Therapy for Neurodivergent folx in NYC
You’re a multi-tasker with big plans, if only you could finish one project at a time...
It’s difficult committing to one idea. You have multiple projects in the works and you’re struggling to find the energy and focus to complete just one and send it out into the world. Time blindness has you only half-surprised another deadline has snuck up on you.
Shiny Object Syndrome
Do “shiny objects” literally and figuratively take you off course in ways that affect your work, relationships and quality of life? You may have undiagnosed neurodivergent traits or a diagnosable medical condition. Impulse control may be difficult as well, causing you to blurt out things without thinking, acting recklessly or struggling with substance misuse.
Why are so many NYC adult women in their 20s and 30s just now being diagnosed with ADHD?
Gender - Being assigned female gender at birth has a statistically significant correlation with diagnosed or misdiagnosed ADHD, especially the Inattentive Type, classified by forgetfulness, distractability, mistakes due to missed details, disorganization and difficulty following instructions. Because many women and non-binary individuals are socialized to be people pleasers in order to fit in, some learn quite early how to mask their difficulties, needs and quirks to avoid criticism, rejection and other undesirable consequences. Learning how to prioritize your own needs and nervous system will be a major component of our work together.
Stigma - Many of my clients happen to be born in the 80s and 90s, a time of prescription skepticism for both children and adults alike. I’m picturing all of our mothers in the 90s contemplating putting her already wired, anxious, forgetful kid on something chemically liken to meth, you start to understand their hesitancy.
Parenthood - A good portion of adult ADHD diagnoses being made in recent years has been a result of parents in their 30 or 40s realizing, like their child, they too struggle with neurodivergence and would benefit from learning new ways of managing life now that you realize you don’t “just suck at adulting” and no amount of guilt or shame can will your brain to function differently. In therapy, you will build a skillset of strategies for coping with your own and your child’s emotional and cognitive health.
ADHD loves company - ADHD and other neurodivergence can be missed when co-occuring with trauma, anxiety and mood disorders are present. The beneficial aspect of therapy for neurodiversity in NYC with a licensed psychotherapist is that whether your symptoms are due to your beautifully unique brain, your experience, genetics or something else, we will unpack and address each one until you feel at peace and in control of your life.
You + your brain are f***ing treasures!
Are there difficulties attached to the neurodivergent experience? For sure, that’s why we’re here. I urge you at the same time to try noticing the gifts of creativity, innovation, humor, and vibrancy! Neurodivergent Adults often excel in professions related to their passion since maintaining focus in areas of personal interest is easier due to the reward of dopamine our brain receives. To simplify, finding aspects of life and work that spark joy, feel engaging and call on your neurological gifts of empathy, enthusiasm and hyperfocus.
The challenges of neurodivergence + ADHD in Brooklyn, NY
Things like making eye contact, connecting genuinely, feeling understood, managing intense emotions, keeping your body still and comfortable, preventing distraction, managing time and preventing procrastination. Figure out how to cope with the restlessness, anxiety, depression, restlessness, confusion and pain. In recent years, clients have had questions about ADHD after seeing an influx of TikTok videos by individuals with lived experience of the disorder. I feel too old to be on the platform myself, but some of the takes that have been shared with me have seemed quite helpful in challenging remaining stigma. Please don’t try to diagnose yourself based on info on the internet. Reminder: Social media is not real life.
Starting secure online therapy in NYC
To streamline the process and accommodate neurodiverse brains, we will begin ADHD therapy in NYC with a virtual consultation call during which we will discuss what specifically brings you to therapy right now, what your goals, questions, needs and learning styles are and what day and time feels good for weekly work for at least two months. After significant goals are met, we have the option of meeting every other week to deepen your independence, maintain success and continue to collaborate on new goals along the way. You will have access to me between sessions for check-ins and crisis support via email or text as well as a curated client library full of resources for understanding your brain better. Don’t put this off!
Some of the risks of not addressing this with a qualified medical professional:
giving up on things important to you prematurely
convincing yourself you “can’t”
worsening depression and self-blame
years of untapped potential and wasted opportunities
not admitting this to yourself until your child or family member is diagnosed with it
Frequently asked questions about NY + NJ ADHD support:
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I work with emerging adults 18+ who are looking for virtual mental health support while living in NY or NJ. I specialize in anxiety, trauma, depression, life transitions and chronic stress.
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During our 15-minute consultation, it's like speed-dating but for therapy. We'll chat about our compatibility and how I can be your mental health wingwoman. We'll discuss the services I can offer you based on your unique circumstances and location. You can ask me any burning questions you have about my services, training, and overall vibe. Then, we'll set our first date, and you'll receive some introductory paperwork to speed things up in the therapy room. And if, by chance, I feel you'd hit it off better with another clinician, I'm the ultimate matchmaker.
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Our first virtual session is like the opening scene of a movie - it sets the stage for the journey ahead. We'll delve into topics we discussed in our consultation call, but don't worry, you're in control. If you're not ready to spill all your secrets, no pressure. We'll focus on stabilization, trust-building, and selecting our first goals of therapy. Sometimes an hour just isn't enough, so we'll continue to unpack and practice new coping skills in follow-up sessions.
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At the start, we'll be seeing each other weekly. This helps us build a strong connection as we embark on your wellness journey. Once you've achieved your goals and are feeling like the star you are, we'll discuss reducing the frequency of our sessions. For our seasoned clients, meetings can be dialed back to every other week. And when it's time to move on from therapy, we'll meet for monthly check-ins. You can always return to therapy as life throws new challenges your way.
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I'm not currently in cahoots with any insurance plans, but I've got your back. I provide discreet documentation for out-of-network reimbursement. Many insurance companies offer reimbursement for out-of-network providers, so you can get a chunk of your therapy fees back, typically 60-80%.
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Payments are processed electronically via credit, debit, HSA, or FSA cards. We're all about saving time and keeping your data safe, so payments and appointments are handled through our secure client portal.
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We like to keep things transparent. Our initial consultation is a complimentary 15-minute discovery call. After that, it's $250 for our initial assessment session and $200 for follow-up sessions.
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The NYC therapy scene is like no other. Availability is limited, in-network providers are few and far between, and rates can be eye-watering. It's a tough nut to crack. Many clinics have high caseloads and a revolving door of therapists. Plus, big tech platforms advertise "affordable" online therapy by exploiting newbie therapists, compromising privacy, and favoring shareholder profits. It's a tough gig, but rest assured, I'm here to make a difference.
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The duration of our therapy tango is a little tricky to predict. It depends on various factors, like the severity of the issue, how long you've been wrestling with it, and your willingness to participate. I'm no wallflower in this dance; I'm an active participant. You won't find vague self-discovery prompts here. We'll be crystal clear, focusing on strategies to reduce stress, challenge negative thoughts, and achieve an abundance mindset. I respect your time and will only use methods that have proven to make a difference.
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If you ever feel that our therapy tango isn't hitting the right notes, let's talk about it. We'll discuss what's not clicking and if there's a better-suited clinician or approach for you. No hard feelings, we're all about finding your perfect match!
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Private pay is your golden ticket if you're uninsured, under-insured, or simply want more control over your therapy. You call the shots on frequency, duration, and style without questioning what could be done with your data.
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Ah, the length of our sessions, you ask? Well, our first rendezvous, an assessment and introduction, will sweep you off your feet for one glorious hour. Follow-up sessions are shorter, lasting 45-50 minutes. EMDR sessions, on the other hand, are a tad more demanding, taking 90 minutes. Longer sessions can be scheduled if you prefer or believe it'll add a little extra sparkle to our work.
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We offer morning, mid-day and evening sessions during the week.