Welcome!
I’m Dr. Jess & I’m so glad you’re here.
With a bachelor’s, a master’s, and a doctoral degree in psychology, clinical expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions, and personal experience as a high-achieving professional with ADHD and mother of an autistic son, I help neurodivergent adults understand themselves better and make real progress toward the goals that matter to them — without trying to change who they are. I also help parents see their neurodivergent children (of any age!) in a more positive light, manage their own frustration, and motivate their neurodivergent children to fully engage in their lives.
What is neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence is a term used to describe differences in the ways some people’s brains process, understand, and respond to the world. Neurodivergence is a part of the normal variation in human brain functioning, known as neurodiversity.
At least 20% of people are neurodivergent, and most commonly experience differences associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, &/or specific types of learning.
Neurodivergent differences are considered by many to be strengths, gifts, and “super powers” that were the foundation for nearly every advance in technology, art, and culture in human history. Still, neurodivergent children and adults are routinely criticized, corrected, and rejected when their authentic ways of being don’t meet others’ expectations or institutional standards. Many adapt by minimizing, or “masking,” aspects of themselves, which can reduce scrutiny, but often causes neurodivergent people to feel anxious, overwhelmed, unfulfilled, and disconnected from themselves and others.
What is coaching?
Coaching is the active, collaborative process that enhances a person’s skills and abilities and helps them reach a goal (or goals) with the experience, expertise, and encouragement of a coach.
Dr. Jess Neurodivergence Coaching is aimed at changing the perception of neurodivergent people as flawed, inferior, and incapable of being happy or achieving goals that matter to them by:
empowering neurodivergent adults to identify what they want for themselves and providing a personalized set of skills for navigating the unique obstacles that stand between them and their goals — in their relationships, education, career, or any area!
supporting parents in raising neurodivergent children of any age by reducing parents’ feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, understanding their child’s challenges and strengths, and providing techniques for honoring their child’s uniqueness while still holding them accountable and guiding them toward independence.
Please note: Coaching is not psychotherapy or a substitute for psychotherapy; it is not intended to clarify, diagnose, treat, or address mental health problems. As such, coaching is not billable service covered by health insurance policies.