Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity - Autism/ADD/ADHD Counselling and Treatment in North Vancouver, BC and West Vancouver, BC

Feeling Different? Are you Challenged by Autism/ADD/ADHD?

Neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of neurological differences, including autism, ADHD, and ADD. If you or someone you love is neurodivergent, you may experience unique challenges and strengths that can impact your daily life.

Understanding Neurodiversity - Autism/ADD/ADHD

Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of human brains and minds. Individuals with neurodivergent conditions often think, learn, and process information differently from neurotypical individuals.

What does living with Autism/ADD/ADHD feel like for you?

For Neurodivergent Individuals

  • Sensory sensitivities:

"Certain sounds, textures, or lights can be overwhelming."

  • Social challenges:

"I struggle with understanding social cues and making friends."

  • Difficulty focusing:

"My mind often wanders, and it's hard to stay on task."

  • Executive function challenges:

"I have trouble with planning, organizing, and time management."

  • Intense interests:

"I become deeply absorbed in specific topics or hobbies."

For Caregivers and Loved Ones:

  • Frustration:

"It can be frustrating to see your loved one struggle."

  • Guilt:

"You may feel guilty for not being able to 'fix' their challenges."

  • Lack of understanding:

"Others may not understand your loved one's needs and behaviors."

  • Overwhelm:

"Caring for a neurodivergent individual can be emotionally and physically draining."

Many clients pay little or nothing out of pocket — we direct bill Pacific Blue Cross, SunLife, Telus Health / Canada Life, GreenShield, and more. See all insurance & funding options → Direct billing available

Hope and Healing - Living with Autism/ADD/ADHD

Our team in North Vancouver and West Vancouver takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach — working with the way your brain works, not against it. We support children, adolescents, and adults through Individual CounsellingCBT adapted for neurodivergent clients, and EMDR Therapy for clients where anxiety or trauma is part of the picture. Neurofeedback has a strong evidence base specifically for ADHD and attention difficulties — directly training focus, self-regulation, and cognitive flexibility. Biofeedback is also available to support nervous system regulation.

Access between $6,000 - $22,000/yr of government funding through the BC MCFD Autism Funding Program

Ready to embrace your neurodiversity? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Need help finding the right counsellor for you? Get matched to one of our qualified Registered Clinical Counsellors

Work with our counselling team

Our counsellors have experience supporting neurodivergent clients — children, teens, and adults. Neurofeedback is also used to support focus and regulation — learn more here.

Maryam Mills

Maryam Mills

MA, RCC-ACS, CCC, BCN, EMDRIA-Consultant — Clinic Director

“My aim is to guide clients toward realizing their highest potential — drawing on EMDR, neurofeedback, and a deeply holistic understanding of what shapes each person's experience.”

EMDR Neurofeedback Trauma Couples Hypnotherapy Farsi Full profile →
Teresa Berkholtz

Teresa Berkholtz

MA, RCC

“I believe every individual has the capacity to grow through their struggles and emerge with clarity, strength, and purpose — I use EMDR and parts work to help clients find what keeps them stuck.”

EMDR IFS / Parts work Somatic Gottman Full profile →
Alireza Badri

Alireza Badri

MA, RCC

“I bring a calm, thoughtful presence — helping clients build self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with their sense of strength using EMDR, DBT, and ACT.”

EMDR DBT ACT Gottman Farsi Full profile →
Sogol Shams

Sogol Shams

PhD, MACP, RCC

“I'm dedicated to creating a culturally sensitive, supportive environment — drawing on CBT, EMDR, and play therapy to empower clients of all ages to build resilience and thrive.”

EMDR CBT Play therapy IFS Farsi Full profile →
Jackie McGregor

Jackie McGregor

MACP, RCC

“True healing involves attending to the whole person — I integrate IFS, somatic, and Gottman approaches to help clients achieve deeper self-discovery and lasting change.”

IFS / Parts work Somatic CBT Gottman Full profile →
Stephanie Stanton

Stephanie Stanton

MACP, RCC, RRT

“My background as a respiratory therapist shaped my understanding of how stress and anxiety live in the body — I work alongside clients to explore the patterns that may no longer be serving them.”

EMDR IFS Somatic Gottman Full profile →
Diba Ferdowsi

Diba Ferdowsi

Counselling Intern — available through our low-cost counselling program

“I offer a warm, non-judgmental space for clients navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions — supervised by our senior clinical team.”

CBT DBT Mindfulness Farsi Low-cost program only Full profile →

Ready to get started? Not sure who to book with — we'll match you with the right counsellor.

Book a free 15 min. consultation

Neurodiversity, Autism & ADHD — Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many adults come to us having only recently received a diagnosis — or suspecting one — after years of struggling without understanding why. We work with neurodivergent adults navigating self-understanding, work and relationship challenges, and the often complex emotional experience of receiving a late diagnosis. We also work with children and adolescents.
Yes — neurofeedback has a strong evidence base for ADHD specifically, and is used alongside counselling at MasterMind for clients where attention, focus, and self-regulation are central concerns. Learn more about neurofeedback here. Note that neurofeedback is delivered by our specialist team and scheduling is separate from counselling.
Counselling is valuable for autistic individuals across the spectrum — particularly for managing anxiety (which is very common in autistic people), navigating social and sensory experiences, processing the impact of masking, and supporting identity and self-acceptance. Our counsellors take a neurodiversity-affirming approach — the goal is never to change who you are, but to build understanding and tools that work for your nervous system.
No. A formal diagnosis is not required to begin counselling. Many people come to us while awaiting assessment, or choose not to pursue formal diagnosis at all. If you recognise yourself in descriptions of ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent profiles and it's affecting your wellbeing, that's enough to start the conversation.

Community and Industry Resources for Autism/ADD/ADHD

  • Autism Canada: A national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families.
  • ADHD Canada: A national organization dedicated to raising awareness and supporting individuals with ADHD.
  • CMHA North and West Vancouver: Local mental health organization offering a range of services, including counselling and support groups.
  • Vancouver Coastal Health: The regional health authority responsible for providing health services in Vancouver and surrounding areas.