Krista Cain - Neurodivergence-affirming counselor

Currently virtual only.

Welcome to The CompassionWorks! I’m Krista Cain (she/her/hers), a Licensed Mental Health Counselor / Professional Counselor, late-diagnosed neurodivergent human, compassion-monger, and believer in post-traumatic growth! I provide individual mental health counseling for adults specializing in five areas: 

• Neurodivergence, including those who are autistic, ADHD, and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile

• Pregnancy and transition to parenthood, including postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety

• Parenting, including parenting neurodivergent kids

• Generalized anxiety 

• Grief and loss, including miscarriage and infant loss

I particularly enjoy working at the intersection of these areas: neurodivergent parents or parents questioning if they may be neurodivergent and parents who are parenting neurodivergent kids.

I approach neurodivergence from an affirming standpoint. Neurodivergent brains are not broken and do not need to be fixed; instead they are normal neurotypes within the diversity of the human experience. 

I am LGBTQ+ affirming. All humans are welcome.

I also have significant experience helping clients find meaning in life while living with depression, chronic disease, cancer, caregiving, and other life transitions. I think about mental health from a wellness perspective: it isn’t about not being unwell; it’s about constructing a life driven by your values and prioritizing the supports that will help you continue to grow as a human.

My mental health counseling philosophy is based out of client-centered counseling, which means that I see counseling as a partnership between the client and I. I believe that you are the expert on yourself. Together we can create a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic space where you can explore and experiment with new solutions to progress past the blocks you are experiencing.  I integrate the philosophy of client-centered counseling with counseling techniques including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and understandings of brain biology, human attachment, compassion, and culture. I integrate these tools differently based on the needs of each specific client, so therapy is individualized. I welcome discussion of what philosophies and tools will be most effective for you.

In the words of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” 

I believe our biggest difficulties in life are also our biggest opportunities to learn and to grow. If you are ready to find growth in your difficulties, start walking a new path, grow meaning in your life, live as your authentic self, or otherwise have a companion in making choices that are right for you, I would be honored to partner with you on your journey.