For many people, the journey to therapy begins after years of feeling misunderstood. At Chroma Wellness Center, we believe mental health care should honor the unique ways people experience the world—not ask them to fit into a predetermined mold. That’s why therapist Althea McWilliams, MA, LPCC, incorporates a neuroaffirming approach into their work, helping clients recognize that their differences are not deficits but an important part of who they are.
"Neuroaffirming care really takes into consideration the neurological structure of the client that I'm working with. There's a big effort to not pathologize these diagnoses... We're calling it in, and we are identifying the different supports and accommodations that the client can either self-apply or advocate for."
What is Neuroaffirming Therapy?
While many people associate neurodivergence only with autism or ADHD, Althea emphasizes that the concept is much broader. The neurodiversity paradigm recognizes a wide range of neurological differences, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorders, and the lasting neurological effects of complex trauma. Rather than viewing these experiences solely through a medical lens, neuroaffirming care recognizes the strengths, adaptability, and resilience that come with different neurotypes. At Chroma, this philosophy translates into practical, compassionate care. Althea prioritizes client choice and agency from the very first session. “If you don’t want to go into this right now, that’s okay, ” they tell clients. “We always will have more time. ” They also remove traditional expectations—such as maintaining eye contact or sitting still—that can unintentionally create barriers for neurodivergent individuals. Instead, they offer multiple ways to participate, helping clients feel safe enough to engage in treatment on their own terms.
"We're validating, based off of real evidence that's already out there, that we belong and we exist—and that alone can be really empowering for folks.”
The Mind-Body Connection
Their work draws on somatic therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), parts work, and trauma-informed care to help clients better understand emotional regulation and nervous system responses. Before introducing experiential exercises, Althea provides extensive psychoeducation so clients understand the “why” behind the work. This approach acknowledges that many neurodivergent individuals naturally process information intellectually before feeling comfortable engaging emotionally.
Grounded In Research and Leading Voices
Althea’s practice is informed by leading voices in the neurodiversity movement, including Dr. Devon Price, author of Unmasking Autism, Nick Walker, whose work on neurodiversity and neurodivergent-informed therapy has shaped clinical practice, and therapists and advocates such as Jennifer Mullan, whose decolonized approach to mental health encourages clinicians to move beyond pathologizing difference.
These perspectives reinforce Chroma’s commitment to providing affirming, evidenceinformed care that celebrates human diversity rather than attempting to “normalize” it
“To be a neuroaffirming provider honors that inherent diversity.”
Supporting the Intersection of Identity and Healing
For LGBTQIA+ individuals, these conversations often intersect with identity exploration, trauma, and belonging. Althea notes that many neurodivergent clients also navigate questions related to gender and sexual identity. Their goal is to help clients build embodied consent, trust their own internal experiences, and develop practical self-regulation skills they can carry beyond the therapy room.
Healing Through Self-Acceptance
Ultimately, Althea hopes every client leaves treatment with “permission to be who they want to be” and the confidence to advocate for themselves in a world that doesn’t always understand neurological differences. At Chroma Wellness Center, that philosophy reflects a simple but powerful belief: healing begins when people are accepted exactly as they are.
About Chroma Wellness Center
Chroma Wellness Center provides affirming, trauma-informed outpatient care for LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking healing from mental health and substance use challenges. Offering PHP and IOP levels of care, Chroma integrates evidence-based therapies such as DBT, CBT, EFT, and Somatic Experiencing with psychiatric support and gender affirming housing.
Contact us today to learn more or verify your insurance.