Navigating Neurodiversity in a Politicized World

When I say that I’m Neurodiversity affirming, I know that that’s a political statement. Neurodivergent people of all sorts experience marginalization even within the mental health world. Grad school programs don’t teach about ADHD or Autism. so its important to me to always be learning and growing in this area. In my practice, I believe that neurodiversity is a superpower—and I’m here to help you harness it. Below is information on how I work with the top three neurodiverse identities I see in my practice. Whether you're juggling ADHD, navigating the unique challenges of Autism (or AUDHD), or managing the ups and downs of Bipolar Type II, I offer a warm, affirming space to explore your experiences.

ADHD: Embracing the Need for Fun and Connection

For many with ADHD, fun is as essential as food or sleep. When you’re wired to crave novelty and stimulation, when you’ve been striving for a perfection that no one gives you credit for, when impulsivity gets in the way of every goal you try to set, it’s no surprise also that political anxiety and religious trauma hit differently. The constant barrage of intense information—be it from political chaos or dogmatic religious messages—can leave you feeling overstimulated, misunderstood, and downright exhausted.

In our sessions, we work together to:

• Explore how ADHD has impacted you from childhood to now

  • Messages about your worthiness, about being too much or not enough at the same time

  • Looking how perfectionism and imposter syndrome prevent you from trying new things .

• Prioritize Fun as a Basic Need:

  • Design strategies to incorporate joy and play into your daily routine

  • Work to address shame and anxiety that keep you from following the dopamine

  • Recognize that taking breaks for fun isn’t just okay—it’s necessary.

• Connect you to resources

  • Medication management referrals are necessary for many people with ADHD and I’m happy to help you find the right fit.

  • Learn techniques to manage the sensory overload and emotional intensity that can accompany these experiences

By validating your need for fun and acknowledging the extra burden political and religious stressors can impose, we work on transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth and self-empowerment.

Bipolar Type II: Navigating Energy Shifts and Activist Burnout

For folks with Bipolar Type II, the world can feel like a rollercoaster of energy highs and lows. When you're deeply invested in social justice or activism, it’s easy to overcommit during those high-energy moments, only to be hit hard by periods of low mood and hopelessness. People with Bipolar have big feelings and Political anxiety can be especially challenging, worsening depression and anxiety symptoms.

In our sessions, we focus on:

• Recognizing Energy Cycles:

  • Identify patterns in your energy levels to prevent burnout. (Think: creating activity menus so you can always be moving forward even when you’re struggling.)

  • Develop realistic goals that align with your current capacity.

  • Learn about lesser known symptoms (did you know hypomania can be purely anxious/panicky?)

• Balancing Activism with Self-Care:

  • Like folks with ADHD you need to honor your need for novelty and fun as well as the opposing needs for rhythm and routine.

  • Learn to pace your efforts so that you can contribute without sacrificing your well-being.

• Addressing Hopelessness:

  • Work on strategies to combat the overwhelming sense of despair when facing global issues.

  • Cultivate moments of hope and connection, even when the world feels like it’s falling apart.

It’s all about finding that sweet spot where you can be an effective advocate for change without depleting your emotional reserves. With a blend of self-compassion and practical planning, you can learn to navigate the ups and downs in a way that honors your needs and values.

Ready to Connect?

If you're ready to explore a path that honors your neurodivergent identity and helps you thrive amid political and personal challenges, let’s talk. I’m here to create a space that’s as dynamic, multifaceted, and vibrant as you are. Reach out, and let’s start crafting a life where your unique brain is celebrated and your well-being is the top priority.

Autism and AUDHD: Embracing Your Unique Perspective

I take a neurodiversity-affirming approach to working with Autistic folks, including those who identify as having AUDHD—a mix of autism and ADHD traits. I believe Autistic folks make incredible activist leaders due to the embrace of direct communication and unflinching values. In my practice, I support self-diagnosis because your lived experience is the ultimate authority on your own mind (and research backs this UP). This approach means I honor the ways your brain works and help you leverage your unique strengths while addressing the challenges that can arise.

Here’s how we can work together:

• Self-Discovery and Validation:

  • Embrace your neurodivergent identity without feeling pressured to fit into a predefined mold. (Did you know your strong sense of justice can make you an incredible activist?)

  • Validate your experiences and recognize the strengths that come with thinking differently. Think many “omg that’s why I’m like this!” moments.

• Tailored Strategies for Connection:

  • Instead of helping you mask more I strive to help you find your people that will support you in the unmasking process.

  • Create personalized routines that integrate your need for structure with your desire for creative freedom. Your special interests are VALUABLE coping skills

• Managing Overwhelm:

  • Tackle the sensory overload and emotional burnout that can come from both external pressures and internal processing differences.

  • Establish calming rituals that help ground you during moments of stress—whether that’s a quiet space, mindful movement, or a bit of humor to lighten the mood.

In a world that often expects a one-size-fits-all approach, our work together celebrates the diversity of your mind and empowers you to create a life that truly fits you

Bringing It All Together: A Personalized, Compassionate Approach

At the heart of my practice is a commitment to meeting you where you are—no matter how your brain works or how the world around you is spinning. My approach is grounded in authenticity, humor, and a genuine belief that healing comes from embracing your true self. Here’s what you can expect when we work together:

• Personalized Therapy:

  • Every session is tailored to your unique experiences, challenges, and strengths. Your needs come before whatever modality we are using, every time.

  • We blend evidence-based techniques with a warm, conversational style that feels like talking to a friend (aka, I welcome your info dumps, and you don’t have to smile if you don’t feel like it or even speak out loud! That’s what the chat feature is for.)

• Holistic Care:

  • Whether you’re grappling with ADHD, navigating autism or AUDHD, or managing the ebbs and flows of Bipolar Type II, I offer a range of tools to help you find balance.

  • We balance embracing your neurodiversity with helping you calm down the aspects of your experience that are more negative (sensory overwhelm, depression, anxiety, etc.)

• Empowerment Through Connection:

  • Build a toolbox of strategies that empower you to handle life’s chaos, from setting boundaries to finding moments of joy in every day.

  • Not to mention all my groups are neurodiversity affirming (and attract a lot of neurodivergent folks). There are pathways to community here.

Whether you’re seeking more fun in your daily routine, a deeper understanding of your sensory experiences, or a way to balance your activist spirit with your emotional well-being, I’m here to support you every step of the way.