Specialties and Certifications

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• Neurodiverse Couples Specialist

• Neurodiverse Parenting Specialist

• Life Transitions

• Postpartum Depression

• Birthing Trauma

• Spirituality/Christianity

• Grief and Loss

• IEPs/Special Education 

• LGBTQ+ - Affirming Parenting

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Life Experience

• Diagnosed with ADHD at age 17

• Married 23 years to neurodivergent husband

• Proud mother of 3 neurodivergent kids: age 21 Autism/ADHD/twice exceptional, age 18 ADHD, age 13 Autism/ADHD

• Proud mother to LGBTQ+ identifying kids

• Care giver to 2 parents diagnosed with cancer through treatment end of life

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Education 

• Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 

• Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology

• Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Studies​

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More about Whitney

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• Parent liaison to SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area)

• Yoga instructor/massage therapist informed in Mind-Body Connection

• Founded and facilitated a women's support group & moms with neurodiverse kids

Hello, I'm glad you're here!

I am a passionate neurodivergent therapist with a lifetime of personal experience navigating the complexities of neurodivergence for myself and within my own family. I bring my own real-life perspective to my practice and to my clients.

My own journey as a child of, a sibling to, the parent of and partner to neurodivergent and Queer individuals has profoundly shaped my understanding and awareness of the myriads of struggles, surprises, pivots and beautiful moments within a neurodiverse family. 

I specialize in working with couples, families and individuals that are navigating similar paths. Whether you are seeking support for a neurodivergent child/ren, managing a relationship with a neurodivergent partner, or exploring your own identity,

I provide a safe, non-judgmental environment to express, explore and grow.

My Story

Childhood:  I grew up in Southern California in a loving, but troubled family. I experienced an alcoholic parent, a mentally ill sibling, divorce, an abusive stepparent, more divorce. When I was 13, my sister, my only sibling, passed away leaving my small family awash in terrible pain and stigma.

I credit my wonderful mother, a social worker, who insisted always that I be in therapy and participate in support groups, with enabling me to live a healthy and successful life. 

The Power of Therapy:  I am an avid proponent of therapy and believe in its powerful transformative potential. Being in therapy during my childhood and teens helped me to see past my circumstances to envision, and become the wife, mother, daughter and friend I am today; throughout my life I've utilized therapy to optimize my relationships and quality of life. Therapy is a gift everyone deserves!

Life & Neurodivergence Experiences: I obtained my bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary behavioral studies but was quickly lured into the corporate entertainment industry where I worked until I left to be a stay-at-home mom.  

I've been married to my neurodivergent husband for 23 years and together we are guiding our 3 neurodivergent kids (21, 18 & 13) into adulthood.

Each one of our children present and identify differently including Autism, ADHD, twice exceptional, gifted, and multiple learning differences. My eldest child was born 11 weeks pre-term and spent 2 months in the NICU. 

My Healing Journey: I was diagnosed with ADHD at 17, albeit, very much left to my own devices to manage my symptoms. At the time of my diagnosis the only available "treatment" was stimulant medication which had too many side effects for me to tolerate.

I was able to carve out a system for myself, primarily through the guidance of my mother, who also had ADHD and through her own trial and error, had learned to maximize her symptoms. 

Later in life when perimenopause kicked my symptoms back up to a new extreme, I found myself once again struggling to stabilize, and lacking professionals to appropriately advise me. I decided, in part, to become a therapist when I realized the industry was sorely lacking in professionals to help guide me and my family through our ever-evolving needs.

Now, as a neurodivergent woman going through menopause, I find myself yet again on a new frontier for myself, and within my marriage.

SUPPORTING NEURODIVERSE COUPLES:

Let's face it, coupling is hard, and most couples struggle repeatedly through the course of their relationship. In fact, I don't believe I've ever met a couple that hasn't been met with hard times. 

When one or more partners are also neurodiverse, there may be many other presenting dynamics for which typical therapy, or other avenues of conflict resolution cannot or did not address. If you or your partner have been diagnosed with a unique neurotype and have not found a resolution - I can help you.  

I am a passionate therapist diagnosed with ADHD at age 17 and married for 23 years to my neurodivergent husband. I utilize my personal experience in connecting with and helping others on a similar path. 

Do you and your partner struggle to share the same perspectives? 

Do you feel there is a lack of emotional connectivity?

Do sensory issues interfere with your daily interactions? 

Do you feel misunderstood, devalued or neglected? 

You or your partner's neurodiversity may be playing a significant role in your difficulties.

I understand the unique challenges and strengths that neurodivergent couples bring to their relationships and am dedicated to supporting such couples navigate their journey together. 

My approach is compassionate, inclusive, trauma and attachment informed, utilizing various modalities to enhance communication, emotional expression and mutual discovery with humor and empathy.

I endeavor to create a safe and loving environment for couples to explore, learn about and embrace each other in a new and more effective way. 

Other areas of focus (in addition to Neurodiversity)

• Neurodiverse Parenting

• Depression and Anxiety

• LGBTQ+ - Affirming Therapy

• Life Transitions

• IEPs and Special Education

• Spirituality/Christianity

• Grief and Loss

Clients

• Couples

• Individuals 

• Families 

License

• Registered AMFT #142202

• Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452

• Employed by New Path Couples Therapy Inc