Autism and ADHD Counseling in Virginia Beach | Affirming, Strengths-Based Support

Autism and ADHD Counseling in Virginia Beach that celebrates who you are

You’ve been masking your entire life with little benefit to you. You’re crispy burnt out. Lately, you’ve been feeling vulnerable and unsupported during meltdowns or shutdowns. The overwhelm is painful. Your experience has been invalidated time and time again. You sometimes think that you might be an alien. You’re fed up with the demands of others to be anything other than what you are. You’re not just looking to be accepted by others, you crave the experience of trusting and accepting yourself.

Emily Bachardy, LCSW, Virginia Beach Therapist specializing in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Trauma, Childhood Abuse and Neglect, Sexual Abuse, Dissociative Experiences, Autism, ADHD, and Addiction, Depression, Anxiety, Poor Self-Image, and the LGBTQ+ Community

Support for Navigating Life, Relationships, and Self-Acceptance

I’ve been where you are.

My own journey as a late diagnosed autistic and ADHD-er made me understand how much I needed to be supported and seen by someone who really gets it.

As a therapist, I support other autistics and ADHD-ers who wish to live their life any way they choose.

Whether you suspect you are neurodivergent or you were recently diagnosed as autistic or ADHD, I have the tools that reduce shame and empower you toward the life you actually want.

Embracing Identity, Advocacy, and Authenticity

I help you move forward with strength and clarity through life-saving information, mind-body healing, mindfulness skills, interrupting unhelpful thought loops, and more.

I know that autistic and ADHD individuals are at higher risk for experiencing trauma. I often use Trauma Model Therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy to transform unique challenges related to bullying, physical and sexual abuse, social exclusion, chronic stress and invalidation from navigating an allistic world.

You deserve support that gets you. Reach out today for neurodiversity-affirming counseling in Virginia Beach, because you are already enough. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. My other specialties include trauma and dissociation, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, addiction, poor self-image, depression, anxiety, and affirming the LGBTQ+ community.

Frequently Asked Questions about Autism and ADHD Counseling in Virginia Beach, VA

  • Autism and ADHD itself is not a problem or behavior to be solved. Autistics and ADHDers have lots of strengths derived from difference. Difference is not something to be fixed. Difference does not mean broken. Unfortunately, harmful practices which focus on diagnoses, disorders, and deficits are mainstream today. This practice needs to stop.

    It’s the unique challenges related to being neurodivergent that we need to unburden: the depression, anxiety, trauma due to bullying, physical and sexual abuse, social exclusion, chronic stress and invalidation from navigating a neurotypical world.

    The ingredients for a good treatment outcome for autistics and ADHDers are the same for depression, anxiety, and trauma: a good work ethic, a commitment to recovery, sufficient resources personally and financially, insight, no life-threatening illnesses, major life disruptions or ongoing major trauma, and a skilled therapist.

  • Who you talk to depends on your individual needs and preferences. One option is to seek information or diagnosis related to ADHD or autism from a primary care physician. They can provide initial guidance, rule out other conditions, and potentially refer you to specialists.

    In Virginia Beach, licensed clinical mental health counselors (LMHCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) are other mental health professionals who can diagnose ADHD and autism. Whoever you talk to, seek professionals who are inclusive of neurodivergence regardless of where you are in your journey.

    Support groups can be valuable for finding affirming professionals and sharing experiences with people like you. These days it’s easy to find other people on the internet such as discussion boards you can share your experiences with.

  • When a person is both autistic and ADHD, this is often referred to as AuDHD. It turns out there is a lot of overlap between autism and ADHD according to research. As someone who was late-diagnosed AuDHD, finding a provider who is familiar with ADHD and autism, as well as someone who is committed to providing affirming, neurodivergent-friendly care, was necessary in my season of discovery.

  • If you suspect that you may be an AuDHDer, you may wonder: what do I do next? Working with a neurodivergent affirming therapist can be extremely helpful. Practical solutions to sensory overwhelm can include access to quiet spaces, using noise-cancelling headphones, and adjusted lighting. Supporting nervous system regulation by implementing anxiety management strategies or reducing overstimulation is important. Leaning into your unique strengths, interests and preferences decreases chronic stress and burnout.

It is time to call and get help. You’ve waited long enough.