Waitlist open for our next Autism | ADHD Adult Grief and Relief Process Group. Learn more here!
About Me
I’m Sam, a Neurodiversity- Affirming Therapist
Sam specializes in grief, anxiety, and neurodiversity-affirming therapy for late and self-diagnosed ADHD and Autistic adults.
I tend to have big, grand plans for my days off, but I end up watching TV with my dogs or knitting because my brain feels overloaded. I used to feel really guilty about that, but not anymore, because it's okay to rest when you need to. My daily survival is dependent on lists and reminders. While I don't always have my act together, I've learned how to get back on track. In the past, I felt that others knew something I didn't. I would change to be more like them so they might see how hard I was working and let me in on their little secret. In therapy, I discovered that I don't need to perform to be loved and can be my true self.
I work with adults who are struggling with grief, anxiety, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. I have found that these issues are often tangled together. I love helping people quiet the expectations of the world, making room to learn who they are and what they want out of life. Having had my own experience with this, though different from yours, I know the benefits that come from stepping into yourself and owning who you are.
Therapy with me might be helpful if:
YOU ARE ON EDGE
You feel like you are barely holding it together and are one inconvenience away from losing your shit.
YOU CAN’T RELAX
Your anxiety is increasing, and you want to understand why. You want to be in your feelings without them taking control.
YOUR PLAN ISN’T WORKING
You thought you had your life all planned out, but now you're not sure who even made the plan.
YOU ARE LATE-DIAGNOSED OR SELF-IDENTIFIED NEURODIVERGENT
You have received a formal diagnosis for or self-identifying as Autistic and/or an ADHDer in adulthood and experiencing complex emotions, such as grief, relief, and confusion. This sense of loss can stem from years spent battling unknown challenges that were, in fact, born from neurodivergence. Reflecting on the absence of understanding and support that could have steered your life in a different direction is a common reaction. The process of accepting a newly identified aspect of your identity can also lead to profound changes in self-perception, sometimes in other challenges in relationships, work, and daily life..
YOUR LIFE IS CHANGING
You've experienced a major life shift that has you questioning the future. A late discovery of neurodivergence, a change in relationships, or a move into a new phase of life can have a major impact on your wellbeing.
YOU TAKE CARE OF EVERYONE
You tend to prioritize the needs of others over your own and it has left you tired. You have a list of things to do but taking care of yourself is seldom on the list.
SOMETHING FEELS OFF
You keep feeling that something in you is broken, and you are tirelessly trying to "fix" it. You desire close relationships but find yourself struggling.
YOU ARE GRIEVING
Before becoming a therapist, I spent years as a part of the Donor Family Aftercare Team at the Organ Procurement Organization, LifeCenter Northwest. In my role I provided bereavement support to the friends and family of people who have given the gift of organ and tissue donation. Grief can show up in many various ways and include so many different emotions. To be honest, our culture struggles when it comes to supporting people in their loss and I work hard to make room for all that comes with your grief. I will never tell you to “move on” or “get over it.” Grief is not a disease to be cured but a very normal and human experience that should be tended. Grief from the loss of someone, loss of something, or loss of potential all deserve to be tended to.
What it’s like working with me
I infuse sessions with humor and an appreciation for life's absurdities, encouraging my clients to embrace their quirks and differences. I believe that true comfort and fulfillment come from living authentically. I show up to sessions as my authentic self because you deserve to know who you are spending time with. My clients describe me as warm, funny, and direct when needed. I encourage my clients to get comfortable; you can move around, take off your shoes, and have a snack if that is most helpful to you. I have blankets, pillows, and my office lights can be adjusted to suit your needs.
I am a neurodivergent-affirming therapist with lived experience. My therapeutic style is client-centered, all about you, and strengths-based, leaning into what comes naturally for you. I often use Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),and Existential Therapy in my practice. I have a deep-rooted belief in the importance of dismantling learned survival behaviors that no longer work to embrace one's authentic self.
I understand how hard life can be, and adapting to changes can be overwhelming. I will not be another voice telling you how to be or how to live. I am here to support you in reclaiming your power and defining your life for yourself. I'm not here to fix you because you are not broken.
Feeling nervous about reaching out?
Finding the right therapist can be challenging. You have to discuss deeply personal matters with a stranger and hope that they are the right fit for you? That's a lot of pressure!
I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help us get to know each other and determine if I can be of support. During this consultation, we will discuss various topics, including the reasons for seeking therapy, your past experiences with therapy (what has worked and what hasn't), and if you're new to therapy, you're welcome to ask any questions you may have. The consultation is not therapy and closer to a meet-and-greet.
If it feels right for you, we can schedule your first appointment during the consultation. I encourage you to explore other therapists after our conversation in case you find someone you like more. You can always cancel your appointment if you change your mind.
*Please read more about our fees and accepted insurance here.