Licensed to practice in Michigan and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in ADHD, Autism, LGBTQ and 9 more.
(he/him)
Hello! 👋 My name is Ned (he/him), and I am a 36-year-old transmasculine therapist who sees individuals for virtual therapy. I got my Masters in Social Work from Michigan State University, and moved up the ranks in private practice. Now, I help neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ adults of all ages (18+) to find healing, self-acceptance, and joy. I have lived experience or am competent around: autism, ADHD, chronic illness, disability, kink, polyamory, acculturative stress, and the gaming community (video and tabletop RPG). ✨
Our first 60-minute session will start with some introductions, and then explore what has brought you to therapy. I take my cues from you; if you come with a PowerPoint presentation about your holistic self, we talk about your holistic self and where you want to improve. If you come for a single issue, we explore that single issue. Either way, you should leave with a picture of what to expect from the rest of therapy (although it is always subject to change to suit your needs.)
I hear that I am very approachable. I am a trained professional, but I don't talk like a textbook. You are a unique and real human being; you are not your mental illness nor your problems. I am comfortable admitting when I'm wrong, or when I don't know something. It doesn't mean we stop there, but I strive to be transparent during the process. I am also comfortable challenging clients in a way that feels respectful and safe. I strive to give all of my clients unconditional positive regard; that means I may challenge, but I'm always on the side of you and your growth.
You have a new diagnosis of ADHD or autism; or you suspect you are neurodivergent, but you don't know how to proceed. Or you want to show up more authentically--to stop masking your autism, or present as the gender you align with--but you're looking for support and guidance along the way. Perhaps you just want to stop feeling like your own worst enemy, and you're willing to try some new ways of thinking and acting to create a more fulfilling life for yourself.
Other specialties
I identify as
Gender-affirming therapy
I've provided gender-affirming therapy for three years. This means accepting and affirming your stated gender identity at all times, as well as exploring it to whatever extent you choose to. This has helped many of my clients to gain clarity and confidence in their identities.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
My practice is DBT-informed. For three years, I have taught neurodivergent clients DBT skills like Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness, to give them more control over their attention, mood, levels of stimulation, and social skills. DBT can be helpful for those who have intense mood swings, as well as those who often don't know how they feel, but only with the full consent and comfort of the client.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
In every moment, I strive to be person-centered; to work with you as an equal team member in your care. To provide you a safe environment to talk, grow, and make positive change. To work from the understanding that every person and situation is unique. There are no formulas here. Whether you have an essay's worth of goals for therapy, or just a vague idea, we make a general map in that direction together, and we check in frequently to see how things are going, how therapy feels for you. Your path may include formal modalities like DBT or ACT, or it might be best walked with simple conversation, talk therapy. I also strive to provide unconditional positive regard. Being neurodivergent or a member of the LGBTQIA+ community can come with a lot of rejection; the last thing you should need to worry about is the acceptance of your therapist. I strive to provide empathy, and above all else to truly understand where you are coming from, without judgment.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
This therapy teaches us to stop resisting reality, so we can find more creative solutions for what is. I weave ACT concepts into talk therapy, but occasionally will run a full course for someone who believes they could benefit.
Narrative
So much of our experience is dictated not by events themselves, but by our interpretation of them. And so many of us have internalized our problems, saying things like, "I'm lazy," instead of, "I'm finding it very difficult to focus on my homework," for example. Narrative therapy helps us to stop letting shame and blame keep us from creative solutions to our problems, by learning the power of our inner storyteller.