Neuro-affirming therapy

for children, teens, & adults

Beyond the Label: My Philosophy

For many, a diagnosis feels like finally receiving the manual to a brain they’ve been living with for years. For others, labels feel restrictive or incomplete. My philosophy is simple: You are the expert on your own lived experience.

I operate from a neuro-affirming, social-model perspective. This means I don't see your autism, ADHD, or unique processing style as a "disorder" to be cured. Instead, I see a person trying to navigate a world that wasn't necessarily built with their sensory needs, communication styles, or executive functioning in mind.

In our sessions, the goal isn't to make you "fit in" or appear more neurotypical. We work together to identify the friction points between your brain and your environment, moving toward a life that prioritizes your well-being.

How I Support Neurodivergent Teens

The teenage years are a massive transition, but for neurodivergent teens, the pressure can feel amplified. Whether it’s navigating the sensory overwhelm of high school or the "hidden curriculum" of social groups, it’s a lot to carry. In my practice, therapy is a neutral ground where your way of being is respected, not evaluated.

How we work together:

  • Self-Advocacy: Learning how to understand your own needs and ask for accommodations in a way that feels empowering.

  • Executive Functioning with Compassion: Finding "brain-hacks" that actually fit how you process tasks, rather than forcing neurotypical systems that don't work.

  • Interest-Led Connection: Your passions aren't distractions, they are strengths. We use your deep interests as a bridge to understanding yourself and the world.

How I Support Late-Diagnosed Adults

Discovering you are neurodivergent as an adult often brings a complex mix of relief, validation, and even grief for the younger you who struggled without knowing why. If you are late-diagnosed, we hold space for that transition.

We look back at your history with a new, kinder lens. Together, we can re-evaluate past "failures" as misunderstood needs and explore how to build a future that actually fits who you are now. We focus on:

  • Unmasking: Navigating the exhaustion of performing for others and discovering your authentic self.

  • Sensory Sovereignty: Designing a lifestyle and environment that respects your sensory profile.

  • Values-Aligned Living: Moving toward what matters to you, even when the world feels overwhelming

A Space for the Authentic Self

Modern life often demands "masking"—the exhausting process of hiding your true self to stay safe or successful in neurotypical spaces. My practice is a mask-optional zone.

Whether you need to move while we talk, prefer to keep your camera off during virtual sessions, or find that eye contact is more distracting than helpful, you are welcome here exactly as you are. We use curiosity and humor to explore your strengths and sensitivities, building a toolkit that honors your mind, rather than fighting against it.

Resources

I believe in staying curious. Here are some resources that the neurodivergent community often finds helpful for navigating a world that wasn't built for us.

Stuff to Read

Things to Watch & Listen to

Local Connections (Lower Mainland)

  • AutismBC: A hub for resources and community events in Vancouver and Burnaby. https://www.autismbc.ca/ 

  • Canucks Autism Network (CAN): Great for youth and adult programs focused on social connection and employment. https://canucksautism.ca/ 

  • This World’s Ours (TWO): An inclusive centre in the heart of Vancouver providing a safe, social space and a variety of programs for neurodiverse children and families. https://www.thisworldsours.com/