I have always worked with folks whose brains are wired differently. All people—whether you identify as neurodivergent, neurotypical, or something else entirely—are welcome in my practice. To me, the essence of neurodiversity-affirming counselling is rolling out the red carpet for people to come as they are, not how they are “supposed” to be. Some out-of-the-box thinking and creative therapeutic strategies don’t hurt either.
I am a neurodivergent counsellor who endeavours to provide an inclusive counselling practice which welcomes autistic people, ADHDers, folks with OCD, people with sensory processing issues, high sensitivity, trauma, mental health conditions, learning disabilities and other neuro-variances. If you don’t relate to any of the above, I welcome you too!
I acknowledge people who are self-diagnosed, professionally-diagnosed, late-diagnosed, suspect that they are neurodivergent, and those who also come from marginalized populations whose neurodivergence has traditionally been ignored by the neuronormative world: women, older adults, AFAB/trans/queer folks and racialized people.
I also work with couples where one or both members is neurodivergent, as well as people supporting neurodivergent children, family members or friends.
My therapy approach is unique to you and is collaborative: we start with an assessment of your concerns and work together on a plan to help make things better, using strategies that make sense to you. There is no one size fits all.
I am guided by the following principles in my work:
Traditional models of psychotherapy often need adjustment for neurodivergent people. This may include:
Whether it is an office, video and phone session, clients choose what format works the best for them and it is common to have to modify further. Examples of this could include:
The terminology in this area can be very bewildering and words are often unknowingly confused. Dr. Nick Walker elucidates such terms better than I ever could.
If you’re interested in what I offer, and would like to know more before making an appointment, please be in touch so we can arrange a free 15-minute phone or video consultation. I would love to talk with you!
The author, a late-diagnosed autistic and advocate, discusses his life experiences as an undiagnosed autistic person and the sense he has made of them now, since knowing that he is autistic. He also weighs in on social changes that would greatly benefit the quality of life for autistic folks.
The authors unite their perspectives towards their pursuit of disability justice. Ashburn is a mother of two autistic boys and Edwards is an autistic parent with autistic children.
Lived experience of ADHD and on-the-ground strategies to help from the couple behind @adhd_love.
Autistic women speak out about their personal experiences.
Anthology of autistic voices.
A fascinating, and detailed account of the history of autism. The author also argues for the benefits of a neurodivergent-affirming world.
This neurodivergent author turns her attention to neurodivergence in women, who have traditionally been ignored in neurodiversity research and practice. A great resource for women who suspect that they might be neurodivergent.
A fresh read from an autistic author, who sheds light on the experience of masked autism and how to free oneself from it.
List of private master’s-level counsellors, or their interns, offering subsidized counselling. Updated quarterly.
Private clinic offering free, online group co-working sessions for folks with ADHD: Wednesdays 11am-1pm, PST.
Private company offering lower-cost ADHD assessments via nurse practitioners. Website also has numerous articles about ADHD.
Adult ADHD support groups run by trained facilitators with lived experience of ADHD.
Database of autism self-screening tests including some you may encounter as part of a formal autism assessment.
National lending library of autism and intellectual disabilities, available to all Canadians, free of charge. Will ship books anywhere in Canada.
Call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7. Other professionals available through this line include after-hours pharmacists, exercise professionals and dieticians
Canada-wide, 24/7 professional phone counselling and other support options.
Resource list, updated quarterly.