Neurodivergence Counseling: PDA, Autism, AuDHD, ADHD
We Are Here for You
All services available in-person or online. Flexible, judgement-free, and always confidential.
Give us a call at 778-860-3120 or schedule your initial 15-minute consultation online. Prefer to text? We’ve got that too.
Understanding Neurodivergence
At Healing Spaces, we meet many people whose brains work differently from what’s considered “typical” or “neurotypical.”
The Challenges of a Differently Wired Nervous System
We know that a sensitive or differently wired nervous system is a gift, however sometimes it doesn’t feel like that when our world doesn’t understand. Often you might have to work harder in environments that aren’t built with your needs in mind. Here, we hold space for both.
Support That Meets You Where You Are
You may find yourself working harder than most to keep up in spaces that weren’t designed with your needs in mind. Over time, that can take a toll — on your energy, your self-esteem, wellness and sometimes even your sense of belonging.
Here, we meet you where you are. You don’t have to mask, explain, or “tone it down.” We meet you where you are, with care that works with your nervous system — because that’s where lasting support begins.
When the Environment Doesn’t Meet Your Nervous System’s Needs
You might recognise yourself in some of these experiences
- Being misunderstood or mislabeled — “lazy,” “dramatic,” “too sensitive,” “oppositional” — when really, your nervous system is working hard to protect you or find balance.
- Burnout from masking, pushing through, or constantly adapting to environments that don’t work for you.
- Sensory overwhelm — lights, sounds, smells, textures, or even certain social situations that tip your system into high alert.
- Feeling out of step in relationships — when your pace, processing, or communication style doesn’t match the people around you.
- Carrying the weight of low self-worth, anxiety, or depression after years of being misunderstood or unsupported.
- Internalized ableism — turning those outside messages inward, telling yourself you “should” be able to keep up, “should” be less sensitive, or “should” hide the parts of you that don’t fit the norm.
It’s Not About Fixing You, It’s About Understanding Your Needs
Our Approach to Neurodivergent-Affirming Care in North Vancouver or Kamloops
Therapy Tailored to Your Pace and Needs
Oh, the Beautiful Things That Come With a Differently Wired Brain
The world—and sometimes you—often focus on struggles. But neurodivergence also brings unique ways of noticing, creating, and caring. These strengths aren’t just perks to balance challenges; they’re part of your wiring and they matter.
What to Expect
Our Counselling Process
First Steps
Start with a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll learn about your needs and connect you with the right counsellor.
During Sessions
- Sensory-friendly adjustments to make therapy comfortable
- Clear, direct communication
- Practical strategies for emotional regulation and stress management
- Strengths-based focus, never deficit-based
Ongoing Support
Celebrating the Unique Strengths of Neurodivergence
- Depth of focus and passion — When something captures your interest, you can dive deeper than most ever will, uncovering layers and connections others miss.
- Original problem-solving — You don’t just think outside the box; you often forget the box exists at all.
- Justice sensitivity — A strong, unwavering sense of fairness that drives you to speak up, even when it’s hard.
- Wholehearted empathy — Feeling with others in a way that brings comfort, understanding, and connection.
- Authenticity — A natural pull toward honesty, integrity, and showing up as yourself, even when it’s not the easy choice.
- Unique creativity — Ideas, creations, and ways of seeing the world that add colour and texture to every space you enter.
If this feels familiar, you’re not alone — and you’re certainly not wrong or broken.
Here, we don’t overlook these strengths — we protect them. We work with you to help them flourish, even in environments that aren’t always built to welcome them.
Different Neurotypes We Support (Individually and in families)
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for many different ways of thinking, feeling, and processing. Here are four of the profiles we most often work with.
ADHD — Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Autism
PDA — Pathological Demand Avoidance / Pervasive Drive for Autonomy
A nervous system wired to fiercely protect autonomy. Even small requests can feel like pressure, triggering anxiety or shutdown.
PDAers are often deeply creative, justice-oriented, and highly empathetic — yet can be misunderstood as “oppositional” or “defiant.”
AuDHD — Autism + ADHD
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difference affecting reading, spelling, and language processing—not intelligence. Many with dyslexia are creative visual thinkers but may struggle with frustration or low confidence from traditional academics.
In therapy, we support clients by addressing anxiety, self-esteem, and school or work stress, while helping build resilience and self-advocacy skills.
Why Choose Healing Spaces?
We provide compassionate, personalized support in a safe, understanding environment. Explore challenges, build skills, and find healing at your own pace. Guiding you every step toward healing and growth.
Online or in-person support
Experienced, compassionate team
Your wellness is top priority
15-minute free discovery call — no charge