Neurodiverse Couples: 

What is often missing from traditional couples counseling is the acknowledgment of diversity in neurotype, culture, career, and family dynamics. Drawing on my own personal experiences, which involve navigating the complexities of cultural adaptation, major career transitions, and my own neurodiverse marriage, I am dedicated to supporting couples in similar situations.

Our approach is rooted in acknowledging and celebrating these diversities, while working collaboratively with couples to create a harmony and synergy unique to them. In our sessions, we delve into the intersectionality of neurodiversity, culture, career, and family influences, with the goal of fostering a holistic approach to your relationship dynamic. Together, we explore the intricate interplay of these factors, creating a space where understanding, resilience, and celebration of differences form the foundation for lasting connections.

To put it simply: It’s impossible to truly know someone without acknowledging what makes them different. And as the old adage goes... to know someone is to love someone. 

This is a therapy experience that not only acknowledges the diverse facets of your relationship, but also embraces them as catalysts for growth and harmony. 

My Roots: 

I am a first generation Egyptian-American lawyer turned therapist with ADHD and autism. My younger self struggled with the pressure to conform both culturally and neurotypically. I believed that I would only have a healthy life and happy relationships if I forced myself to be “normal.”

I later learned that celebratory self-acceptance opens the door to meaningful connections. I now take pride in my neurodivergence. So much so, that if given the option, I wouldn’t switch brains. Even if it would have definitely made my childhood and adolescence easier.

Why? Because my neurodiversity connects me to a community of resilient and amazing folks.

It’s now my life’s mission as a therapist to support and celebrate other neurodiverse individuals and couples. This world wasn’t designed with our needs in mind, but this world is made better because we’re in it.

You deserve to feel seen and understood, too.

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NEURO-INCLUSIVE NOURISHMENT

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The Paradox of Food

Food is paradoxical. It’s necessary for survival, yet can feel like torture. It’s deeply personal, yet everyone around you has an opinion. It’s supposedly simple, and yet it’s often complicated. 

Food can simultaneously feel fun and connecting, and yet dangerous and isolating.For the neurodiverse mind, this paradox is understandably frustrating and overwhelming. Eating “properly” felt like a full time job that I never had enough energy for thanks to sensory issues, executive dysfunction, and the shame for not conforming to the “societal norm.” 

Societal Expectations

Because, of course, the media, family, friends, peers and literal strangers, have a lot to say about our food and our bodies. It’s incessant, aggravating, contradicting, and completely unrealistic. It doesn’t take into account your specific history, trauma, medical needs, culture, neurotype, or preferences! 

So let’s opt out of those societal expectations, and figure out what you need together. Without judgment, without coercion, and with lots of empathy, because I’ve lived the struggle too. A nourished body and a peaceful mind are possible.

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To read more about Neuro-inclusive Nourishment, click here.

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Certificates

• Board registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #141520 (supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, clinical director)

• Certified in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

• Certified in Brainspotting (for trauma therapy)

• She Rocks the Spectrum Therapist

• Neuro-inclusive Nourishment Specialist

Education

• Masters of Science, Marriage and Family Therapy - San Diego State University

• Post-Baccalaureate Psychological Science Program - University of California, Irvine

• Juris Doctor - Georgetown University Law Center

• Bachelor of Arts, Political Science - University of California, Los Angeles

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Clients

• Neurodiverse women

• Autistic, ADHD, Highly Sensitive People

• Neurodiverse clients with eating struggles

• Neurodiverse couples
  

Modalities

In my therapy practice, I use and am trained in the following client-centered modalities as they align with my belief in the significance of emotions, personal narratives, and the mind-body connection in healing and personal growth: 

• Emotionally Focused Therapy

• Brainspotting (for trauma therapy)

• Internal Family Systems

• Narrative Therapy
  

License

• Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, #139592 (supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, clinical director)