Neurodivergence and Trauma Counseling and Consultation

Neurodivergence and Trauma Counseling and Consultation is the specialty therapy practice of Emily Francis, M.A., M.S., LCPC and Ashley Brilliant, M.A., LGPC. We are dedicated to providing expert individual and couples therapy and consultation services in the intersection of neurodivergence-affirming psychotherapy and trauma therapy. Autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent individuals and their family members have historically been poorly served by traditional therapy methods and providers due to differences in communication styles, information processing, and neurodivergent traits being misunderstood or pathologized. Additionally, neurodivergent individuals experience traumatic events and develop PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms at higher rates than their neurotypical peers. Our practice believes that exceptional care for neurodivergent individuals requires a dual specialization in neurodivergence-affirming therapy as well as a wide skillset in trauma therapy modalities. We also provided individual and group therapy to individuals and families impacted by other variations of neurodivergence and trauma such as dissociative disorders and those who have been diagnosed with or are impacted by Borderline Personality Disorder or Narcissistic Personality Disorders. We take a trauma-informed and holistic approach to all emotional, relational, and behavioral challenges and seek to understand and embrace the whole person with compassion and a nuanced view of challenges and the reasons behind behaviors or struggles. We offer in-person appointments in Bethesda, Maryland, and can provide psychotherapy virtually to clients throughout Maryland and Virginia.