Belonging

Neurodivergence is a focus of my work and also shapes the lens through which I see the world. Why do I cover other things? Intersectionality is the reality most of us are living. I don’t see a big jump from the experiences that come up around neurodivergence and broader issues that impact our sense of belonging.

ADHD, autism, sensory differences, late identification, masking, burnout are areas where my training, research, and personal experience often converge. So if you are exploring any of these for the first time or looking for someone who understands them from the inside, I would love to help.

But my way of being also offers me a special ease exploring things we may consider awkward or learn not to talk about. I notice an overlap between things we learn not to talk about and the very issues that leave people feeling left out. Our sense of belonging can be greatly impacted by our sexual experience, divorce, miscarriage, gender stereotypes, body image, trauma and relationships that need to change or end as we grow. Silence around certain topics doesn’t serve people. Speaking up about what doesn't feel right has always been intuitive to me and has not always made me popular. But having a different social filter can offer a benefit even if it is awkward. As it turns out, silence protects outdated frameworks that need our attention.

I’m not a therapist. I’m not bound by the rules they must observe around self-disclosure. But I am a thoughtful and deliberate communicator. I use the freedom of my unique role as an educator with discernment. I bring these topics into my work when they are relevant and useful. If you’ve ever connected with another person who has walked a similar path, you already know that recognition is powerful. Speaking openly about what emerges in our human experience is always an option here.