LP, 10 years of experience
I’m Gwendolyn Barnhart, PhD, PsyD, EdD, a licensed clinical psychologist with a cross-jurisdictional private practice serving Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Alaska, British Columbia, and PSYPACT states. I have vast experience working with neurodivergence, intellectual and developmental disabilities, in multicultural settings. I primarily serve clients who identify with autism and ADHD. As an AuDHD psychologist, I bring lived experience alongside clinical expertise, which helps me create spaces that feel safer, clearer, and more attuned to neurodivergent needs.
In our first session, you can expect a pace that’s gentle, collaborative, and tailored to how your brain works—not rushed or rigid. I’ll ask a few grounding questions to understand what brings you in, what’s felt helpful or unhelpful in past care, and what kind of support you’re hoping for now. You don’t need to have everything figured out—I’m here to help sort through the tangle, whether that’s trauma, neurodivergence, identity, or just trying to function in systems that weren’t built for you. I’ll offer transparency about my approach, clarify any diagnostic or documentation needs, and check in often to make sure the space feels safe and useful. My goal is for you to leave feeling seen, respected, and a little more resourced than when you arrived.
What stands out most about my approach is how intentionally it’s built for neurodivergent minds and trauma-shaped nervous systems. I don’t rely on rigid protocols or one-size-fits-all models—instead, I co-create therapy with each client, using visual tools, scripting supports, and executive skill scaffolds that match how you process and communicate. I integrate culturally safe, strengths-based methods that honor identity and lived experience, especially for autistic and ADHD clients. A unique element of my practice is the incorporation of animal-assisted interventions at my therapy farm, which provides clients with calming, grounding experiences that enrich therapeutic work. I hold the necessary credentials to practice across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring compliance and quality in both clinical and innovative approaches. Clients often tell me they feel more understood, less pathologized, and better equipped to navigate systems that previously felt overwhelming or invalidating. My methods help clarify confusion around diagnosis, build self-trust, and support real-world functioning—not just insight, but action.
Many of my clients are navigating diagnostic confusion, masking fatigue, sensory overwhelm, or executive skill challenges. Others are seeking strengths-based ways to understand their identity, relationships, or routines. I offer support that’s collaborative, validating, and flexible—designed for people who’ve spent too long adapting to systems that didn’t adapt to them. Whether you’re newly exploring neurodivergence or deep in the work of unmasking and rebuilding, I’m here to walk with you.
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I bring a wealth of experience and dedication to my practice, working with individuals across the lifespan. My extensive background includes supporting individuals with autism, developmental and intellectual disabilities, and serious mental illness. I am equipped to provide therapy, psychological assessments, and diagnostic services tailored to meet the unique needs of my clients. Myapproach ensures that clients receive the support and guidance they need. My commitment is to foster a compassionate and understanding environment where clients feel empowered and valued.