Neurodivergent Therapists in La Jolla, CA
I'm Candice. I offer therapeutic care for clients who have endured traumatic, stressful or overwhelming experiences that have impacted their relationship with their body and their sense of self. My clients often have complex health histories, medical trauma, sexual trauma, fertility obstacles or a strained relationship with identity and sexuality. Often, my clients have navigated these experiences alone. This is where that changes. Here, I offer an affirming space to finally allow the story of your lived experience to be held outside of the confines of your body and mind. Nothing is "too weird" or "too much" for this space to hold.
I'm Candice. I offer therapeutic care for clients who have endured traumatic, stressful or overwhelming experiences that have impacted their relationship with their body and their sense of self. My clients often have complex health histories, medical trauma, sexual trauma, fertility obstacles or a strained relationship with identity and sexuality. Often, my clients have navigated these experiences alone. This is where that changes. Here, I offer an affirming space to finally allow the story of your lived experience to be held outside of the confines of your body and mind. Nothing is "too weird" or "too much" for this space to hold.
I’m happy you’ve made it here, and am ready to offer support, whether you’ve been on the path of healing & growth for years, or you just recently began exploring your options. I work with children, teens, adults, and families, in-person at one of my practice's peaceful offices in La Jolla or Mission Valley, and via telehealth for all California residents. Text, call, or send me a message through Psychology Today to get started. In our first session we'll get to know each other, decide if it's a good fit, and talk about your hopes and goals for our work together. Congratulations on taking the first step!
I’m happy you’ve made it here, and am ready to offer support, whether you’ve been on the path of healing & growth for years, or you just recently began exploring your options. I work with children, teens, adults, and families, in-person at one of my practice's peaceful offices in La Jolla or Mission Valley, and via telehealth for all California residents. Text, call, or send me a message through Psychology Today to get started. In our first session we'll get to know each other, decide if it's a good fit, and talk about your hopes and goals for our work together. Congratulations on taking the first step!
Brittany Nicole James-Vilavanh
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MS
3 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
Has survival mode kept you in a constant loop of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected? Do you struggle to communicate, and understand your partner, or are you feeling burnt-out and demotivated due to limited work-life balance. These are common feelings we encounter in a world where we are conditioned to prioritize productivity, ignore passion and self abandon. Therapy provides the space to slow down and give yourself the care, compassion and curiosity that you deserve. While identifying patterns in thinking and behaviors that limit your ability to show up authentically and experience all that life has to offer.
Has survival mode kept you in a constant loop of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected? Do you struggle to communicate, and understand your partner, or are you feeling burnt-out and demotivated due to limited work-life balance. These are common feelings we encounter in a world where we are conditioned to prioritize productivity, ignore passion and self abandon. Therapy provides the space to slow down and give yourself the care, compassion and curiosity that you deserve. While identifying patterns in thinking and behaviors that limit your ability to show up authentically and experience all that life has to offer.
As a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, my approach is rooted in the belief that we all have unique strengths, struggles, and difference.
Even when your body is still, your brain won’t stop running and it’s exhausting. You’re used to pushing through but that doesn’t mean it’s easy, especially when you have such high expectations for yourself. What if you could feel comfortable letting your mind wander without worrying about what path it will take you down? That probably sounds scary because you know how many paths it can go down, and it goes fast, but it is possible. You have a strong sense of empathy towards others, now it’s time to show yourself that same compassion.
As a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, my approach is rooted in the belief that we all have unique strengths, struggles, and difference.
Even when your body is still, your brain won’t stop running and it’s exhausting. You’re used to pushing through but that doesn’t mean it’s easy, especially when you have such high expectations for yourself. What if you could feel comfortable letting your mind wander without worrying about what path it will take you down? That probably sounds scary because you know how many paths it can go down, and it goes fast, but it is possible. You have a strong sense of empathy towards others, now it’s time to show yourself that same compassion.
Many of the clients I work with are thoughtful, self-aware, and highly capable. They've read the books, listened to the podcasts, and understand their patterns intellectually, but continue to feel stuck in relationships, overwhelmed by anxiety, or disconnected from themselves.
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I help you explore the deeper roots of your struggles while building practical tools for lasting change. I take a holistic approach and focus on getting to the roots of your symptoms, so that you can start feeling better as soon as possible.
Many of the clients I work with are thoughtful, self-aware, and highly capable. They've read the books, listened to the podcasts, and understand their patterns intellectually, but continue to feel stuck in relationships, overwhelmed by anxiety, or disconnected from themselves.
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I help you explore the deeper roots of your struggles while building practical tools for lasting change. I take a holistic approach and focus on getting to the roots of your symptoms, so that you can start feeling better as soon as possible.
As a former SoCal resident, I know how easy it is for the pressure to perform to overshadow the lifestyle you've cultivated. I specialize in helping professionals break out of the overthinking loop using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Instead of trying to force negative thoughts away, we work to change your relationship with stress so you can take meaningful, values-driven action. My practice is fully virtual, making it seamless to fit sessions into your schedule.
As a former SoCal resident, I know how easy it is for the pressure to perform to overshadow the lifestyle you've cultivated. I specialize in helping professionals break out of the overthinking loop using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Instead of trying to force negative thoughts away, we work to change your relationship with stress so you can take meaningful, values-driven action. My practice is fully virtual, making it seamless to fit sessions into your schedule.
I specialize in working with adults who have discovered that ADHD, Autism, and/or additional experiences of neurodiversity now help to explain the years of challenges they’ve faced, and are wanting to build compassion and skills that work with (rather than against) their neurotype.
I'm a queer neurodivergent therapist with lived experience around disability, trauma, and being a first-generation college student. These experiences shaped my trauma-informed therapeutic approach, whether helping clients to heal from shame rooted in systemic oppression and generational trauma, to developing compassion for all parts of themselves.
I specialize in working with adults who have discovered that ADHD, Autism, and/or additional experiences of neurodiversity now help to explain the years of challenges they’ve faced, and are wanting to build compassion and skills that work with (rather than against) their neurotype.
I'm a queer neurodivergent therapist with lived experience around disability, trauma, and being a first-generation college student. These experiences shaped my trauma-informed therapeutic approach, whether helping clients to heal from shame rooted in systemic oppression and generational trauma, to developing compassion for all parts of themselves.
Dr. Cat Beer - Trauma, Burnout & Attachment
Psychological Associate, Ph.D.
5 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
From the outside, you’re functioning well—you get things done, show up for others, and carry a lot of responsibility. But internally, it feels different. You may be constantly “on,” overthinking, pushing yourself to meet high expectations, or feeling stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break. You might struggle to slow down, feel overwhelmed by your emotions, or notice the same relationship dynamics repeating. Many of the people I work with have tried therapy before but felt like it didn’t go deep enough. I specialize in working with high-functioning adults who already understand what’s happening—but are ready to create real change.
From the outside, you’re functioning well—you get things done, show up for others, and carry a lot of responsibility. But internally, it feels different. You may be constantly “on,” overthinking, pushing yourself to meet high expectations, or feeling stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break. You might struggle to slow down, feel overwhelmed by your emotions, or notice the same relationship dynamics repeating. Many of the people I work with have tried therapy before but felt like it didn’t go deep enough. I specialize in working with high-functioning adults who already understand what’s happening—but are ready to create real change.
You may look capable and put together while privately overthinking everything, feeling anxious, burned out, or exhausted from holding it all together. Maybe you avoid conflict, struggle with perfectionism or ADHD, have a history of trauma, or keep repeating relationship patterns you understand but cannot seem to change. I work with thoughtful, self-aware adults who want more than another list of coping skills. Together, we figure out what is driving the pattern, what keeps it going, and what actually helps you change it. You may know why you do what you do. The harder question is how to stop doing what no longer works.
You may look capable and put together while privately overthinking everything, feeling anxious, burned out, or exhausted from holding it all together. Maybe you avoid conflict, struggle with perfectionism or ADHD, have a history of trauma, or keep repeating relationship patterns you understand but cannot seem to change. I work with thoughtful, self-aware adults who want more than another list of coping skills. Together, we figure out what is driving the pattern, what keeps it going, and what actually helps you change it. You may know why you do what you do. The harder question is how to stop doing what no longer works.
I support adults who are neurodivergent or living with anxiety, depression, or trauma, drawing on modalities like IFS, EMDR, and ketamine-assisted therapy to help shift entrenched patterns and explore new ways of connecting that don't cost you your sense of self.
Do you ever imagine what it would feel like to truly trust yourself and the people around you? Somewhere along the way, you learned to cope: overextending yourself for others until nothing was left, or keeping people at arm's length. Talk therapy alone hasn't shifted these patterns, and you're tired of running on empty. If your early environment was unpredictable, neglectful, or harshly critical, your body may still be stuck in high alert mode. Your thoughts loop, your inner voice is harsh, and you swing between overwhelm and shutdown. Underneath it, you want a life where you can just exist, without hiding or performing.
I support adults who are neurodivergent or living with anxiety, depression, or trauma, drawing on modalities like IFS, EMDR, and ketamine-assisted therapy to help shift entrenched patterns and explore new ways of connecting that don't cost you your sense of self.
Do you ever imagine what it would feel like to truly trust yourself and the people around you? Somewhere along the way, you learned to cope: overextending yourself for others until nothing was left, or keeping people at arm's length. Talk therapy alone hasn't shifted these patterns, and you're tired of running on empty. If your early environment was unpredictable, neglectful, or harshly critical, your body may still be stuck in high alert mode. Your thoughts loop, your inner voice is harsh, and you swing between overwhelm and shutdown. Underneath it, you want a life where you can just exist, without hiding or performing.
I work with chronic pain, chronic illness, trauma, grief, and neurodivergence.
Welcome! Do you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, or chronic illness you are managing? Or, do you love someone or care for someone with these issues? If so, you are in the right place. I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, medical trauma, neurocognitive issues (memory). Living with pain/illness comes with enormous grief, and it can be incredibly lonely. You might find you are irritable, have trouble with sleeping, can't concentrate or focus or struggle with daily tasks that used to be easy. Your relationships might be suffering as you can't show up how you used to. I am here to support you.
I work with chronic pain, chronic illness, trauma, grief, and neurodivergence.
Welcome! Do you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, or chronic illness you are managing? Or, do you love someone or care for someone with these issues? If so, you are in the right place. I specialize in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, medical trauma, neurocognitive issues (memory). Living with pain/illness comes with enormous grief, and it can be incredibly lonely. You might find you are irritable, have trouble with sleeping, can't concentrate or focus or struggle with daily tasks that used to be easy. Your relationships might be suffering as you can't show up how you used to. I am here to support you.
You may appear capable and put-together on the outside, yet feel anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained inside. Many of my clients are thoughtful, high-functioning adults who struggle with overthinking, follow through, boundaries, people-pleasing, relationship stress, or burnout. You want a more peaceful life and you're self-aware, but insight alone hasn’t been enough to create lasting change.
You may appear capable and put-together on the outside, yet feel anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained inside. Many of my clients are thoughtful, high-functioning adults who struggle with overthinking, follow through, boundaries, people-pleasing, relationship stress, or burnout. You want a more peaceful life and you're self-aware, but insight alone hasn’t been enough to create lasting change.
There's a saying, "Healing is the application of love to the places inside that hurt." You have the ability to heal from the deepest of wounds and the most challenging of circumstances. I'm here to fully support you in tending to those places. We will journey into unburdening parts that have kept you stuck and scared, so you can operate more fully from your true self. This increased level of awareness can help you access your strength and intuition, eliminate negative self talk and choose a more fulfilling relationship with yourself, others and life. I offer a complimentary 15 minute meet and greet to ensure we are a good fit.
There's a saying, "Healing is the application of love to the places inside that hurt." You have the ability to heal from the deepest of wounds and the most challenging of circumstances. I'm here to fully support you in tending to those places. We will journey into unburdening parts that have kept you stuck and scared, so you can operate more fully from your true self. This increased level of awareness can help you access your strength and intuition, eliminate negative self talk and choose a more fulfilling relationship with yourself, others and life. I offer a complimentary 15 minute meet and greet to ensure we are a good fit.
They're often neurodivergent, queer, ENM, or figuring out their identity later than the world told them they should have.
I'm an occupational therapist with a PhD and specialized training in lifestyle medicine, which is a fancy way of saying I help people build daily lives that actually fit them. My approach is somatic and practical. We pay attention to the body, not just the mind. Sessions are via telehealth, California-wide.
They're often neurodivergent, queer, ENM, or figuring out their identity later than the world told them they should have.
I'm an occupational therapist with a PhD and specialized training in lifestyle medicine, which is a fancy way of saying I help people build daily lives that actually fit them. My approach is somatic and practical. We pay attention to the body, not just the mind. Sessions are via telehealth, California-wide.
I offer warm, neurodivergent-affirming therapy for young adults, couples, and individuals navigating anxiety, perfectionism, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
Now offering EMDR! As a humanistic therapist, I see you as the expert of your own story and meet you with warmth, curiosity, and zero judgment always. I integrate CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, IFS, psychodynamic, narrative, and somatic informed approaches. Together we gently process what feels heavy and create space for healing, clarity, and radical self acceptance.
I offer warm, neurodivergent-affirming therapy for young adults, couples, and individuals navigating anxiety, perfectionism, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
Now offering EMDR! As a humanistic therapist, I see you as the expert of your own story and meet you with warmth, curiosity, and zero judgment always. I integrate CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, IFS, psychodynamic, narrative, and somatic informed approaches. Together we gently process what feels heavy and create space for healing, clarity, and radical self acceptance.
You've been carrying something heavy — maybe for years. Whether it's anxiety that hums beneath every interaction, a relationship that keeps hitting the same wall, or a past experience that still shapes the way you show up in the world, you're here because something needs to change. A lot of the people I work with are high-functioning on the outside and quietly exhausted on the inside. Men navigating what it means to actually open up. Clients in relationships that are trying to understand themselves and their partners better. People who've tried to outthink their trauma — and found it doesn't work that way.
You've been carrying something heavy — maybe for years. Whether it's anxiety that hums beneath every interaction, a relationship that keeps hitting the same wall, or a past experience that still shapes the way you show up in the world, you're here because something needs to change. A lot of the people I work with are high-functioning on the outside and quietly exhausted on the inside. Men navigating what it means to actually open up. Clients in relationships that are trying to understand themselves and their partners better. People who've tried to outthink their trauma — and found it doesn't work that way.
I am a therapist because I love to witness people grow in the beautiful, non-linear way we all do as humans. With my private practice, Inner G Wellness, I am honored to walk alongside clients on their journey to discovering and embracing their Inner G: the greatness, grounding, goals, & gifts that make them unique. Using evidence-based practices, I’ll support you in creating a path that aligns with your values and aspirations. My approach provides a sacred space for you to uncover the essence of who you are, deepen your self-awareness, & learn how to ride life’s waves with confidence & clarity.
I am a therapist because I love to witness people grow in the beautiful, non-linear way we all do as humans. With my private practice, Inner G Wellness, I am honored to walk alongside clients on their journey to discovering and embracing their Inner G: the greatness, grounding, goals, & gifts that make them unique. Using evidence-based practices, I’ll support you in creating a path that aligns with your values and aspirations. My approach provides a sacred space for you to uncover the essence of who you are, deepen your self-awareness, & learn how to ride life’s waves with confidence & clarity.
Are you ready to heal from anxiety, stress, and trauma, on a nervous system level? My desire is to co-create a warm, authentic, and secure relationship with you where you will feel supported to be vulnerable and empowered to heal. I would love to help you unburden the parts of you that have spent far too long in constriction and survival mode, and support you to step into more of yourself. As we meet your wounds with tenderness and curiosity, I will support you to release what no longer aligns with you and expand to embody your fullness. Your tears, truth, vulnerability, quirks, and all your emotions are always welcome.
Are you ready to heal from anxiety, stress, and trauma, on a nervous system level? My desire is to co-create a warm, authentic, and secure relationship with you where you will feel supported to be vulnerable and empowered to heal. I would love to help you unburden the parts of you that have spent far too long in constriction and survival mode, and support you to step into more of yourself. As we meet your wounds with tenderness and curiosity, I will support you to release what no longer aligns with you and expand to embody your fullness. Your tears, truth, vulnerability, quirks, and all your emotions are always welcome.
I approach psychotherapy with the philosophy that individuals can find meaning & thrive even amidst life’s most challenging chapters. I am passionate about supporting those facing medical challenges to help them improve their quality of life & regain a sense of purpose & empowerment in the face of health adversity. Difficulties may manifest as an unrelenting pain that robs you of the ability to be present or experience joy, a brain injury that seems to have shifted your sense of identity & self-worth or feeling as though a GI condition has imposed rigid rules & accompanying fears that interfere with living life on your own terms.
I approach psychotherapy with the philosophy that individuals can find meaning & thrive even amidst life’s most challenging chapters. I am passionate about supporting those facing medical challenges to help them improve their quality of life & regain a sense of purpose & empowerment in the face of health adversity. Difficulties may manifest as an unrelenting pain that robs you of the ability to be present or experience joy, a brain injury that seems to have shifted your sense of identity & self-worth or feeling as though a GI condition has imposed rigid rules & accompanying fears that interfere with living life on your own terms.
Bilingual in English and Spanish. I have experience working with minority populations, mainly with the Latinx community as well as LGBTQIA+ community. I specialize in trauma and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). My practice is strength based and solution focused.
Bilingual in English and Spanish. I have experience working with minority populations, mainly with the Latinx community as well as LGBTQIA+ community. I specialize in trauma and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). My practice is strength based and solution focused.
See more therapy options for La Jolla
Nearby Neurodivergence Therapists Searches for La Jolla
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- La Mesa
- Lemon Grove
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- Santee
- Solana Beach
FAQ - Neurodivergent Counselling
What does neurodivergent mean?
Neurodivergent is a broad term used to describe people whose brains process, learn, or respond to information in ways that differ from what is considered “typical.” Neurodivergence can include autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, and other forms of neurological difference. The term comes from the idea of neurodiversity, which recognizes that differences in brain function are a natural part of human variation. Rather than viewing neurodivergence only through the lens of neurological disorders, this perspective acknowledges that neurodivergent people may experience both strengths and challenges. For example, a person may be very creative and intelligent, while also needing support with sensory sensitivity or learning differences.
What issues do neurodivergent people commonly bring to therapy?
Neurodivergent people often seek therapy for many of the same reasons as anyone else, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship concerns, or major life transitions. They may also want support with challenges specifically related to neurodivergence; for example, therapy may help with executive functioning, social communication, sensory sensitivity, school/learning stress, or the experience of feeling misunderstood in society. Therapists can also help individuals and families diagnose conditions, as well as distinguish regular challenges associated with childhood and/or adolescence from more enduring conditions. When needed, a therapist may also provide referrals to additional specialists, such as occupational therapists or psychiatrists who can prescribe psychiatric medication.
What therapeutic approaches work well for neurodivergent clients?
Therapy for neurodivergent clients is often most helpful when it is flexible and affirming. Rather than expecting every client to fit one standard model of therapy, neurodivergent-affirming therapists may adapt sessions to each person’s needs and therapy goals. Often, this includes visual aids, movement breaks, or other therapy supports. Common structured therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be useful for some neurodivergent clients, but the approach may need to be modified to avoid feeling overly rigid or focused on changing traits that are part of a person’s natural neurodivergence. Other approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based approaches, may also be helpful depending on the client’s needs.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of neurodivergent therapists?
Psychology Today’s directory of neurodivergent therapists includes professionals who self-identify as neurodivergent, as well as therapists who describe their work as neurodivergent-affirming or who specialize in areas such as ADHD, autism, learning differences, or sensory processing concerns. When reviewing a therapist’s profile, look at their bio, listed specialties, treatment approach, and experience working with neurodivergent clients. You may also want to consider whether they offer supports that matter to you, such as online therapy, accessible office space, or familiarity with specific concerns like anxiety, depression, or trauma.