnoses, school systems, and the emotional toll of loving a child who may not be understood by the world around them. I walk alongside you not as an expert from afar, but as someone in the trenches who deeply gets it. 👨👩👧👦 Co-Parenting After Separation I’ve lived the real-world challenges of co-parenting —trying to communicate with an ex while staying grounded in your values, protecting your kids' emotional safety, and managing the logistics of schedules, boundaries, and big feelings. Co-parenting can feel impossible at times, especially when there’s unresolved hurt or different parenting philosophies. I work with clients to develop r ealistic, compassionate strategies for communication, boundary-setting, and conflict de-escalation. My goal is to help you shift from power struggles to problem-solving, so your children get the best of both parents. 🏡 Blended Families: A New Blueprint Blending families isn't just about combining households—it’s about building a completely new system with its own rhythms, rituals, and rules. As someone who’s part of a blended family, I know the loyalty binds, the role confusion, and the emotional landmines that can appear unexpectedly. There’s grief for what was, hope for what could be, and lots of tension in the “in between.” I help blended families navigate common challenges like stepparent roles, co-parenting across households, discipline differences, and how to build connection when trust is still forming. Together, we create a new blueprint that honors everyone involved—including the kids. 🎨 And Just for Fun I’m endlessly curious and deeply creative. I love women’s soccer, making music, and getting lost in hands-on projects. I find beauty in the messiness of being human and believe that humor, creativity, and embodiment are essential parts of healing. Education & Clinical Training M.A. in Counseling Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy) – National University M.S. in Oriental Medicine – Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Certified Bioenergetics Therapist – Southern California Institute of Bioenergetics (in progress) Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #145908 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Family of Therapy Centers Trained in: Somatic Therapy & Nervous System Regulation Internal Family Systems (IFS) Trauma-Informed Couples Work Fertility, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Mental Health Women's Health & Holistic Medicine Acupuncture and Embodiment Practices Podcast Creator & Host: The Messy Middle (2016–2021) – Personal growth and emotional healing Body Talk (2024–Present) – Exploring somatic therapy, mind-body connection, and holistic wellness Specialty Areas: Autism, ADHD, Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse), Blended Families, Somatic Therapies, IFS, Trauma, Neurodiverse Couples, Accepting New Couples & Indiv. Clients, Attachment, AuDHD, Communication, Couples Retreats/Intensives, Discernment, Emotion Focused Therapy, Highly Sensitive People (HSP), Multicultural Challenges, Teens, General Couples Coaching, Family Conflict, Betrayal/Affair Recovery, Integrative Spiritual Therapy, Cassandra Syndrome, Emotional Intimacy, Emotional Regulation, Life Transitions Maring Higa Take an Autism Test

< Back About: Dr. Motro has made working with neurodiverse community the centerpiece of his life. He has extensive personal experiences with neurodiversity and believes that typical couples counseling falls far short for neurodiverse couples. Accordingly, he has dedicated his practice to providing life-changing counseling for these special but often misunderstood couples. His background includes the following: he spent his earlier work life in technology and then chose a second career in helping others, he is the founder and clinical director of the Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center where he collaborates with other therapists equally dedicated to the neurodiverse community. he has collaborated with his team to develop specialized tools to assist neurodiverse couples, he serves as an adjunct graduate school psychology professor where he has incorporated neurodiverse couples counseling into the teaching curriculum, he is a clinical supervisor of other neurodiverse couples therapists, he serves on non-profit boards including, New Path Couples Therapy and Therapy in Motion. he has been married 40 years and the proud parent of adult children , and he has received specialized couples training at the Master's & Doctoral levels. His interest in neurodiverse couples is rooted in his personal life, his prior work in technology, and because his psychology practice is based in Silicon Valley, a neurodiversity hot spot. NEURODIVERSE COUPLES: Most neurodiverse couples start off woefully uninformed about their differences and how to support and accept each other. This misinformation leads to misunderstanding, which eventually morphs into the belief that the other partner is purposely cruel or simply uncaring. Emotional walls come up and intimacy fades and then dies. The most important part of our work in therapy is to free you from this painful blame and shame cycle. We work to gradually reframe how you understand and see each other, reshaping your patterns, and allowing a new relationship to blossom. You can read more on his approach to Neurodiversity at: https://www.harrymotro.com/therapy-for-neurodiverse-couples . Other areas of focus (in addition to Neurodiversity): General Couples Therapy Affair Recovery Sex addiction Modalities: Trauma-focused Neurodiverse Couples Therapy , Emotion Focused Therapy, Imago Therapy, Gottman, Person-Centered, Existential, Couples-Based CBT, Behavioral, Internal Family Systems, Experiential, Positive Psychology Clients: Couples and Families only License: California / LMFT53452 Contact Harry Specialty Areas: Christian, ND at Work, Discernment, Internal Family Systems, Emotion Focused Therapy Harry Motro 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