Neurodivergent (autistic, gifted), queer
Recovering perfectionist & overachiever
Unapologetic Dog Mom
Living with multiple ‘invisible’ disabilities/chronic illnesses - POTS/NCS/MCAS/dysautonomia, Celiac, endometriosis, PCOS, Fibromyalgia, PTSD
Creator, mixed media artist, writer & full-blooded INFJ
I specialize in providing affirming therapy and coaching to neurodivergent, queer, trans, and gender-expansive adults. Many of the clients I work with are exploring their identity, learning to unmask in a world that isn’t built for them, living with chronic illness and disability, navigating life transitions or grief, and/or trying to make sense of the chaos that comes with surviving trauma, childhood neglect, and abuse. Clients often come to me feeling like they are “too much” and “not enough” all at the same time.
I believe that the core of our work together is rooted in a collaborative and authentic therapeutic relationship, where you are the expert of your own experience. I deeply value your perspective and want to get to know all aspects of you. I don’t believe that you are broken or something to be fixed. I think all parts of you are beautiful and deserve to be seen. In our space, weird is celebrated, and there is nothing we can’t discuss. I utilize a holistic, neurodivergent affirming, and trauma-informed approach to therapy, blending person-centered & relational talk therapy with experiential modalities such as somatics, expressive arts therapy, BMDR, Brainspotting, and mindfulness.
Learn more about my services here.
We’ll probably connect if you are looking for someone who is laid-back, collaborative, and direct in a gently challenging yet super curious way. I’m not a blank face therapist who just nods and validates. My autistic brain and insatiable curiosity mean I tend to see patterns & ask a ton of questions, helping you to explore yourself and really get to the root of what’s driving your patterns, what’s keeping you stuck, and what actually matters to you beneath the noise. I try to create a space that is relaxed, where any and all parts of you are free to be seen. It’s rare for me not to curse during a session, and I usually show up wearing a black tank top or a fun t-shirt. I show my tattoos, my face is pierced, and I totally geek out when I get asked about my talking dog, art, or anything autism and mental health. I fully encourage stimming and taking care of your needs, so you’ll often see me doing the same - fidgeting with a piece of clay, taking a sip of water, or chilling with my sensory weighted plush sloth Sawyer in my lap. Behind me, you’ll find dim or natural lighting, messy art, colorful walls, and weird little objects - all pieces of a space that welcomes all parts of you.
Sessions typically begin with a check-in, which might include updates from your week and any topics you think would be helpful for us to explore. If we’ve been working on something specific, you can expect me to touch base and keep you accountable. I might also ask you to share the vibe you’re feeling for the session - if you’re in the mood to talk, make art, do Brainspotting, try something experiential, or a combination. Once we’re on the same page, we’ll jump in.
When I’m not in sessions or working in my medical cannabis practice, you’ll likely find me on the beach, paddleboarding the Weeki Wachee River, or at home making art and hanging with my partner & 3 dogs. I don’t go anywhere without my electrolyte water, Loops earplugs, an arsenal of safe snacks, and at least 3 fidgets. I’m a serial entrepreneur and have never been able to do one thing. I’ve produced online content since my teeny bopper days (that Backstreet Boys late 90’s fan site was dope as hell!) and love working with fellow creatives. One of my special interests is augmentative interspecies communication - specifically, my dog talks, and we share videos of it on the internet. His name is Ripley, and he’s my absolute soul dog.
I’m a full believer in the power of therapy and personal growth, and cannot picture a world in which I don’t see my therapist regularly (she’s the fucking best and has taught me so much about showing up for myself and living authentically). My own experience - navigating childhood and complex trauma, late-diagnosed high masking Autism, and the ups and downs of chronic illness - shapes the way I show up in session. My lived experience helps me create a space that’s a bit more honest, grounded, and attuned to folks who are far too often feeling unseen or misunderstood. For me, being a therapist is a genuine honor, a privilege, and a responsibility that I hold close to my heart.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation or jump right into a first session - whatever feels right for you.
Four Easy Ways to Schedule:
Text 727-201-2190
Email info@beacrookedtree.com
Send a message through my contact page
Book through my online portal
Master of Arts, Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling
University of South Florida, 2011
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
University of South Florida, 2008
Wellcoaches Core Training, 2016
Primal Health Coach, 2016
Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts, 2024-25
Brainspotting Phase I & II, 2025
Florida Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, License# IMH 26194
Supervised by: Sara Deese MA, MCAP, LMHC-QS, LPC, LPCC License #MH18260
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, #00115999
National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, #A-2255686
Certified Wellcoach #211004, Wellcoaches
Certified Primal Health Coach, #10565626
Certified Nature-Based Expressive Arts Practitioner #kxbxjqx12q
Certified Restorative Embodiment & Expressive Arts Practitioner #03jqnpyg2d
You aren't broken. All of you is beautiful. There are no "bad" parts of us. All parts are welcome.
Trauma often resides within our bodies, beyond the reach of words. Effective healing requires us to step out of our minds and reconnect with our bodies, sensory experiences, and our conscious memories. The arts and your inner creativity can be a vehicle for this healing.
Your trauma, chronic illness, and/or neurotype don't define you, but they sure as hell shape your experience and worldview. I want to understand this perspective.
Being a human is hard, messy, complex, and incredibly beautiful. Witnessing your experience and being a small part of your journey is truly an honor. It's an importance I hold close.
Therapy is political, no matter how hard we try to pretend it's not. Life is political. Systems are biased, oppressive, and flawed, and influence all aspects of our lives. I strive to honor each person’s lived experience, understanding that mental health care is deeply intertwined with these larger societal forces. I strive to create a space where clients can explore not only their personal struggles but also how societal expectations, norms, and systemic barriers may be impacting their well-being. I also actively work to examine and challenge my own biases and patterns, ensuring I contribute to an environment rooted in inclusion and growth.
Authenticity starts with the therapist.
Self-compassion, curiosity, and healthy boundaries are necessary for growth.
Authentic - I'm not afraid to show up as my whole human self and I encourage you to do the same. I’m never going to dress “professional,” I curse, and if my hair is in braids, it's because I haven't washed it or I just can’t stand what it feels like on my neck.
Collaborative - I believe that you should be in the driver's seat. You can expect that I will check in, make sure we are meeting your needs and goals, and encourage an open and honest dialogue. I want to know how it is going - or how it could be going better, even if that means I need to do my own work.
Experiential - Some sessions may be more active and directive than others. We might talk, make art, do a sensory activity, meditate, finger paint, dig into your favorite music or tik toks, or do a relaxation exercise. Between sessions, I may ask you to try something new, journal about something we discussed, or create an art project. These "homework assignments" aren't about the outcome or final product - they are meant to help facilitate growth and healing.
Humorous - I'm weird and quirky and am most likely going to crack (a hopefully appropriately timed) joke.
Intellectual - I am passionate about all aspects of psychology, mental health, neurodiversity, consciousness, spirituality, and personal growth. Psycho-education can help clients better understand their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. I'm always down for a geeky deep dive, but before I jump into educating, you can always expect me to ask if you want to hear it.
Person-Centered - My approach centers on the belief that our relationship is at the core of our work together. No number of titles or degrees can substitute for a deep and personal therapeutic connection. I intend to create a space of authenticity and trust, built on warmth, empathy, acceptance, and likely a dash of humor. Over time we will learn what works best for you and we'll do just that! You are a full and beautiful complex human, not some checklist in the DSM or book of modalities.
You suspect or know you’re autistic, neurodivergent, and/or gifted, and traditional therapy never quite “got” you.
You’ve been running in survival mode due to chronic pain, invisible disabilities, or trauma - and you’re ready for a change.
You’re ready to break from the cycle of overwork and self-doubt.
You keep yourself busy to avoid feeling those big, complex emotions, leaving you disconnected from your authentic self.
You’re open to mind-body wellness, or maybe even the “woo woo.”
You’re looking for an integrative, neurodivergent affirming provider who understands that healing is holistic and using tools like the expressive arts, somatics, and plant medicine can be transformational.
You are tired of therapy that feels generic or clinical and are ready for a creative and experiential space that allows you to explore your full, messy, beautiful self.
