Who is Neurotopical therapy?
Because its important I pass the vibe check
I am a queer, autistic, and ADHD human, with experience of chronic health conditions related to gastroenterology and gynecology, ARFID, and being a twin (of another autistic human). I use She/Her or They/Them pronouns.
I spend most of my free time balancing my life with a chronically over and under-stimulated brain, trying not to do so many things I need weeks to recover (with some success). So, a lot of time is spent playing and making music, dancing and training with my labrador Nora. I absolutely love thinking and learning all about autism, ADHD, disability and social work, so I do a bit too much of that in my free time too.
My biggest red flags are my screen time, my lack of ability to accurately quote things I’ve seen and my need to link everything to sociology and mythology. I also don’t keep plants alive and I can’t tell you my favourite anything because how can anyone pick just one thing!
I am an avid line dancer (because repitition and it feels like performing) and I adore my two dogs, Monty (11 year old rescue greyhound) and Nora (3 year old working black labrador). I could talk about them, mythology, the satanic panic, sewing or crafts for hours. I am also a big fan of Americana and country music (but more outlaw country and indigenous roots and way less trucks and beer). I love ice hockey, but don’t ask me how my team is currently doing. I’m also such a big fan of a sweet treat.
Who I am as a person
I am a senior social worker, and I am incredibly passionate about supporting autistic and neurodivergent people across their life span as they navigate their unique journeys. I practice critical social work, I am anti-oppressive, strength-based, feminist, intersectional, trauma-informed, queer-affirming and neuro-affirming.
As a social worker, I focus on building relationships, as they are the key to change. I am reliable, warm, curious, and hold unconditional positive regard for all my participants. I really like to use creativity to look into our emotions; songs, books, and poetry are my jam so don’t be surprised if I suggest we make a playlist.
As an autistic individual myself, I understand that neurodiversity is not a condition to be fixed but a spectrum of unique perspectives, challenges and strengths to be appreciated and supported. This insight drives my work, and I’m dedicated to providing a space where each person’s needs, interests, and identity are valued and respected. Therapy with me is less about “treatment” and more about discovery, gaining insight into what being neurodivergent means for each individual and finding ways to thrive.
Before I started neurotopical therapy, I worked exclusively in government services with people in the justice system. I have always been the type of person who is interested in talking about the “off limits” topics, death, substances, religion, money, sexual health- you name it, I can talk about it.
I often feel immense gratitude for the work I get to do, having a very sacred insight into many people’s rich and vulnerable inner worlds. It is an honour to know people so deeply and keep it safe. I love working with people on self-identity, self-esteem, self-beliefs, self-care and boundaries. It's really important to me that I hold any hope that feels too difficult for others to carry, and I see so much good for each of my participants' futures. I usually sign off my sessions with “in the meantime, feel free to dump anything on your mind in an email”.
Who I am as a professional
I graduated my bachelors of social work in 2019, and since then have become a clinical social worker who specialises in disability, LGBT+ communities, mental health and focused psychological strategies. I navigate complex presentations and systems with resilience and nuance. I am very deliberate about using evidence-based practices only, and committed to seeing a person holistically in their environment. I value working collaboratively with participants and their supports, including families and multidisciplinary teams.
My qualifications are:
Bachelor of Social Work
Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies (The Griffith Award for Academic Excellence)
Registered member with Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), including required CPD, AASW Membership No. 479174
I use the following clinical methods in my practice:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT for Autism, ADHD, and grief and loss
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Brief Intervention
Psychodynamic/relational Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Somatic Therapy
Mindfulness
Who I am as a clinician
