Marianne Lapastora
Nice to meet you! I am a licensed psychologist specializing in ADHD, high-masking autism, giftedness, and neurodivergence in general. I am a neurodiversity-affirming therapist and work collaboratively with my clients to identify goals that work with their strengths rather than trying to change to "fit in." I especially enjoy working with late-diagnosed adults, and I welcome self-diagnosed individuals as well.
First session
In our first session, we'll talk through the big picture and whatever key concerns you'd like to share. I take a casual and conversational approach to getting to know you - the overview of your major life experiences, your current context, the things you'd like to focus on in therapy, and planning together what you'd like therapy to look like.
Strengths
I take a collaborative approach and enjoy working together towards your goals as a team. Depending on what you need at the moment, that might mean holding space and letting things be, or it might mean holding you accountable and challenging you. I also welcome you to advocate for what you want out of your sessions.
Ideal clients
Ideally, you are looking forward to having conversations, exploring yourself, and are open to new points of view. You don't have to know exactly what you need or you'd like to work on, and if you aren't sure then we will figure it out together! The most important thing is a sense of curiosity and a willingness to engage in the conversation.
Treatment methods
Strength-Based
I focus on identifying your areas of strength and sources of resilience in order to encourage engagement in life in a way that works with your strengths as much as possible. For neurodivergent people, burnout is often developed, in part, following periods of time spent trying to function differently than your natural, authentic self in order to fit in at school or at work. When needed, I integrate modalities that can include mindfulness, ACT, CBT, and DBT, among others; I adapt every approach to meet your unique needs and to affirm you as a person.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Other specialties
Serves
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 35201
- FloridaLicense TPPY2803