Supporting Parents/Caregivers of Neurodivergent Children

I provide trauma-informed counselling for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children and adults who wish to better understand the roots of emotional and behavioural patterns not simply manage or suppress them. Rather than using traditional methods such as consequences and rewards I focus on co-regulation, connection, attachment and attunement to help create meaningful, safe, change.

My goal is to help families and individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to nurture authenticity, resilience, and self-acceptance.

How I Strive to Be Neuro-Affirming in My Work

Being neuro-affirming means meeting people as they are not who the world thinks they “should” be. In my practice, I work to create a space where differences aren’t pathologized, minimized, or “fixed,” but understood, supported, and validated.

Here’s what that looks like:

🌿 Honouring lived experience
I listen to how you/your child describes your/their inner world instead of fitting someone into preset boxes. Lived experience guides the work.

🌿 Reducing shame
There’s no “right” way to think, feel, process, communicate, or move through the world. I aim to normalize differences, not judge them.

🌿 Understanding nervous system needs
Sensory overwhelm, shutdowns, intense focus, emotional intensity these aren’t character flaws. They’re signals. Together, we explore what your body/your child’s body might need for safety and regulation.

🌿 Expecting and welcoming stimming, movement, silence, and pacing
Therapy doesn’t require stillness or eye contact. You can shift, fidget, draw, avoid direct conversation for a bit whatever helps you/ your child feel grounded.

🌿 Collaborative, not prescriptive
We’re not trying to “change who you are.” We’re building strategies around strengths, needs, and patterns.

🌿 Respecting communication differences
Whether you process out loud, slowly, indirectly, internally, or through stories or metaphors I adjust to your style, not the other way around.

🌿 Making room for burnout and masking
We talk openly about the exhaustion that comes from masking, the pressure to appear “fine,” and the relief of being able to unmask in a safe space.

Being neuro-affirming is an ongoing practice. I’m always learning, listening, and adjusting so therapy feels like a place where you/your child can show up exactly as you are.