Neurodivergent Therapist

Home
United States
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Neurodivergent Therapist

Neurodivergent Therapist Just a Neurodivergent (AuDHD) therapist trying to become the person I needed when I was younger.

01/14/2025

🚨 Big News! I’m heading to Austin, Texas, to speak at the Visionary Summit for Group Practice Owners! If you’re ready to stabilize your practice, scale your business, and make a bigger impact in 2025, join me on March 20-21 at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown. Let’s do this together! 🚀

Grab your spot here:

12/02/2024

Ready to dive into Diagnostic Assessments?On Demand is finally here!!! Register now to lock in 2024 prices for 2025 courses! Code: PRE20252024: $547 2025: $823. Code: PRE2025 *payment plans available

More Content! More Templates! More Demonstrations! More CEUs!

On Demand: Release date January 1st, 2025
LIVE: Monday 02/10/25. 9am-5pm PST
LIVE: Friday 03/07/25. 9am-5pm PSTwww.neuropebble.com/training-for-therapistsGroup Consultation: First Thursday of the month 9am PST $50/month

Free Q&A: Have questions before starting? Join a 1 hour Q&A Tuesday December 10th 2024 10am PST

* Coming very very soon CEUs! (like before the end of the year) You can register now and have the option to add CEUs once the final pieces are in place before the course starts. This course meets qualifications for 7 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCC's and LEP's as required by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Lorena Arguello Dowlatshahi who sponsors this program is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education, and maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

11/30/2024

Decided to drop this on Small Business Saturday since this our first year in business!!!

The long awaited on demand version of the Autism and ADHD assessment course will open on Jan 1st!!!

I’ve added more content, resources, templates and a full demo!

Sign up now to get 2024 prices for the 2025 course! Use code PRE25 for the on demand and both new live dates! 02/10/25 and 03/07/25!

2024: $547
2025: $823

Sign up through the website in our bio!

11/05/2024

As a Neuroqueer Therapist I voted for bodily autonomy, access to health care, freedom to love, access to education, and to not go back.

Politics, Laws, and Civil rights have a direct impact on our mental health, and the conversations belongs in the therapy room.

10/13/2024

On Wednesday I said goodbye to my mentor Dr. Derek Ott, who passed this morning.

He gave me 15 years of guidance, support and training. He Sparked my deep interest in adolescent adhd/autism. He taught me everything I know about running a business, and provided specialized training in assessment practices. He is a true genius when it comes to psychopharmacology and a titan in the field. I’m at a loss, heartbroken and devastated for his family, patients and for our community.

Dr. Derek Ott is a brilliant man, and a passionate psychiatrist. His ability to convey care and compassion for each of his patients is something I have not often seen in psychiatry. His ability to identify clear and simplified interventions for the most complex medical cases is unmatched. Messages from his patients have already been pouring in expressing the tremendous impact he has had.

In 2008 I met his wife at a preschool philanthropy event where my sorority was volunteering and their kids were attending. I became the babysitter while at UCLA and continued for years spending multiple days a week with his kids, who are now in college. In 2010 I started as a secretary in is private practice, during grad school I moved up to office manager and learned exactly how to manage and run a mental health business. In 2013 he began teaching me how to do psychosocial assessment with the parents of his new patients as he supervised my training through licensure. When I moved out of LA in 2016, I continued to commute 1 day a week because there was so much still to learn from him. In 2019 I started my own practice modeled after his, and still continued through this summer one day a week conducting new patient assessments with him.

He even started my diagnostic process by saying “you spell words weird, are you dyslexic?” And thus began my personal fall down the rabbit hole identifying ADHD and then Autism.

Without a doubt I would not be the clinician I am without his influence.

09/13/2024

All set up and ready for tomorrow!!!

30 clinicians have registered for my Autism and ADHD Assessment training. 👀

30 masters level therapists are taking the next step to provide affirming diagnostic assessments 🧠

30 clinicians from across the country will be trained, opening the door to increase accessibility! 💜

I have all the feels right now! Honored to be trusted, eager to share the information, nervous to present, and so so so grateful!

___________________

You know me, I can’t do one thing at a time, so stayed tuned to hear all about NeuroPebble!

08/28/2024

When you share an office with some of the coolest people in the mental health field! 🥰

Two things I take immense pride in:

Transparency - as a friend, as a supervisor, as an employer, and as a therapist. I like to be very clear about what I do and why I do it, you will always know where you stand with me and what my intentions are. (Maybe it’s the ‘tism💁‍♀️) I like to think that’s why my for people stick around, even when they start their own practice and flourish!

Which leads me too..

Abundance- there is more than enough space for all of us, even working in the same niche. I want to see each and every person succeed! (Whatever that means to you) That’s why I am transparent about what’s worked in my practice, and why I training others to also do diagnostic assessments. We all have a different voice, flavor and style that will speak to someone else. We are not in competition, we are a community uplifting each other.

So thank you
for being my very first associate
for being my mirror as we both self identified Autism therapist for being my ride for die for 4 years, you keep me grounded every time I start to spiral about business bs

And to everyone who as been a part of the ECS team

craddick.amft

Kerry Martinelli

08/26/2024

5 Spots remaining for Sept 13th Diagnostic Assessment Training for Masters Level Clinicians!

It is a 6 hour / one day virtual course that will be recorded so you can review the information as you begin integrating the information. I offer multiple levels and types of assessment based on the clients need. I have integrated the MIGDAS-2 into my assessment to create an affirming clinical interview that includes a differential for Autism, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar, BPD and Trauma. I also use the Sensory Profile, Monotropism self-assessment, AQ, Cat-Q, RAADS-R, Brown scale, ASRS.

This a great additional resource for your own clients wanting confirmation or to add on as a service for your practice. It is an advanced level course as will go right into assessment protocol as opposed to teaching how ADHD or Autism present. My hope is to increase accessibility and remove barriers for clients seeking diagnosis. (I also have an Intro to ND Affirming practices course available)

It has truly been an incredible experience doing these assessments, holding space for people who are seeking self-understanding, answers and explanations. Many of my clients have report relief through this process even after the first meeting. I provide them with resources, referrals, and a report/letter so they can continue to integrate their identity.

Often when I post this I am asked about credentials so I am listing my experience here:
I am an AuDHD LMFT. I have been doing intake assessments for 10 years in a psychiatry practice that specializes in Autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental diagnosis (last post I said 8yrs..I mathed wrong). I have been providing assessments for adults in my private practice for over a year. I’ve completed a yearlong certification with UCLA - LEND Clinic (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities… not as affirming as I had hoped). I am currently writing a book with New Harbinger Publications about Neurodiversity for Teen Girls scheduled to be published in 2026. In September I will have two posters at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit (along with a number of wonderful clinicians in this group)

Here is the link for the Assessment training
https://www.expandclinicaltraining.com/training-for-therapists

*Self Study – I meant to have this ready in Aug but COVID got me. It will be ready ASAP. Be the first to be notified when it is ready!
https://forms.gle/gjQqK5B8f184agpM9

My private practice where I do Adult Assessments in CA.
https://equilibriumcs.com/neurodivergent-assessment

State Scope of Practice for Assessments – Created by Herold
https://neuroabundant.com/masters-level-scope-of-practice-diagnosing-adhd-autism/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2Qtyfqtw_4On6aBp2V8xuyONjEieLIpxofvcBqIzxo_67rMbxOqLcKGVY_aem_SZXmRHc3n2YCw27k3YkLkQ

08/21/2024

I’ve been a bit behind on catching up since returning from Alaska. I’m working on giving myself grace to slow down and recover. Even with incredibly good experiences it can be an emotional and energy toll.

I have a hard time with transitions in general so going from travel right back to work is hard. Plus it’s back to school time and all my clients schedules are changing! So much is in flux and I’m adjusting.

I tend to be such a doer that taking a pause feels like I am falling behind. So I keep reminding myself that even with all the inspired ideas, projects, collaboration and services I want to do… they will all still be there next week. It is not a race.

How do you manage periods of transition? Especially when ADHD is “do all the things” and Autism is like “or just sit in this dark cave”

At least I have my kitties!

Pictured: Zeus, a mansion, laying across my desk, no keyboard insight, and two blank monitors

07/12/2024

Prepping slides for tomorrow’s training! With built in cat stretch’s inspired my Athena!

My brain needs 3d hands on tools, so I print my slide and write all over them! Working predominately on a 2d screen is really difficult for my brain. I have slides, and documents, and videos and stories all woven together to keep this training that I am so very proud.

Idk if I’ll use these handwritten notes tomorrow, but just making them puts my mind at ease that I’m ready! Which will be one more example tomorrow of how each brain uniquely processes information and how our assessments need to be able to Expand to encompass all neurotypes.

🧠Autism & ADHD Assessment Training for Masters Level Clinicians
Next live: Sept 13, 2024
Asynchronous: coming soon!

07/08/2024

If you asked me about ADHD & Autism Assessments …
I’d say it’s great being able to provide confirmation and access to resources

If you asked me on a deeper level….

I’d say that it’s the greatest honor to have someone share the inner workings of their mind through stories of their life. It’s being able to identify and connect dots that have felt allusive but now make sense. Its providng an explanation of why certain things always felt more difficult than expected. It’s holding the relief, peace, grief, anger, joy, and frustration all at once. I’d say it’s life change not just for my clients but for me as well.

Its the moment in the middle when i feel the mask shift, and the stories flow more freely
Its the emails with “one more thing I remebered”
Its the validation that self diagnosis was correct

Its become my favorite thing and all intalk about.
_____________________
Diagnostic assessments for CA residents
Trainging for master level therapists 7/12 and 9/13

06/26/2024

Excited to announce that I will be presenting not one but TWO posters at this year’s Stanford Neurodiversity Summit! I am beyond thrilled to be collaborating with some of my favorite people in the ND affirming space, bringing lived experience to the research space!

“Autism Identification and Support for Individuals Assigned Female at Birth” with and

“Intersections of Neurodivergence and Queerness - Exploring Support for Neuroqueer Individuals” with and Misty Schmidt

See you there!

06/14/2024

It’s been 11 years since I was last a student. I was missing it, wanting to be connected back to the emerging research in the area of Neurodevelopemental disabilities. Then I found the UC-LEND program at my Alma Mater

A full academic year of course work, seminars, capstone project and LEND Clinic observation. I think the best part was connecting with Practitioners in other fields determined to provide affirming care for Neurodivergent Patients.

There is still so much more to learn and do within Neurodiversity but right now I’m savoring this accomplishment.

🦕 Dino dress was a hit! 🦖

06/11/2024

Author Event!

Remember how fun Scholastic Book Fairs were are a kid! (or how excited your kids get!) Now imagine its ALL mental health books and the Authors are there to share about their books!!! Plus free book swap if you are wanting to clear off or refresh your own bookshelf!

Join Us!
Saturday September 28th 11-1
Riverside Public Library
Hosted by IE-CAMFT

Right now we are looking for more Authors to be a part of the event, whether is a book, workbook, or program we are happy to have you!

This event will be open to the public! More info for attendees to come! Right now we are in the planning stage and gathering Authors to create our Book catalogue!

Author Registration here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IoYrIj8EzSAGJoWmcEr2nqfEahiyILmpz5j4QjrO0mU/prefill

05/10/2024

Looking forward to being a part of this awesome Panel Discussion about Supervision and Neurodiversity at the 2024 Supervision Summit!

Post grad school supervision is where therapists learn the most about how to support our clients. As an AuDHD supervisor it is also the place I aim create a neurodivergent affirming environment for my team. Making sure I understand how each supervisee communicates, their learning style, and how they are best supported before we even get to case discussions.

Supervision is the place we can model ND affirming practices for the next generation of therapists because Neurodiversity comprehension, acceptance and celebration impacts all of us.

Join next Saturday May 19th virtually for a great supervision summit. Registration information on my LinkTree

04/18/2024

Join Tomorrows LIVE with Skylar Ibarra LCSW

We will be discussing the Misdiagnosis of OCD in Autism. OCD is a neurodivergence that I am actively learning about so I am excited to have a friend info dump about this intersection of ND traits for all of us!

Feel free to add questions now in the comments, dm question we can discuss in the LIVE or Join us LIVE tomorrow 4/19 at 12pm PST with your experience of OCD and Autism.

04/09/2024

This weeks LIVE with the one and only Dr. Jessica Hogan of ! We will be discussing the journey of later in life diagnosis for Autistic Women.

Both Jessica and I have been deep diving lately into the research (or lack there of) to understand the difference in presentation of symptom, but also the lasting impact of being misdiagnosed for decades.

Join us this Thursday 4/11 at 11am PST and bring your questions and experiences.

Address

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Website

http://Www.Equilibriumcs.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Neurodivergent Therapist posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Videos

Trying to leave the house when everyone is neurodivergent…. Takes a bit longer. Some of the reasons : Executive function Out of sight out of mind Distraction Prioritization Working memory Being in an affirming environment where everyone totally gets that it happens, this are forgotten and it’s no big deal is such a healing experience. 💜 #adhd #neurodivergent #executivefunction #forgotthekeys #outofsightoutofmind #workingmemory #adhdwomen #adhdfriends #audhd

Everyone in the US right now #overwhelmed #underwhelmed #whelmed

What a year Highs: 2nd book deal Graduating UCLA -LEND program Starting @neuropebble and launching the assessment course Celebrate 5years with @equilibriumcounseling So many new neurodivergent friends Welcomed 5 new babies of my besties Lows: Two significant deaths, my sisters partner and my mentor Grief & burnout Health obstacles Travel Crestline, CA Tahoe, CA Asheville, NC Oahu, HI Portland, OR Palo Alto, CA Mammoth, CA

Last chance to sign up at 2024 rates! On Demand Assessment Course opens January 1st! Two dates LIVE webinars are available! I am so excited excited to start on this journey with all of you as we increase accessibility for diagnostic assessments! PRE2025 - for the 2024 rate of $547 code expires Jan 1, 2025. Payment plans available at check out Message me for accessible rates for students, BIPOC, or financial hardship https://neuropebble.learnworlds.com/home APA CEUs coming any day now (course is currently being reviewed for approval) (Check out NeuroPebble website, I have other neurodiveristy courses available. I’d also love to work with YOU on hosting your ND course!)

I really have to hype myself up to lock into writing, I have all the thoughts and ideas, but moving them to the page, is always hard for me. In 3rd grade I had my first detention after misspelling Antarctica incorrectly too many times (or was I just retaking a test? Idk but my 8yo brain remember detention) I struggle with there, their, and they’re. I’ll be the first to tell you spelling is not my strong suit. Now I need to convince my AuDHD brain to write about AuDHD brains. Using this winter break to dig and get as many words on paper as I possibly can. Send me all the tips and tricks you use for writing! @newharbinger @autisticculturepod I swear I’m making progress! #writing #author #publishauthor #audhd #autism #actuallyautistic #adhd #autisticauthor #teenmentalhealth #neurodivergentgirls

Ever wonder what it’s like when therapists hangout irl? Well I can’t speak for Neurotypicals but this is how Jess (@neuronandrosepsych ) Mady (@couchspace ) and Jamie (@neurodivergenttherapist ) spent an evening together. A little bit of sensory fun, a little bit of ND venting, and a little bit of content making. So happy to have therafriends who are also AuDHD to be navigating this NT world with. (Axes were used in a well controlled space with instruction and safety training. Noone was hurt in the making of this video) #neurodivergenttherapist #autistictherapist #actuallyautistic #audhd #adhd #audhdwomen #latediagnosedautistic #autismassessment

You know how the story goes … Once upon a time a young woman yearned for more… more squish-mellows and fuzzy socks. The weather changes, the sweaters come out, hot drinks are ready. Time to get cozy and get writing!

I don’t have many words yet. But I’m here. Leaning into community. Holding space for so many emotions. I see you I hear you You are valued You are enough It’s ok to not be ok You are not alone I love you

More from Self Care Bear!!! I’ve always loved dressing up and fun costumes. As I learn more about masking and compensating strategies, I’ve realized I like a good prop. It creates a conversation topic im comfortable with and feels more “acceptable” to play a part. I don’t think I do a lot of masking being a person… but I defiantly still notice that I feel way more comfortable playing a role/character. I’m deep in grief and burnout right now, so it felt nice to dress up something happy and joyful. 💜 #masking #comoflouging #actuallyautistic #autisticwomen #halloween2024 #halloweencostume #mentalheathhalloween #neurodivergent #carebear #selfcarebear

Happy Halloween from your Self Care Bear! Remember to take care of yourself today…. In whatever way that works for you💜

I can totally play it by ear if I have advance notice that I need to play it by ear! A loose outline would be preferred. But if I am planning it, I need exact times of things, how many people, and general expectation. It think this is a nuance that online assessments miss, as well as clinicians less experienced with the ADHD/ Autism overlap. It’s not all or nothing … it DEPENDS on sooooo many factors.