NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CARE
Neurodivergence is a valuable and natural part of human diversity.
Neurodiversity-affirming care recognizes neurodiversity as a natural and valuable variation in how humans think, feel, and interact with the world—not a problem to be fixed or cured. At the same time, it acknowledges the real challenges that arise when individuals are expected to navigate a world not designed with their neurotype in mind.
Clients often share that they find our work supportive and empowering because it is collaborative, clearly organized, and tailored to their unique needs, helping them understand where they’ve been, what they’re working on, and what comes next.
WHY EMDR THERAPY?
EMDR: How it Helps
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process difficult or traumatic experiences that continue to impact daily life. It supports the integration of past experiences, reduces the intensity of distressing memories or emotions, and promotes emotional and nervous system regulation.
EMDR can be particularly helpful for managing symptoms of PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and the lingering effects of adverse life events, while supporting personal growth, resilience, and adaptive coping.
For neurodivergent clients, EMDR can:
- Reduce overwhelm and stress
- Improve emotional regulation and coping skills
- Decrease anxiety and intrusive thoughts
- Decrease hyperarousal, potentially making it easier to concentrate, shift attention, and follow through on tasks
- Increase confidence and realistic sense of self-efficacy
- Therapy for Adults
I work with adults to help them gain practical tools for daily life, improve regulation, understand patterns and how past experiences affect present behavior.
EMDR helps with:
- Trauma, Anxiety & Depression
- Anger, irritability and emotional overwhelm
- Reducing emotional intensity of triggers
- Makes sense of reactions that feel confusing or out of proportion
- Shift unhelpful patterns and beliefs
I help clients make sense of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, uncover how past experiences shape the present, and develop practical strategies for meaningful change. My approach blends curiosity, structure, and a supportive presence to help clients feel seen, understood, and empowered.
- Therapy for Couples
I have over 16 years of experience guiding couples using the Gottman Method and Attachment Theory.
Couples therapy focuses on:
- Improving communication
- Strengthening emotional connection
- Building understanding of each other’s needs and responses
- Healing past hurts
My approach is neurodiversity-affirming, tailored to couples where one or both partners are neurodivergent. My understanding of individual and relational dynamics helps partners feel seen, supported, and understood while learning skills to deepen their connection.
- Therapy for Children & Teens
A portion of my practice is devoted to supporting children and teens navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, and related challenges at school, in social connections, or with self-esteem. I use semi-directed play, art and other non-verbal methods to help young people build skills, process experiences, and communicate effectively.
Approaches and strategies include:
- John Gottman’s Emotion Coaching
- Somatic and nervous system awareness and regulation
- Psychoeducation with a social justice lens
- Self-advocacy and communication skills
I also collaborate with parents to help transfer tools learned in therapy to daily life and often participate in IEP or accommodations planning. As a parent of neurodivergent children, I understand the challenges of accessing support and find great joy in guiding caregivers to meet their child’s unique needs. I help parents break cycles of shame and guilt, process parenting challenges, and cultivate confidence in raising neurodivergent children.
“Above all, I want my clients to feel calm, safe, known, and supported in my presence.”
-Rebecca
Meet Rebecca Schultheis, LMFT
EMDRIA Certified Therapist
Consultant-In-Training
ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider
Level 1 & 2 Gottman Trained
Hi, I’m Rebecca. I’ve been practicing therapy for over 16 years, working primarily with anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, and couples. I am an EMDRIA Certified Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant-in-Training and Assisting Faculty with Precision EMDR Academy. I primarily use EMDR and the Gottman Method in my practice, drawing from other evidence-based approaches such as CBT, IFS, and Motivational Interviewing. I take an active role in our work together and believe clients deserve to fully participate in and understand their treatment. Together, we tailor therapy to your unique needs.
A pivotal moment in my life and career came when I realized my first child was neurodivergent after many years of struggling to figure out their needs. I went on to receive my own ADHD diagnosis in my early 30’s. Learning how to support myself and my family, at a time when far less information was available, profoundly shaped my approach to therapy. Over the past decade, I have dedicated myself to studying neurodiversity and understanding how to support the challenges—and strengths—that accompany it.
Our Therapy Space
My office in Scotts Valley is designed to be calm, welcoming, and sensory-friendly. Soft lighting, natural colors, and comfortable seating create a space where clients can focus and feel at ease.
The office includes:
- Comfortable seating and layout for adults and couples
- Semi-structured art and play tools for children and teens
- Quiet corners and sensory-friendly items to support regulation
The space is meant to feel safe and grounding, helping clients of all ages access therapy in a way that feels supportive and regulating.
If you’re unable to meet with me in my office, I also serve all of California via Telehealth.
