Neurodivergent- affirming therapy in Phoenix, AZ
Online throughout Arizona, Massachusetts & Ohio
Navigating life in a neurotypical world
If you’re neurodivergent, you may process and experience the world differently than neurotypical people do. There is nothing wrong with you, and you do not need to be “fixed.” However, living in world that assumes neurotypical as “the norm” can have its challenges. Perhaps you..
Criticize yourself for not meeting neurotypical expectations
Question your needs for accommodation or support
Mask parts of yourself to fit in or avoid being misunderstood
Believe negative messages about yourself that you experienced at some point in your life
Worry that you’re “too much” or “not enough”
If this matches your experience, you may find yourself..
Feeling burnt out from constantly masking your natural ways of being in the world and adapting to other people's expectations
Overwhelmed by sensory input or social demands
Struggling with executive functioning, transitions, organization, or getting started
Feeling misunderstood by people you care about
Comparing yourself to people who seem to have an easier time
Struggling to recognize what you actually want related to years of doing what you think you should do
Neurodivergent-affirming Therapy for Adults
My Approach
I offer neurodiversity-affirming therapy to help you better understand yourself, navigate a world that doesn’t always feel designed for you, and to support you in building a life that feels more authentic and sustainable.
You may be navigating low self-worth, anxiety, depression or the impact of painful life events, while also trying to understand how your neurodivergence affects your experience.
Together, we’ll explore the connections between your thoughts, emotions, sensations, relationships, and environment. We will also look at the ways you've learned to cope, and whether those strategies continue to serve you.
I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is an inherently neurodiversity affirming approach. From an ACT perspective, there is no single “right way” for the human mind to work. We build self-acceptance and work with your natural ways of moving through the world, rather than against them.
In some cases, EMDR may be helpful with healing from painful life events that continue to impact your life today.
My practice is also rooted in mindful self-compassion, which can help you develop a different relationship with yourself based in understanding and kindness.
My approach is always collaborative. I trust you as the authority of your own experience, and I’m here to guide you in uncovering your own internal resources and developing them from the inside out.
How neurodivergent-affirming therapy can help
Have a non-judgmental and welcoming space to talk about your experience
Understand yourself better and develop self-acceptance
Recognize signs of overwhelm and prevent burnout
Navigate relationships while staying connected to yourself
Learn new ways of responding to your inner critic and build self-compassion
Create a life that works with your brain, not against it
Therapy Approaches
ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help you develop a healthier relationship with thoughts and feelings. Rather than trying to argue with or work against your thoughts, you'll learn skills for making room for difficult emotions while staying connected to what matters most to you.
EMDR
If you have experienced painful or overwhelming past events, EMDR may help you process those experiences so they feel less emotionally charged and continue to have less influence on your present life.
Self-compassion
Self-compassion-focused therapy can help you respond to yourself with greater kindness rather than criticism. If you tend to judge yourself for who you are, self-compassion can help you develop a more supportive relationship with yourself.
Tara (she/her), MSW/LICSW, ACT/EMDR/ Self-compassion informed therapist
Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy for Adults
Frequently Asked Questions
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Neurodiversity-affirming therapy recognizes that there are many different ways to process information, and experience the world. Rather than viewing neurodivergence as a deficit that needs to be fixed, therapy focuses on helping you to understand yourself, honor your needs, and find ways to navigate life
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No. You don't need a formal diagnosis to explore whether a neurodiversity-affirming approach is right for you. You may already identify as neurodivergent, be questioning whether you are neurodivergent, or simply recognize that traditional expectations don't seem to fit the way your brain works.
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Yes. We can explore the factors contributing to overwhelm and burnout, recognize your limits and needs, and develop strategies that support your energy and capacity rather than simply asking you to push through.
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If you are interested in learning more about starting therapy with me, you can book a FREE 15 minute consultation. If we decide to work together, we will then schedule a 60 minute initial evaluation. During the evaluation, we’ll talk more in depth about the concerns that are bringing you in, and we’ll collaborate to create a plan for our work together, including your hopes and goals as well as how often we will meet.