some brains make different connections
Therapy specifically for neurodivergent humans and their loved ones.
“If we understood ourselves better, we would damage ourselves less.”
~ James Baldwin
I’m Ryan.
I offer therapy for folks who want to deepen their understanding of how neurodivergence fits into their lives.
As someone with ADHD, I have personal experience navigating the challenges of living in a society that was not built for neurodivergent brains.
I was diagnosed with with inattentive ADHD as an adult, so I know what it’s like to rethink earlier life experiences from a new perspective.
I’m also a parent of neurodivergent kids, so I know what it’s like to live with small humans confronting neurotypical expectations.
I’m a Canadian Certified Counsellor, and I take a client-centred, neurodiversity-affirming approach. Practically, this means:
I adapt my therapeutic training and techniques—my priority is to honour my clients’ own unique goals and support needs.
My sessions with neurodivergent clients tend move back-and-forth between exploring practical coping strategies and processing life experiences.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy
❋ Contexts and Meaning
Have our society’s neurotypical expectations left you burnout? Are executive function challenges sabotaging your education, career, or relationships? Have learning disabilities undermined your confidence?
I don’t view brain differences as inherently problematic; instead, problems arise when there is a misalignment between our brain’s style of functioning and the contexts we inhabit (like work, school, home life, religious communities, etc.).
In therapy, we clarify your personal values and envision what a meaningful life looks like for you. You discover how you want to engage with the world.
❋ Self Acceptance
Sure, therapy often involves discomfort (e.g., processing trauma or addressing intrusive thoughts). But healing requires a foundation of safety, and for neurodivergent folks that means radical acceptance of who and how you are.
So, tell me about your SPINs (special interests) or your latest hyper-fixation! What might (un)masking look like for you? By the way, feel free to stim in our sessions, or let me know about any sensory needs you may have.
Therapy should feel safe and supportive.
❋ Labels
ADHD, ARFID, ASD, (c)PTSD, GAD, OCD,PDA, RSD, ETC., ETC., ETC.
I often explore with clients the benefits and drawbacks to the various mental health labels and diagnoses available today.
Would a formal assessment secure much-needed accommodations? Is self-diagnosis sufficient for your purposes? What about social stigma? Do labels feel restrictive? Or does a particular term unlock greater self-understanding?
❋ Relationships/Parenting
Differences in communication style can lead to the break down of friendships. Executive (dys)function can shatter trust and destroy romantic relationships. Sensory overwhelm can get in the way of meaningful participation in family gatherings. The list goes on.
In therapy, we discover ways your neurodivergence might enrich, rather than interfere with, your most valued relationships.
A special note: I love working with parents to support neurodivergent kids. This often means learning how to drop unrealistic demands and nurture resilience in your child, without compromising your values as a parent.
❋ Inclusion
Neurodivergent folks view the world differently. They notice things other people miss; and they miss things everyone else seems to “know.” They are acutely aware that the world has a lot of arbitrary rules—even if they don’t (or can’t) follow those rules.
Intentionally or not, neurodivergent folks tend to defy social conventions, this often exposes them to further marginalization and exclusion.
I acknowledge that in some important respects, my experience of the world differs from yours—whoever you are. I seek to honour the various identities and experiences of all of my clients. No matter your
race,
cultural background,
religion (or lack thereof—I see you, atheists),
(dis)ability,
gender,
sexual orientation,
relationship style or status,
class,
age (well, 10+),
or other identity,
you are welcome here.
Ready to get started?
This free 20-minute online meeting give you a chance to meet me and ask any questions you may have.
1) Schedule a consultation.
You’ll receive instructions regarding consent, confidentiality, and payment, as well as an optional questionnaire. During your intake session, we’ll collaborate to identify realistic goals for therapy.
2) Schedule an intake session.
After the intake process, you can claim a weekly or monthly spot—or book sessions spontaneously, as you see fit. We’ll always spend our time on the things that matter most to you.
3) Book sessions as you like!
Sessions are offered in-person in Calgary, Alberta, or online elsewhere in Canada. Click HERE for more details.
If you have any difficulty booking a time, don’t hesitate to reach out for admin support at admin@kerryschroeder.ca or 778.655.0904