Frequently asked questions
What does neurodiversity affirming therapy mean? How is it different than regular therapy?
Much of therapy in the United States has historically been influenced by the medical model, which understands emotional distress and human differences primarily through the lens of diagnosis, disorder, and pathology. Within this framework, experiences are often categorized as normal or abnormal, healthy or unhealthy, functioning or malfunctioning.
Neurodiversity affirming therapy offers a different perspective. Rather than viewing neurodivergence as a disorder or deficit, the neurodiversity paradigm understands it as a natural and valuable form of human diversity. The goal isn't to make people appear or become "more neurotypical," but to support people in understanding themselves more deeply and living in ways that feel increasingly authentic and sustainable.
To me, being truly neurodiversity affirming also means practicing from a nonpathologizing, anti-oppressive perspective. My work is also informed by Disability Justice and a decolonial lens that invites curiosity about the assumptions and cultural narratives that shape how we understand health, productivity, independence, success, and what it means to "function." It also honors that there are many ways of knowing, understanding ourselves, and moving through the world.
Therapy can provide a unique space to explore the many parts of our identities and how they intersect. Many people find themselves revisiting past experiences through a neurodiversity affirming lens, making sense of experiences that were confusing or painful, working through shame, cultivating self-compassion, or identifying accommodations that allow life to feel more accessible and aligned with who they are.
Often people want to talk about unmasking and feel supported in what may come up for them during this ongoing and very personal process. Sometimes clients are wanting to begin to feel more connected to the body, or maybe are experiencing meltdowns, shutdowns, or neurodivergent burnout. We may talk about our unique nervous systems and how to support them in general and specific ways. Other common topics that may come up are managing life transitions, processing the pros and cons of a formal diagnosis, navigating self-disclosure and boundaries with loved ones, or working through grief and ongoing work/life/energy balance issues.
Sometimes people are not looking to talk about neurodivergence directly at all. They simply want to see a neurodivergent therapist because it can feel like a safer space to process other concerns they bring to therapy.
Do you have in person appointments available?
Inner Worlds Counseling, LLC is a telehealth only practice. I see clients who are located in the following states: Pennsylvania (PA), New Hampshire (NH), Nevada (NV), Delaware (DE), Vermont (VT), South Carolina (SC), Florida (FL) , Alaska (AK) and Oklahoma (OK). I offer telehealth appointments exclusively for accessibility.
What does trauma informed mean?
Trauma informed means that a provider normalizes the experience of having trauma - because as humans most of us have had this experience in some shape or form. This is particularly true for neurodivergent people since we are living in a world that in many ways isn't designed for our neurotype. I assume that anyone I'm in session with may have trauma, even if they haven't disclosed it or may not want to ever share it with me. A trauma informed approach seeks to always understand and respond to the impact of trauma on people's lives with an emphasis on physical, psychological and emotional safety.
What therapeutic modalities do you use?
The neurodiversity-affirming approach isn't centered in a single modality. Rather, it's a way of understanding people that recognizes neurological differences as part of human diversity rather than something to be fixed.
My work is also informed by anti-oppression, Disability Justice, and a decolonial lens that invites curiosity about the systems, assumptions, and cultural narratives that shape how we understand health, productivity, independence, success, and what it means to "function well." It also honors that there are many ways of knowing, understanding ourselves, and moving through the world.
Approaches I may use that align with this philosophy include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Queer Theory, Somatics, Existential Therapy, Mindfulness, and an individualized, strengths-based approach informed by Solution-Focused Therapy. I also tend to view things through a nervous system informed lens, honoring the mind-body connection and the unique strengths, capacities, values, lived experiences, and ways of knowing that each person brings.
I'm not sure if I'm neurodivergent. I don't have an official diagnosis. Can I still see you?
If something about being neurodivergent resonates with you that is valid and it's something that we can explore in therapy together. Our identities are often complex, intersectional and evolving. Self-realization and identification of our identities and neurotype can be an ongoing process of self-discovery. There are many types of neurodivergence, and a good number of us will identify with one or more during our lifetime.
Even if you decide in therapy that neurodivergence is not one of your identities, you are welcome if it feels like a good fit for you. I have years of experience supporting neurotypical folks too!
In addition to neurodivergence I also specialize in supporting LGBTQIA+ folx and relationship-diverse, kink, disabled/chronic illness communities. Some of my clients don't identify as neurodivergent but span one or more of these communities.
What does therapy cost? And why don't you take insurance?
Inner Worlds Counseling, LLC is a self-pay/private-pay practice. I don't participate with insurance, either as an in-network or out-of-network provider. Because of this, sessions cannot be submitted to insurance for reimbursement.
I offer both 60 and 45 minute therapy sessions to provide some flexibility in choosing the session length that feels like the best fit for your needs, preferences, and budget.
60 minute session: $150
45 minute session: $120
I reserve a limited number of reduced-fee appointments for those for whom cost is a barrier. Reduced-fee appointments begin at $75 per session, though availability is limited and may not always be available. If you're interested in a reduced-fee appointment, you're welcome to reach out to ask whether I currently have any openings.
For people who find that therapy is a financial stretch, biweekly appointments can sometimes be a good fit. Therapy isn't just about what happens during our sessions. Together, we'll also be exploring ways to build greater support into everyday life through increased self-understanding, self-compassion, self-trust, and practical changes that reflect your unique strengths, needs, and nervous system so that what we're talking about has space to take root between visits.
I chose to build a private-pay practice because it allows me to practice in a way that feels most aligned with my values. My work is grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming, non-pathologizing, and decolonial framework that recognizes the inherent worth of every person and values the rich diversity of human minds, bodies, identities, cultures, strengths, and lived experiences. I believe there are many valid ways of knowing, being, and understanding ourselves, and I try to approach each person with openness to the unique perspective they bring.
Rather than asking people to fit themselves into a predetermined idea of health or normalcy, therapy can become a space to explore what feels authentic, meaningful, and supportive for each of us. This way of practicing doesn't fit neatly within the diagnosis and medical necessity requirements that insurance often involves. Many of my clients also value the additional privacy that comes with not involving an insurance company in their care.
At the same time, I recognize that private-pay therapy isn't financially accessible for everyone. Accessibility is deeply important to me, and I wish it were possible to remove that barrier entirely. One of the ways I try to increase access is by reserving a limited number of reduced-fee appointments in private practice. I also continue community work because I'm interested not only in supporting people within existing systems, but also in questioning the assumptions they were built upon and contributing to more equitable and affirming alternatives.
I work in mental health. Would you consider seeing me in therapy?
Yes! I almost always have some mental health professionals on my caseload and I'm totally open to this if we're a good fit. I know it is difficult for autistic therapists in particular to find other autistic therapists with availability. I really enjoy working with other helping professionals of all sorts.
Are there accommodations available?
Absolutely! We can talk more about what works best for you in a consultation, but neurodiversity affirming therapy strives to be extremely accommodating - so much so that it's not really an "accommodation" - it's just how it naturally is.
Some examples of this may be: choosing to have the camera off (after verifying identity at the beginning of session), utilizing the Zoom chat or an AAC device, email communication between sessions if desired, requesting a session summary in writing / brief plan for the next session, walking around or meeting any bodily needs to eat, rest, fidget, cuddle with your pet, fold laundry, lay on the bed, sit in silence etc. It's your time and I'm here to support whatever you need to be comfortable and in your authentic experience.
Being a neurodivergent therapist I also will be in my authenticity with you. This means that I won't be looking at you all the time, particularly when I'm trying to gather my thoughts. I probably have an ice cold or fizzy drink, a rock I'm fidgeting with, a cat nearby, and I write notes during session so that I remember things in context for next time.