< Back Liz McClanahan Living Neurodiversity I live in a neurodiverse family every day. My husband is on the Autism Spectrum and received his diagnosis later in life. I am so proud of my 26-year marriage and the fact that we were able to reconcile after a divorce and remarry. My two children are also on the Spectrum . They have taught me how differences can be intensely beautiful and frustrating at the same time. Having a neurodiverse marriage and parenting my preteen son and adult daughter give me a unique point of view to better understand and empathize with my clients and their challenges in a way that simply cannot be taught in books. ​ Podcast Listen to Liz discuss Neurodiversity on the Neurodiverse Love Podcast Understanding You “When you meet one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism.” - Dr. Stephen Shore, autistic professor, author, ​ Everyone is different, every couple is unique. As a therapist, my goal is to understand you and your distinct relationship. Just because I have personal experience with neurodiversity does not mean I am automatically an expert on your relationship. I aim to learn who you are and how you relate to your partner in your own unique way. I can provide a safe, non-judgmental, empathetic space for couples to come together on a healing journey and work towards accomplishing their relationship goals. Over time, a couple’s relationship may start to break down when neurodivergent differences turn into dysfunctional patterns resulting in disagreements, loneliness, hopelessness, and pain. The good news is that there is hope, I help couples navigate their relational patterns, bridge communication gaps, and facilitate an understanding and honoring of the couple’s differences. ​ Neurotypical Partner Challenges As an NT partner myself, I empathize with the pain that can come from communication break down and misunderstandings in a neurodiverse relationship. In the past, I felt that no one understood what I was going through, including therapists who lacked neurodiverse training or experience. This only compounded my pain and thoughts that my marriage could not get any better. My spouse and I have since learned how to make our marriage work in our own way. I understand him and his needs the best way that I can and vice versa . For this reason, I am passionate about helping couples do the same. I can offer a beacon of hope for couples because I know change within a relationship is possible. Neurodiverse Couple Challenges There are some unique aspects of how the AS brain processes and expresses information that differs from the NT brain; although this may bring tremendous advantages in certain areas of life, it can make relating to others and everyday activities difficult and stressful for both partners. Topics which are common in neurodiverse couples that I work with include: Alexithymia - a person has difficulty identifying and expressing emotions Executive functioning capabilities - cognitive processes Sensory issues - identifying when AS partner feels overstimulated Masking- AS partner has high-stress levels while trying to “pass” as neurotypical Transitions - AS partner has high-stress levels transitioning to different topics or activities ·Communication - both partners misunderstand each other’s behavior and needs Defense mode - understanding flight, fight, or freeze mode and how to cope Past emotional wounds - AS partner not feeling accepted, being bullied, or internalizing negative labels from the neurotypical society (trauma) Empathy - AS partner may struggle to understand how their partner is feeling These aspects of the Neurodiverse partner do not make that person good or bad. My job is to help you bridge the gaps that exist between you ; in emotional processing, getting things done (executive function), managing the world you live in (sensory issues), making transitions, communicating, reacting to each other (with less defensiveness), and healing wounds. Neurodiverse Parenting Parenting is not easy! Perhaps you, your spouse, or your children are on the Autism Spectrum, and you feel stuck, frustrated, sad, lost, and don’t know where to turn for help. I have over 24 years of personal experience with raising Autistic children alongside my AS spouse. Neurodiverse families have parenting issues specific to them that an experienced therapist is trained to treat. I work with couples to cope with the complexities of parenting. As parents, we all want our children to be successful, happy, and healthy. Some families have the added stress of co-parenting in a blended family or parallel parenting. I am here to listen, understand, and coach parents to navigate high conflict situations, build their parenting skills, and create a family environment where each family member can thrive. Whether your goals are to reduce conflict, reduce stress, or increase communication; I guide parents through techniques aimed at building a stronger relationship with their children and creating the results desired. ​ Education and Licensing I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a Neurodiverse Couples Coach. I earned my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University (APU). My professional career is dedicated to helping neurodiverse couples to heal emotional wounds, improve communication, reduce conflict, and increase intimacy. Areas of Focus (in addition to Neurodiversity): General Couples Therapy Intimacy, Sex Affair Recovery Anger Management Divorce Life Transitions Families including Parenting, Co-Parenting, Blended Families Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders Clients Couples, Families, Men, Women Modalities Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Family System Therapy, Positive Psychology, Trauma-informed Therapy License Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT #133330 Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , LMFT #53452 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc. ​ Specialty areas: ADHD, Autism, Parenting Neurodiversity, Discernment, Internal Family Systems, Neurodiverse Couples, ND at Work, Parenting Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) in mind, include the name(s) below: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours. Take an Autism Test

< Back Tamala Takahashi 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). I am a survivor of childhood emotional neglect and abuse. This is common among the neurodiverse as even the most well-meaning parents may not have the appropriate tools to support their children. It’s also common for those parents to have been neurodiverse as well, with their own experience of neglect and abuse, handing down their generational trauma. Soon after having been diagnosed with ADHD, I became an empty nester. My first career as a non-profit and professional development consultant was cut short by COVID, so I decided to go back to school and become a therapist focusing on trauma recovery. 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, Neurodiverse Couples, Autism, Parenting Neurodiversity, Sex, Teens, ADHD Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) in mind, include the name(s) below: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours. Take an Autism Test

CAREERS FOR THERAPISTS Schedule a Free Consult Now < Back We are always looking for therapists who have a passion for helping the neurodiverse community. ​ If you: have a connection to the neurodiverse community (share life with someone or are part of the community), have meaningful life experience that has helped shape you and given you some wisdom to share, and have at least a Masters in counseling / psychology, ​ Please reach out to us. Applications are handled by our partner organization, the Couples Recovery Center. Take an Autism Test Take an ADHD Test Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send

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

NEURODIVERSE SEX THERAPY Schedule a Free Consult Now < Back IGNITING THE SPARK IN YOUR NEURODIVERSE RELATIONSHIP Sexual intimacy is an important part of a couple’s relationship. Yet, it can feel like an unsurmountable challenge for neurodiverse couples to overcome. To make matters worse, sex often becomes so emotionally loaded that the couple will make an unspoken agreement that the topic is off limits for discussion. So, it should not be surprising that one study showed that 50% of neurodiverse couples had no sexual activity at all. Fortunately, with outside help, there is hope! Addressing the barriers… Show More Take an Autism Test COMMON STRUGGLES IN NEURODIVERSE RELATIONSHIPS DESIRE IMBALANCE A sexual challenge for all couples (both neurotypical and neurodiverse) can be a mismatched libido. However, the struggle is especially pronounced for neurodiverse couples. This problem occurs when one person has a higher sex drive than his or her partner. This libido difference… Show More Take an ADHD Test THINGS TO CONSIDER DEFINE SEX We also work with couples to consider how narrow or broad their view of sex is. For example, the AS (Autism Spectrum) partner may focus exclusively on sexual intercourse while the NT (Neurotypical) partner has a more expansive view of sexual connection; whereby sex may… Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send PRACTICAL STEPS Here are some of the practical steps that are introduced in therapy that may help neurodiverse couples: - Agree on what non-sexual touch is and is not, and be clear about what communication is needed to go beyond non-sexual touch. - Practice phrases to express sexual likes and… Show More

< Back Jory Wilson 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. 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. 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: Addiction, Sex, Christian, Affairs Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) in mind, include the name(s) below: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours. Take an Autism Test

TWICE EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN Schedule a Free Consult Now < Back UNDERSTANDING THE MISUNDERSTOOD: SUPPORTING TWICE EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN At our neurodiverse therapy center, we know how deeply our couples care about their twice exceptional (2e) children. These kids possess both exceptional abilities and learning differences, often leading to misunderstandings and mislabeling within society. As it is our desire to support the whole family, we want to help the children too. Thus, some of our team members have specialized in caring for twice exceptional children. These therapists work hard to comprehend the unique challenges faced by 2e children and to provide… Show More Take an Autism Test NAVIGATING DUAL EXCEPTIONALITIES GIFTED & AUTISM/ASPBERGER'S (ASD) The co-occurrence of giftedness and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges and opportunities. Our therapists specialize in understanding the intersection of these dual exceptionalities. They provide individualized support that acknowledges the strengths of gifted 2e children with ASD, such as their focused… Show More Take an ADHD Test ENSURING AN OPTIMAL EDUCATION: ADVOCATING FOR TWICE EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN Advocating for appropriate educational placement and support is crucial for 2e children to thrive academically and socially. Our therapists work closely with families, educators, and school administrators to advocate for individualized education plans (IEPs), gifted programs, acceleration, and other necessary accommodations. Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send FINAL WORDS At our neurodiverse therapy center, we recognize and embrace the unique strengths and challenges faced by twice exceptional children. Our therapists provide specialized support that addresses emotional intensity, executive functioning concerns, and the intersection of giftedness with various exceptionalities. Through evidence-based interventions, personalized approaches, and collaboration with families… Show More

< Back Soy Kim Hello, it’s nice to meet you! My name is Soy and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who earned my master’s in Clinical Psychology and studied Business during my undergraduate years. ​ I believe that therapy is a sacred space where one comes to learn to re-embrace their most authentic selves as well as their partner’s . These parts of us that were once labeled as cute, charming, or safe, have now become nuisances, being written off as “too sensitive,” “needy,” or “cold,” “disconnected.” Together, it is my hope to create a place where you can re-examine the strengths in yourselves and the other, remember what was alluring in the first place, and how might you renegotiate your relationship with new discoveries. My approach is balanced: Gentle yet firm, non-shaming and affirming, without enabling , and it is in my nature to support those who may feel stuck, unseen or unheard, to find their voice and bridge the connection where there is disconnect. ​ Neurodiverse Couples: Sometimes, it isn’t a mismatch in our personalities or values that impacts couples in challenging ways—sometimes, it’s our biology, and how does one change their biology?​ I offer neurodiverse couples the space, tools, and skills to both celebrate the relationship and also examine areas where there may be some challenges , learning how to respond to these challenges in a more connected way. Another part of my role is to help facilitate conversations that may challenge you to slow down to not just hear what your partner is saying, but to also take in their intention. Our world is so fast-paced, sometimes we forget to take a step back not just to listen to the words, but to hear what’s being said. ​ Another important piece to this is education and awareness: We will take the time to learn more about yourselves and how you relate to your partner, as well as understand the biology of your AS partner. The goal here is to help gain a better understanding about oneself and the other , so that when opportunities show up to connect, you can do so in a more attuned way. ​ I honor the relationship you have already built so far and look forward to seeing how else I can help nurture its growth. “When we reveal ourselves to our partner and find that this brings healing rather than harm, we make an important discovery—that intimate relationship can provide a sanctuary from the world of facades, a sacred space where we can be ourselves, as we are…This kind of unmasking—speaking our truth, sharing our inner struggles, and revealing our raw edges—is sacred activity, which allows two souls to meet and touch more deeply.” -John Welwood ​ Specialties (in addition to Neurodiversity): • Couples struggling with trauma • Communication and emotional intimacy • Parenting after child sexual abuse • Addiction & codependency • Affair recovery Clients: Couples, adults (young, middle, older), adolescents Modalities: Trauma-informed, Attachment-Based, Humanistic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Harm-Reduction, Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Relational Therapy, Psychodynamic ​ Languages: Fluent in English and Korean License: Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc. Specialty areas: Discernment, Intimate Partner Violence, Neurodiverse Couples Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) in mind, include the name(s) below: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours. Take an Autism Test

NEURODIVERSE COUPLES GROUP Schedule a Free Consult Now < Back FEELING ALONE IN YOUR NEURODIVERSE RELATIONSHIP? Join us for Different Minds, One Heart: A Neurodiverse Couples Group Our group goal is to provide a safe space for you to speak with other neurodiverse couples about how neurodiversity affects your relationship. Most couples quickly realize that their issues sound similar to everyone else's. This helps lessen the shame and stress you may be feeling and, hopefully, be more open to learning new ways to change and grow. Furthermore, a group can inspire awareness and change that individual therapy or solo work… Show More Take an Autism Test GROUP FORMAT Each group is limited to 5 couples. Couples meet for 1 hour and 15 minutes twice a month on Zoom. The group begins with a brief "relationship check-in." After this, there is a 15 to 20-minute training or discussion of a topic dealing with relationships. The topics (which… Show More Take an ADHD Test GROUP REQUIREMENTS The requirements are: You must have an initial couples interview session with your therapist/coach, although this may not be needed for current or past clients. You can not be in crisis. Your therapist/coach will help you define this. You must be willing to commit to at least eight… Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send Group FAQ Q: What's the first step? ​ A: Fill out this group contact form. ​ Q: What will the group cost? ​ A: $100/couple/session with a commitment of 8 sessions. Payment for each session is due after each session. Because the fee "reserves" your spot in the group, you will… Show More

ADHD WOMEN Schedule a Free Consult Now < Back THE OVERLOOKED SYMPTOMS OF AHDH IN WOMEN Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects people of all genders and ages, but the symptoms in adult women often go unrecognized or misdiagnosed. This is due to a lack of understanding about how ADHD manifests in women and the assumption that it only affects boys and men. The symptoms of ADHD in women can include forgetfulness, distractibility, disorganization, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation. Women with ADHD are often labeled as “scatter-brained” or “flaky,” but these symptoms can have a significant impact on… Show More Take an Autism Test THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES FOR WOMEN WITH ADHD We offer a range of therapeutic approaches for women with ADHD, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and coaching. CBT is particularly effective for ADHD, as it helps clients to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to ADHD… Show More Take an ADHD Test NEED PRACTICAL SKILLS? Our clients inevitably ask about learning practical skills. More specifically, it is important to find ways to navigate everyday tasks and challenges that can sometimes feel overwhelming with ADHD. Here are some detailed tips to help you master these skills and make your day-to-day life easier: Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send CURIOUS IF YOU ARE ADHD? In addition to our therapeutic services, we partner with the Adult Autism Assessment Center to provide formal assessments and reports for ADHD. ADHD Assessment Info ADHD Screening Test Information Take a ADHD Screening Test These assessments can provide clients with a formal diagnosis, as well as recommendations… Show More

< Back Kristin Herbert Background and Education Conceived accidentally during the “summer of love,” I was surrendered by my birth parents as an infant, then adopted and raised as one of two adopted children. Reunited with my birth parents and extended families on both sides as an adult has resulted in an inconclusive, ongoing self-study of nature and nurture. Following my divorce as a young adult, I earned an MFA in Poetry at the University of Pittsburgh in an effort to turn my heartbreak into poetry. My writer’s resume, in addition my own published poetry, fiction, journalism, and creative nonfiction, includes working as a university instructor, in academic and literary book publishing, as a massage therapist, and at educational nonprofit for underserved populations including foster youth. After my second divorce, as a single parent navigating complex relational trauma recovery and learning to accommodate and support the neurodivergence in my family, I earned a Master’s degree in clinical psychology and began training to became a therapist. Now, I am ten years along in a blended family that includes a spectrum of neurodiverse brains and nervous systems: those of my own and my partner, our combined four children, and our dog and cats. I find inspiration and meaning from my ongoing work with an array of clients who share the courage to turn inward in order to better understand their experience and relate ever more deeply to themselves and the people they love. ​ My Approach Imagine two different nervous systems, two divergent ways of experiencing and being in the world. Often, we find ourselves polarized, stuck in an either-or mentality, vying with the person we love most for our goodness, our truth, our most authentic way of being and being seen. In an effort to achieve a shared perspective, we may lose ourselves and invalidate one another. Couples therapy interventions that work for neurotypical couples can fall flat when neurodiversity is in the mix, leaving both partners feeling unseen, misunderstood, exhausted, and even hopeless. But there is hope, with a couples therapist who is dedicated to understanding the ways in which your neurodiversity affects your relationship. My approach is informed by curiosity and attachment theory, as well as the ability to hold complexity and paradox. Moving from an either-or to a both-and perspective, our minds can expand to imagine another point of view without sacrificing our own. Nowhere is this opportunity more present than in a neurodiverse relationship. I will help you discover the best of both worlds where each of you make sense, all of your feelings are valid and important, and you can turn to one another with vulnerability. We will work in session to create shared experiences of safety so your nervous systems can re-set, and your brains and bodies can form new pathways to connection. Highly Sensitive Nervous Systems Neurodivergent minds often run highly sensitive nervous systems. Whether diagnosed (or mis-diagnosed) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), giftedness, twice-exceptional learners (2e), anxiety, depression, relational trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or any number of other labels, including self-identified “creatives,” many people report experiencing sensory overload. I understand how that feels and how it can impact relationships. I will help you identify and craft ways to support your nervous system and those of your loved ones in your home, relationships, and life. Trust, Infidelity and Betrayal When we love, we are vulnerable. When trust is broken, it can be hard to imagine moving forward. But it’s important to process what happened. Because the rupture was relational, so too must the healing be relational. We’ll work together to understand the factors that contributed to this traumatic experience. We will grieve what was lost and tend to your wounded parts. Whether you are the betrayed or the betrayer, whether you choose to move through this traumatic experience separately or together, you will not be alone. I will help you make sense of what happened and re-establish safety and self-esteem. Blended families ​ My lived experience comprises adoption, biological relations, step-families, divorce, blended families, and neurodiversity. We will work together to map and understand your family of origin patterns, to express your conscious beliefs about what love means, and to explore how your behaviors reveal unknown parts about yourselves and one another. Viktor Frankl writes, “there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” In session, we will explore the space between. Other Areas of Focus Supporting neurodiverse couples Exploring and fine-tuning Coping Skills Understanding and Healing Family Dysfunction Establishing Healthy Boundaries Increasing Connection and Intimacy Implementing Self-Compassion and Self-Care Processing Relational Trauma (cPTSD) & Post-Traumatic Growth Mapping Attachment Patterns Processing Grief and Ambiguous Grief Healing from Infidelity and Betrayal Trauma Discernment Counseling Processing Grief related to Infertility and/or Miscarriage Supporting Caregivers Identifying and Healing Burnout Improving Co-Parenting Supporting Life Transitions Coaching Parents, including Single Parents, Co-parents, Adoptive Parents, and Step-parents Exploring Identity LGBTQIA+ Allied Clients Couples Individuals (including Single Parents) Families (including Divorced and Bended Families and Single-Parent Families) Modalities Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples Existential Therapy Experiential Therapy Attachment-based Therapy Compassion-focused, Humanistic Therapy Culturally Sensitive Therapy Internal Family Systems (IFS) Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic/ Relational Therapy Trauma-Informed Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Coaching License Licensed MFT #141308 Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc. Specialty areas: Cassandra, Sex-Kink-Poly, Parenting Neurodiversity, Emotion Focused Therapy, LGBTQIA+, Trans, Buddist - Spiritual, Affairs, Neurodiverse Couples, Autism, ADHD, Blended, Parenting, Discernment, Sex Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) in mind, include the name(s) below: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours. Take an Autism Test

< Back Blaze Lazarony My Story I’m Barbara Lazarony, but everyone calls me Blaze. For 20 years, I worked in the fast-paced world of retail, where, as a Senior Director, I led and mentored executives and managed $2.5 billion in sales in 42 locations across the United States. I was uber-successful with a sassy job title and a large office overlooking Market Street in San Francisco. The young girl born on a farm in rural Ohio thought she had finally made it! I was living as an overstressed workaholic. The signs that something was wrong with my health kept getting louder and louder until I couldn’t ignore them 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, plus a fantastic therapist and coach. The truth was, I had no idea who I was beyond my job title. ​ Sadly, no one in the medical profession back then 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 don’t have Autism or ADHD; however, I know what it feels like to be different from everyone else! ​ CANCER WAS THE SPARK I NEEDED TO IGNITE THE FIRE THAT CHANGED MY LIFE. –BLAZE LAZARONY That fire led me to become an Advanced Certified Integral Coach and start 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 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, I have navigated different types of cancer twice and supported my life partner through his own cancer journey. I also have a history of autoimmune disease diagnosis; therefore, I am someone who understands the deep well of grief that needs to be acknowledged and validated in therapy. ​ Main Areas of Focus Neurodiverse Couples I am committed to helping couples like you who are neurodiverse. I’ve learned how to love and be loved by my husband; we’ve been together since we were seniors in high school forty years ago. We have experienced grief, loss, the death of loved ones, financial issues, health challenges, and even being separated for two years, yet we continue to love each other. I offer my clients both the lived experience and the clinical training to navigate the challenges of neurodiverse relationships because I’m in one myself. So, if you’re trying to navigate relationship challenges, I can help. For example, many couples come to therapy with communication difficulties; perhaps they can’t understand one another or are having trouble communicating their needs to their partner, leading to misunderstandings and even conflict. Clients also express having problems managing their levels of anxiety or impulsivity, where one person constantly feels stressed or overwhelmed while the other is more relaxed. Finding a balance between giving someone space to feel their feelings and not trying to “fix” them is a topic we address in therapy. I help both partners in a neurodiverse relationship learn to understand each other better by using specific strategies for communication. Communicating openly with your partner about what you need and being willing to negotiate is essential. Let’s face it: all of us get triggered, and some strategies can help manage these triggers, especially in neurodiverse relationships. Key strategies include learning about each other's unique triggers and creating ways to manage overstimulation. If you are in a neurodiverse relationship and struggling, please reach out to me for help. You deserve to create a thriving relationship full of patience, love, and understanding. ​ Sensory Processing Difficulties Supporting clients with sensory processing disorders, such as Alexithymia, HSP (Highly Sensitive People), and Interoception difficulties, requires a comprehensive and tailored approach. As a professional, I thrive in supporting clients who have challenges processing and interpreting sensory information, leading to anxiety, discomfort, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Therefore, creating a safe and calm environment that minimizes sensory triggers and provides clients with the tools needed to regulate their sensory systems is essential. This may include sensory integration therapy, mindfulness techniques, and self-awareness exercises. As a practitioner, I strive to make this process enjoyable by incorporating fun activities like sensory play, relaxation exercises, and positive reinforcement. By supporting my clients with sensory processing disorders, I can help them develop the skills needed to thrive daily. ​ Adult Autism & ADHD Assessments I provide neurodiversity-affirmative assessments and therapeutic services to empower individuals to reach their full potential. I utilize a comprehensive process, including questionnaires, discussions, observations, and evaluations for adults to assess for Autism and ADHD. Including the in-depth MIDAS-2 and SRS-2 for Autism and the CAARS and Brown EF/A scales for ADHD. Together, we will explore and identify opportunities for your personal growth, acknowledging your unique Autistic and ADHD-filled gifts so that you can lead a life of success and fulfillment. In addition, I understand the special difficulties that neurodivergent individuals face daily. I strive to help my clients confront these challenges head-on, ultimately finding ways to communicate better, socialize easily, and feel more comfortable in the world. I am excited to be your advocate, mentor, and therapist on this journey; if I could have had help when I received my neurodiverse diagnosis, it would have made a world of difference. I would be honored to join you on your path toward hope and confidence! Specialties and Certifications Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor Neurodiverse Couples Specialist 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! Guest Lecturer on Leadership at California State University Northridge Co-Author of five books-including two about business and two of poetry Links to Blog Posts Barbara (Blaze) Lazarony's Blog Posts Specialty areas: Assessment, Sex, Sex-Kink-Poly, Discernment, Cancer & Autism, Neurodiverse Couples, Autism, Cassandra, Couples Retreat, Brainspotting Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) in mind, include the name(s) below: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours. Take an Autism Test

< Back Adela Stone Adela is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who graduated with an MA in Clinical Counseling. She also has a Master’s degree in Journalism which she received in Europe where she is from. She speaks three languages and understands the need to tailor therapy based on cultural backgrounds. Her experience as an immigrant helps Adela to empathize with her client’s life challenges, and her early parental and spousal losses enable her to connect with others in mourning. It has also boosted her resilience and given her a worldview atypical for her age. She has gone through a big marital challenge herself during her current second marriage and has undergone couples therapy. She is now a part of a blended family which enables her to understand some of the tricky dynamics of step parenting. NEURODIVERSE COUPLES: The most common complaint of a neurotypical person in partnership with a neurodiverse person is the partner's rigidity. Often, the individuals in this type of relationship suffered attachment injuries. Making Sense of Differences I can help you shed light on some of your partner's behaviors and make sense of the hurt, misunderstanding and resentment you may feel. It is normal to go through grieving: for the past of your relationship that wasn't neurotypical as well as for the future of your union that will be always be a bit different. Your brains aren't wired the same way. Neuroscience research show us that People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may appear stuck or have shutdowns or meltdowns because they are often in a state of overwhelm in which someone with Asperger's is scared, frustrated, or angry, as well as withdrawn. This state is often referred to as Defense Mode. Defense Mode I can help you understand the Defense Mode that a neurodivergent person often employs so that you can help yourself or your partner from shutting down so often. Perhaps you know what the signs of Defense Mode are by now. The neurodivergent partner isn't trying to be mean. In fact, they are doing the best they can with the emotional resources they have, AND they can do better: for the sake of both of you as human beings worthy of love and acceptance, and for the sake of the future of your relationship. There are ways to help yourself or your loved one come out of Defense Mode. The two fundamental ones center around decompression time and trust building which is comprised of four necessary pillars that we can work on putting together. Your partner isn't being willful. Their definition of an issue you are dealing with just isn't the same as yours. Listening to Understand Talking in order to connect is a basic human need but we need to have a common shared understanding first. The message about what this shared understanding actually is can get blurred or corrupted. If you have a common language you can define shared values and shared expectations. Remember that forcing a conversation will lead nowhere. We can work on how to ensure an important conversation does take place though. I'm sure you know listening is important but are you actually using efficient and respectful listening with your partner? If you are, both of you will experience less frustration. Listen to understand, not to form a defensive retort in your mind as they speak. Understand what it is like to be them. I get that it isn't fair to you, the neurotypical partner, it feels as though you are doing all the work. I agree, it isn't fair but you are in a partnership and are here so I assume you do want to try. I am in the business of hope and positivity and would like to offer you some. I have seen neurodiverse marriages succeed. Other areas of focus (in addition to Neurodiversity): Healthy Grieving as a Couple Couples going through life transitions Co-parenting Kink-aware couples therapy Couples with mismatched sexual desires LGBTQIA+ ally Differences in sexual taste and style Guidance through nonmonogamy/polyamory Blended families/step families Languages: Fluent in Czech, French and English Clients: Couples, Families, Young Adults Modalities: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-based Therapy, Gestalt, Positive Psychology, Existential Therapy, Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy. License: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT #143787, APCC #9260 Specialty areas: Sex, Sex-Kink-Poly, Neurodiverse Couples, Cassandra, DBT, Intimate Partner Violence, Blended Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) in mind, include the name(s) below: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours. Take an Autism Test

< Back Monica Attia Neurodiverse Couples: What is often missing from traditional couples counseling is the acknowledgment of diversity in neurotype, culture, career, and family dynamics. Drawing on my own personal experiences, which involve navigating the complexities of cultural adaptation, major career transitions, and my own neurodiverse marriage, I am dedicated to supporting couples in similar situations. Our approach is rooted in acknowledging and celebrating these diversities, while working collaboratively with couples to create a harmony and synergy unique to them. In our sessions, we delve into the intersectionality of neurodiversity, culture, career, and family influences, with the goal of fostering a holistic approach to your relationship dynamic. Together, we explore the intricate interplay of these factors, creating a space where understanding, resilience, and celebration of differences form the foundation for lasting connections. To put it simply: It’s impossible to truly know someone without acknowledging what makes them different. And as the old adage goes... to know someone is to love someone. This is a therapy experience that not only acknowledges the diverse facets of your relationship, but also embraces them as catalysts for growth and harmony. My Roots: I am a first generation Egyptian-American lawyer turned therapist with ADHD and autism. My younger self struggled with the pressure to conform both culturally and neurotypically. I believed that I would only have a healthy life and happy relationships if I forced myself to be “normal.” I later learned that celebratory self-acceptance opens the door to meaningful connections. I now take pride in my neurodivergence. So much so, that if given the option, I wouldn’t switch brains. Even if it would have definitely made my childhood and adolescence easier. Why? Because my neurodiversity connects me to a community of resilient and amazing folks. It’s now my life’s mission as a therapist to support and celebrate other neurodiverse individuals and couples . This world wasn’t designed with our needs in mind, but this world is made better because we’re in it. You deserve to feel seen and understood, too. ​ NEURO-INCLUSIVE NOURISHMENT ​ The Paradox of Food Food is paradoxical. It’s necessary for survival, yet can feel like torture. It’s deeply personal, yet everyone around you has an opinion. It’s supposedly simple, and yet it’s often complicated. Food can simultaneously feel fun and connecting, and yet dangerous and isolating.For the neurodiverse mind, this paradox is understandably frustrating and overwhelming. Eating “properly” felt like a full time job that I never had enough energy for thanks to sensory issues, executive dysfunction, and the shame for not conforming to the “societal norm.” Societal Expectations Because, of course, the media, family, friends, peers and literal strangers, have a lot to say about our food and our bodies. It’s incessant, aggravating, contradicting, and completely unrealistic. It doesn’t take into account your specific history, trauma, medical needs, culture, neurotype, or preferences! So let’s opt out of those societal expectations, and figure out what you need together. Without judgment, without coercion, and with lots of empathy, because I’ve lived the struggle too. A nourished body and a peaceful mind are possible. ​ To read more about Neuro-inclusive Nourishment, click here. ​ Certificates Board registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #141520 (supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , clinical director) Certified in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Certified in Brainspotting (for trauma therapy) She Rocks the Spectrum Therapist Neuro-inclusive Nourishment Specialist Education Masters of Science, Marriage and Family Therapy - San Diego State University Post-Baccalaureate Psychological Science Program - University of California, Irvine Juris Doctor - Georgetown University Law Center Bachelor of Arts, Political Science - University of California, Los Angeles ​ Clients Neurodiverse women Autistic, ADHD, Highly Sensitive People Neurodiverse clients with eating struggles Neurodiverse couples Modalities In my therapy practice, I use and am trained in the following client-centered modalities as they align with my belief in the significance of emotions, personal narratives, and the mind-body connection in healing and personal growth: Emotionally Focused Therapy Brainspotting (for trauma therapy) Internal Family Systems Narrative Therapy License Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, #139592 (supervised by Dr. Harry Motro , clinical director) Specialty areas: Sex-Kink-Poly, Trans, Assessment, ADHD, Autism, Eating & Autism, Teens, Sex, Brainspotting, Neurodiverse Couples, Internal Family Systems, LGBTQIA+ Reach Out Now First name Last name Email If you have a therapist(s) in mind, include the name(s) below: Send Thanks for reaching out! We will respond within 24 hours. Take an Autism Test