Online therapy & EFT for neurodiverse individuals & couples in Sunnyvale, Silicon Valley & Beyond
The Redwood and Oak Couples Counseling Vision: Seeing the Beauty in Neurodiversity
Before becoming a therapist, I trained and worked as an Ecologist. I had the opportunity to study complex systems in nature - oceans, forests, and the interconnected webs of plants and animals living therein. I always found it fascinating to observe life thriving in some of the harshest environments on our planet.
From the Pacific Northwest to Sunnyvale, California
Since moving to Sunnyvale, one of my favorite experiences is driving out to the coast on the weekends. As a Pacific Northwest native, it’s hard for me to stay away from the ocean for very long! Driving on highway 17 (assuming there’s not a slowdown!) is a gorgeous drive and always strikes me as incredible to be moving through such varied ecosystems in such a short amount of time. What starts out as the city quickly transforms into oak scrubland and chaparral, with the waving grasses and gnarled oak trees warming in the sun.
Then, within 20 min (again… assuming no traffic…) the sunlight starts to filter through dense branches. Gradually we’re in a shady, moist redwood forest, complete with moss and banana slugs.
Redwoods and Oaks: A Metaphor for Mixed-Neurotype Couples
These biomes are so different, and yet so close together. The oaks and the redwoods can both thrive in their respective environments and are also very different organisms – redwoods with shallow wide root systems to catch fine mist dripping down from marine fog, and oaks with their waxy, reflective leaves to hold onto the scarce moisture that makes it to their location. While they are both majestic trees, oaks and redwoods are very different and are adapted to different environments.
And then there is the space in between. I always try to keep an eye out for exactly where this transition occurs. There must be, in between these worlds, some rare, special spots where these trees live side by side.
As I’ve started working more and more with neurodivergent individuals and cross-neurotype couples, I think a lot about rich diversity in how our brains are wired, and how that shows up in relationships.
I support mixed-neurotype couples through online Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) in Sunnyvale and Beyond!
Often we are drawn to a partner who is wired differently than we are. The oaks and the redwoods find each other.
These differences can cause a rift at times, but they are also very complementary. What may, at first glance, feel like an unbridgeable chasm can actually be a place where we can build bridges, honor our differences, and thrive.
If you are ready to navigate and celebrate these differences with your partner, I would love to work with you both! Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
