Crafting the Future of Neurodivergent Mental Health Care

Neurodiverse mental health care from neurodiverse mind

Lauren Florio

I bring a deep commitment to advancing neurodiverse mental health care, grounded in my lived experience with neurodiversity, extensive background in mental health care, and education with a Master’s of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. I currently work for
NEW PATH Therapy (a 501c3 non-profit) working under my supervisor, Dr. Harry Motro, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #53452

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #139592

I have years of experience in this field as a therapist, coach, and from various other mental health roles within the neurodivergent community over the past decade. I specialize in creating inclusive, tailored support for each neurotype.

My passion for understanding and empowering clients comes from my own neurodiverse mind (AuDHD) and knowing how it feels to be misunderstood by professionals who simply do not have the lived experience of a neurodiverse lens.

This drives my mission to provide compassionate and effective care, leveraging my expertise to address diverse cognitive and emotional needs.

Specialties

Autism is a developmental diagnosis that shapes how you experience and interact with the world, creating complex sensory needs, meltdowns, and holds additional complexities for those who are late diagnosed. Through my tailored-to-you supportive strategies, you can embrace your unique strengths, explore your identity, and thrive on your terms.

ADHD is a developmental diagnosis that brings unique challenges, particularly in executive functioning, managing motivation, and coping with rejection sensitivity. Through my tailored-to-you personalized strategies, you can harness your strengths, enhance focus, and navigate emotional sensitivities to thrive in all aspects of life.

OCD and OCPD are anxiety disorders that can significantly impact daily life, with repetitive thoughts, behaviors, and a strong need for control. I specialize in helping neurodiverse minds manage these thought cycles, and provide you with realistic strategies beyond just exposure therapy, so you can manage these challenges, reduce shame, and regain balance in your life.

The neurodiverse spectrum encompasses a wide range of diagnoses, beyond the ones listed here, each contributing to the unique ways individuals perceive, process, and interact with the world. Understanding the intersection of these conditions is key to providing compassionate support is my specialty. If you don’t see your condition listed, reach out to see how I can best support your neurotype.

From navigating life with both Autism and ADHD (AuDHD), I know what it’s like to wonder, “Why am I so different?” Over the years, I’ve learned to celebrate those differences. Looking back, I see the neurodiverse challenges that have always been part of me—learning differences, sensory overload, struggles with executive functioning, and endless thought spirals.

My story

While I knew I was ADHD as a teen, it wasn’t until adulthood that I discovered I was also autistic. Facing these complexities as a part of my identity was challenging, but through this journey, I’ve learned to unmask, reconnect with my inner child, and find coping strategies that truly work for me. This transformation has made me a more loving partner, friend, and family member, and has allowed me to show myself the kindness I deserve. My journey wasn’t easy, but it’s given me the insight to help others embrace their neurodiversity and thrive.

The Atypical Approach

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT offers neurodiverse individuals valuable skills for emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. Its structured approach helps manage intense emotions and improve coping strategies, making it especially beneficial for those navigating the complexities of neurodivergent experiences. While I do not offer 24 hour support like many DBT therapists do, the skills from this modality are extremely beneficial interventions for a neurodiverse brain.

  • Somatic Therapy: Somatic therapy addresses the mind-body connection by focusing on physical sensations and bodily experiences. For neurodiverse individuals, this approach can help integrate emotional experiences and reduce stress, sensory dysregulation, enhancing overall well-being and self-awareness. There is a huge overlap of dissociation and disconnection in the neurodiverse community, so rebuilding that connection with the body is an invaluable skill.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is effective in processing and resolving traumatic experiences by integrating them with adaptive information. For neurodiverse individuals, it can provide a targeted method to alleviate trauma-related symptoms and improve emotional resilience. While EMDR may not be suitable for everyone, I focus on customizing this approach to also effectively support individuals with cPTSD. This tailored approach aims to provide my clients with hope and help reduce their trauma responses.

  • Coaching: Coaching offers a proactive, goal-oriented approach for individuals who may not qualify for therapy, or prefer the methods of coaching over therapy. It focuses on personal development, skill-building, and achieving specific objectives, providing tailored support to enhance motivation, set actionable goals, and navigate challenges effectively. Coaching can empower neurodiverse clients to make meaningful progress and achieve their full potential.

Reach Out Now

Contact me to schedule a free consultation, discuss your needs, or simply reach out for more information. Your path to support and understanding starts here—let’s connect and take the first step together.