Who we are

Neurodivergence and Trauma Counseling and Consultation is the specialty therapy practice of Emily Francis, M.A., M.S., LCPC.  We are dedicated to providing expert therapy and consultation services in the intersection of neurodivergence-affirming psychotherapy and trauma therapy.  

Autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent individuals and their family members have historically been poorly served by traditional therapy methods and providers due to differences in communication styles, information processing, and neurodivergent traits being misunderstood or pathologized.  Additionally, neurodivergent individuals experience traumatic events and develop PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms at higher rates than their neurotypical peers.

Our practice believes that exceptional care for neurodivergent individuals requires a dual specialization in neurodivergence-affirming therapy as well as a wide skillset in trauma therapy modalities. 

We also provided individual and group therapy to individuals and families impacted by other variations of neurodivergence and trauma such as dissociative disorders and those who have been diagnosed with or are impacted by Borderline Personality Disorder or Narcissistic Personality Disorders. We take a trauma-informed and holistic approach to all emotional, relational, and behavioral challenges and seek to understand and embrace the whole person with compassion and a nuanced view of challenges and the reasons behind behaviors or struggles.

We’d love to get to know you and see if we are the right practice to support you!

Specialties :

  • Attachment trauma and childhood abuse and neglect and associated symptoms of hypervigilance, intense emotions, and feelings of chronic emptiness or disconnection

  • Recovery from Narcissistic, Religious, and Spiritual Abuse 

  • Embracing and navigating neurodivergence and associated challenges including PDA profiles

  • Parenting support including navigating the impact of past trauma or neglect on parenting, as well as parenting high-needs kids and teens  

Meet Emily

Hi!  I am an AuDHD therapist with a passion for trauma therapy including EMDR, brainspotting, and parts work. 

I love connecting with my clients as unique and complex people and you will notice my warmth, acceptance, and enthusiasm for trying different approaches until we find a way to make therapy work for you! If you have been looking for therapist who is warm, nonjudgmental, direct, and out of the box, that might be me!

I have lived experience navigating trauma and healing as well as raising ADHD and Autistic kids as a neurodivergent parent. I am committed to walking through my own hard places so that I can show up with presence and authenticity to join you in yours.

Wherever it is that you have been and no matter how you see yourself, I want you to know that I will not judge you. I want to come alongside and help you find your way to a life that has meaning.

I use an integrative, relational, and person-centered approach in my work, allowing us to collaboratively identify and cultivate your innate strengths and resources in order to utilize them along with powerful trauma therapy modalities to heal past trauma and thrive in your present life.

Together we will work with your mind, instead of fighting against it.

My master’s degree is in Spiritually-Integrative Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University and am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. I am also an EMDRIA-Certified EMDR therapist and Consultant-in-Training who loves mentoring other clinicans.

In my previous life I was a community college math professor and I still have a great love for mathematics, learning, and helping others grow through overcoming challenges and engaging with big ideas.

Specialized training and experience in:

  • Attachment-focused EMDR

  • Brainspotting

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) & parts work

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

  • Spiritually-integrative Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  • Neurodivergence-Affirming Therapy

  • Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Model (Ross Greene)

  • Trauma and Attachment-informed Parenting

My Therapeutic Approach

My approach to therapy is unapologetically affirming, collaborative, and strengths-focused.  I believe our current challenges are opportunities to heal and grow. 

As a trauma therapist, I seek to sit with my clients in the hard places, bringing warmth and authenticity, and providing relational safety and containment to allow clients to do the hard word of reconnecting with the exiled or frightened parts of themselves.  

If you feel hopeless, I will hold the hope for you.  If you struggle with anger, shame, or deep and confusing pain, I will join you there.  There is nothing so terrible that cannot be seen, named, and healed in the context of a strong and affirming therapeutic relationship.

I am a great fit for anyone who has felt stuck or misunderstood in previous therapy or who worries that they are too much.   

Please reach out for a free consult if you’d like to learn more!

How it Works

1. Start with a free 20 minute consultation.

We explore your goals together & determine if our services are the right fit.

2. Choose a schedule that’s best for you.

Once we decide to move forward, you select a routine schedule for your needs.

3. Get started & reach new depths.

As we get to know each other, we will develop a collaborative approach for you!

Start with a free 20 minute consultation.

Please use this form to request a free 20 minute consultation or Schedule Here.

I am currently accepting in-person and telehealth clients in the state of Maryland. I am currently accepting consultees nationwide.

Once I have received your request, please allow me 1-2 business days to reply.