The Nest Psychotherapy

05/14/2026

DBT Skills. Dialectics. The importance of ' AND' .

05/07/2026

05/01/2026

04/14/2026

Autism inclusion at work means reimagining how we design roles, teams, and workplaces so Autistic people can sustainably work. When organizations intentionally design for neurodiversity, through flexible environments, predictable structures, removing ambiguity, and multiple options for communication, Autistic employees report better mental health, higher job satisfaction, and stronger commitment to their roles. Disability and neurodiversity initiatives also benefit the wider workplace by supporting innovation and cognitive diversity.

Autism acceptance in the workplace means assuming variability in sensory and cognitive styles and designing with that variability in mind. Practical examples include peer mentors to help new hires navigate unwritten norms, advance notice of schedule or role changes, written follow ups after meetings, sensory breaks, quieter workspace options, and flexibility in where and when work happens. For me, having more control over my sensory environment and the ability to chase my curiosity have made the biggest difference in my relationship to work. Many of the shifts that make workplaces more neuroinclusive are low cost, high impact changes that reduce burnout and unlock the strengths Autistic employees bring without asking us to sacrifice our health.

04/02/2026

Awareness indicates Autism exists. Acceptance says Autism belongs.

Today, World Autism Awareness Day, I invite you to shift from awareness to acceptance.

Autistics do not need more awareness, they need:
🌎Safe environments where masking is not expected
🌎Therapists who understand that stimming is regulation, not a behaviour to change or be pathologized
🌎Recognition that Autism and trauma almost always go hand-in-hand when Autistics are expected and forced to act in non-Autistic ways to make others feel comfortable

Let us begin focusing on creating a more accessible world for Autistic individuals, rather than trying to make them "less autistic".

03/05/2026

We often think of our senses as just the "big five," but for neurodivergent individuals, our sensory system is a critical aspect of emotional regulation.

When our sensory needs aren’t met, our brains are too busy processing the input to focus on anything else. But when they are met? We unlock more capacity, a better mood, and higher functioning.

Here’s a breakdown of how sensory sensitivities show up, and why accommodation matters:

👂 Auditory: Hypersensitive (Hearing the hum of a fridge like a jet engine) vs. Hyposensitive (Not hearing someone call your name).
✅ Accommodation: Noise-canceling headphones or background white noise.

👁️ Visual: Hypersensitive (Feeling overwhelmed by bright, flickering lights) vs. Hyposensitive (Seeking out bright, colorful stimuli).
✅ Accommodation: Dimming the lights or using vivid visual aids.

👃 Olfactory: Hypersensitive (Getting nauseous from a coworker's perfume) vs. Hyposensitive (Not noticing strong smells like spoiled food).
✅ Accommodation: Scent-free zones or using strong, pleasant scents to ground yourself.

🖐️ Tactile: Hypersensitive (Hating the texture of certain fabrics or food) vs. Hyposensitive (Not feeling pain or temperature well).
✅ Accommodation: Soft, preferred clothing or weighted blankets for deep pressure.

🍽️ Gustatory: Hypersensitive (Restricted diet due to texture/flavor intensity) vs. Hyposensitive (Eating very spicy or bland foods).
✅ Accommodation: Safe foods and autonomy over meal choices.

⚖️ Proprioception: Hypersensitive (Clumsiness, bumping into walls) vs. Hyposensitive (Not knowing where your body is in space).
✅ Accommodation: Heavy work activities like pushing/pulling or yoga.

🌀 Vestibular: Hypersensitive (Getting motion sick easily) vs. Hyposensitive (Spinning without getting dizzy).
✅ Accommodation: Rocking chairs or movement breaks.

🫀 Interoception (The Internal Sense): This is how we feel what’s happening inside our bodies. Many neurodivergent individuals do not get enough sensory input (hyposensitivity). This can look like: Forgetting to eat or drink all day, not realizing you need the bathroom until it's urgent, or being unable to tell if you are anxious, angry, or hungry until you are in full "meltdown" mode.
✅ Accommodation: Using timed reminders to eat/drink, body scanning meditations, or using an emotions wheel to connect physical sensations to feelings.

Neurodivergent individuals aren't "overreacting" to the world; we are reacting to a nervous system that is always on alert, and often without a clear "heads up" from our own bodies. When we accommodate the body, the mind follows. 🧘

12/18/2025

📣 After much reflection, I have made the decision to shift the focus of my clinical work exclusively on individuals 12+. This means I will no longer be providing couples counselling.

My work will continue to centre on a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed lens, supporting individuals on their unique journeys. This allows me to have the space to focus my continued education and training in ways that will best support these individuals.

I’m deeply grateful to all the couples that I’ve had the privilege of working with! 🤗 💙

12/15/2025

Your health and the health of our community are top priorities. Please stay home if you’re feeling unwell. If you have symptoms, we can easily switch your appointment to a secure virtual session - just let me know. This helps avoid late cancellation fees and ensures we all do our part to keep everyone healthy this season.

09/15/2025

Have you heard of the neurodivergent love languages? They are beautiful, unique ways we connect and say "I see you and I care." 💙

Here’s a breakdown of the love languages, and why they are so deeply appreciated:

🗣️ Infodumping: When I trust you with my hyperfixations and special interests without fear of judgment.

Why it’s appreciated: It’s the ultimate sign of trust and safety. Listening is an act of love that validates our inner world.

🧩 Parallel Play: Simply existing together in the same space while doing our own things. No pressure to perform or mask.

Why it’s appreciated: It fulfills our need for connection without the draining demands of forced social interaction. It says, "Your presence is enough."

👯Body Doubling: Having you nearby while I tackle a daunting task makes it feel possible.

Why it’s appreciated: It provides gentle accountability and quiet support that helps bypass executive dysfunction. You're my silent cheerleader.

🔄 Support Swapping / Spoon Sharing: You offer me your energy when mine is depleted, and I offer you mine in return.

Why it’s appreciated: It’s a practical and profound partnership. It says, "We are a team. Your needs are not a burden."

🎁 Penguin Pebbling: Bringing you a small, found object or sharing a meme because it made me think of you.

Why it’s appreciated: It’s a low-pressure way to express continuous affection. It says, "You are on my mind, even when we're apart."

🤗 Deep Pressure: The calming, grounding feeling of a weighted blanket, a firm hug, or cozy squeeze.

Why it’s appreciated: It regulates our nervous system and provides a sense of safety and containment that words often can't.

Which of these love languages do you speak or appreciate the most?

09/10/2025