Virtual Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy NYC

Neurodivergent affirming therapy for those located in New York with ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities and more

Releasing the pressure to “fit in”, so you can feel safe being fully yourself.

A core value of our approach at Authentically You Therapy is being a neurodivergent-affirming and person-centered.

We don’t push strategies that ignore the reality of sensory needs, executive functioning differences, or burnout. Instead, we validate your experiences and help you build systems that work with your brain, not against it.

neurodivergent affirming therapy

While we believe your uniqueness is your super power, we also acknowledge the experience of being neurodivergent doesn’t always feel this way. You’re probably familiar with…

Feeling like you are speaking a different language than everyone around you

Masking your natural tendencies just to fit in—or avoid judgment

Feeling misunderstood by family, teachers, or coworkers who expect you to “try harder”

Burning out from holding everything together, even when your body and mind are signaling overload

The shame that builds up over being told you are always doing things “wrong”

Many neurodivergent people move through the world feeling misunderstood, overstimulated, or pressured to mask who they are. Neurodivergent-affirming therapy creates a space where your needs make sense—and where you can build tools that genuinely support your life.

Get Started

Neuro-affirming therapy is for anyone with Autism, ADHD, PDA, learning disabilities and all other forms of neurodivergence.

Including everyone who has felt their inner-world has never lined up with the way the world wants them to function.

Ways neuro-affirming therapy can help you…

Social Challenges

Being neurodivergent can often feel like others were given a guide to social interactions that you never received. We can help you explore these challenges and work towards meaningful connections

Anxiety

Anxiety is common experience among those who are neurodivergent as a result of trying to function in unaccommodating systems. We will explore these challenges & identify ways to decrease anxiety

Body Image & Eating Difficulties

Feeling like your body doesn’t fit in combined with difficult sensory experiences with food can feel overwhelming. We can support you in finding body peace and find ways of eating that suit your needs.

Depression

Similar to anxiety, it is common for depressive symptoms to emerge when navigating spaces that have made you feel shame for your differences. In our space, validation will always come first.

Sensory Overload

One of the most difficult experiences of being neurodivergent is getting easily overstimulated. We can help increase your toolkit of strategies to soothe your nervous system.

Burnout

Neurodivergent burnout often feels like hitting an invisible wall—exhaustion from masking, sensory overload, & pushing yourself to meet expectations.Together, we will explore self-care strategies.

You deserve support from a therapist who will validate your experience and who is equipped with strategies to help you to embrace your authenticity.

Get started with a free consultation

Related support areas…

Eating Disorder/ARFID Therapy | Therapy OCD & Anxiety | BFRB Therapy | Body-Positive Therapy | Body Image Therapy

neurodivergent affirming therapist

Alison Mann, LCSW, Neurodivergent Affirming Therapist

Specialties

  • Body Image for adults

  • Body image for teens

  • Anxiety

  • Eating Disorders

  • Body Dysmorphia

  • Eating disorders

  • Binge eating disorder

  • Anorexia

  • Bulimia

  • OCD

  • BFRBs (hair pulling and skin picking)

  • Physical and visible differences (hair loss, vitiligo, limb differences etc)

  • Neurodivergence

  • ADHD

Modalities

  • CBT

  • CBT-E

  • DBT

  • ComB

  • HRT

  • Mirror exposure therapy

  • Mindfulness

  • Self compassion practices

  • ACT

  • Neurodivergent affirming

  • HAES

  • Psychodynamic

  • Relational

FAQs

  • Neuroaffirming therapy is an approach that respects and supports neurodivergent individuals—such as those with ADHD, autism, or sensory differences—without trying to “fix” or change who they are. Instead of focusing on masking or conformity, neuroaffirming therapy helps you better understand your brain, reduce shame, and build strategies that actually work for you.

  • Working with a therapist who does not understand neurodivergence may lead them to unintentionally pushing clients to fit into neurotypical expectations. Having a neuroaffirming therapists takes a different approach—it recognizes neurodivergence as a natural and valid way of being. This means we focus on self-understanding, accommodations, and sustainable coping strategies rather than forcing change that can lead to burnout or masking.

  • Neuroaffirming therapy may be a good fit if you’ve felt misunderstood in past therapy, struggle with burnout, masking, sensory overwhelm, or feel like traditional approaches haven’t worked for you. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit—if you relate to neurodivergent experiences, this approach can help you feel more understood and supported.

  • Making sure you find a therapist who is a good fit is crucial. That is why we will start with a 15min consultation together. During this call, I will explore what you are looking for and you will be able to ask me any questions as well. If we decide it is a good fit, then we will schedule our initial appointment!

    If for any reason it is not a good fit, then I am happy to offer you referrals.