About My Practice

I’m James Reling (he/him), a licensed counselor, body-centered trauma-informed psychotherapist, and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner based in Oregon. As a neurodivergent person myself, I specialize in supporting Autistic and ADHD adults who are looking for an affirming space to explore their minds without judgment or pressure to conform.

I believe that your neurotype is not something to be “fixed.” My role is to honor your identity, help you move toward your goals, and sit with you as you face the real-life challenges of being neurodivergent in a world that often doesn’t make space for difference.

That said, we do not always have to focus on neurodivergence. Therapy is a place where we can explore any subject that feels meaningful to you. This might include stress, relationships, work challenges, creativity, grief, identity, or spirituality. My goal is to meet you where you are and offer a supportive, collaborative space for whatever feels most important in the moment. Sessions can shift focus week to week depending on your needs, and we will adapt together so therapy always feels relevant and responsive to what is happening in your life.

Who I Work With

I have worked with many creative and thoughtful people, including musicians, artists, engineers, writers, therapists, students, and psychonauts. If you’ve ever felt chronically misunderstood or found yourself working hard to appear “fine” on the outside while struggling inside, you are not alone. Many clients reach out when exhaustion sets in, when old ways of coping no longer work, or when questions about identity, diagnosis, or belonging feel too heavy to carry by themselves.

Whether you’ve been formally diagnosed or have come to understand yourself through your own exploration, therapy with me centers on your goals and what matters most to you. Together, we might explore sensory sensitivities, executive functioning challenges, relationship dynamics, masking and burnout, or simply the path toward living more authentically. Alongside challenges, we will also notice and celebrate your strengths, including the creativity, depth, and unusual passions you bring into the room.

I also work with a wide diversity of clients across gender and sexuality, and I especially welcome those who feel outside the margins of traditional binaries. I love supporting people on the fringes of culture, those whose identities do not fit neatly into boxes, and clients with deeply personal or unconventional interests. Whether you process the world through logic, metaphor, art, or science, I’ll meet you there. Together, we’ll find a language that feels natural and supportive.

My Approach

Neurodiversity-affirming therapy is both a philosophy and a guiding perspective for how I approach our collaborative work together. In our sessions, we will:

• Honor and validate your lived experience.
• Explore both strengths and struggles without turning differences into problems.
• Support unmasking and self-acceptance at your own pace, if part of your goals.
• Integrate body-based awareness to help steady your nervous system and recover from trauma.

I also understand the risks of therapy that is not neurodiversity-affirming: being told to suppress or correct harmless or regulating traits, having your identity misunderstood or invalidated, or feeling like you have to educate your therapist about Autism or ADHD. I aim to ensure you do not carry those extra burdens here. You can focus entirely on self-discovery, growth, and living authentically.

The core values of safety, empowerment, sensitivity, adaptability, divergence, and interdependence guide my practice. These values shape an affirming and supportive space for exploring your reasons for seeking therapy:

• Safety: a reliable space where you can be yourself.
• Empowerment: your voice and choices lead the work.
• Sensitivity: attunement to your nervous system and needs.
• Adaptability: flexibility as your goals and life shift.
• Divergence: difference is not just accepted, but celebrated.
• Interdependence: honoring both the need for solitude and the nourishment of connection.

These values create a therapeutic space that feels steady enough to hold your struggles and expansive enough to welcome your growth.

Rates & Availability

My standard fee is $200 for a 50-minute session. I also reserve several sliding-scale slots ($125–$175) for those who need financial flexibility.

I do not bill insurance directly, but I can provide a superbill you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

Sessions are available through secure video or in person on Tuesdays in SE Portland.

Next Step

I offer a free 20-minute video consultation. Click here. This is a chance for us to meet, discuss what you are looking for, and see whether working together is the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy

Do you work with people who are self-diagnosed?
Yes. Self-identification is valid and respected. You do not need a formal diagnosis to work with me. Many clients come to therapy after researching Autism or ADHD on their own and wanting a space to explore their identity. If you would like an assessment, you can learn more here.

Can therapy help with autistic burnout?
Yes. Burnout is a common reason clients seek support. Therapy can offer tools for pacing, recovery, and building a life with less masking and more sustainability. We can explore ways to reduce overwhelm, restore energy, and prevent future burnout cycles.

Do you only work with Autistic and ADHD clients?
While I specialize in neurodivergent adults, I also work with people navigating trauma and/or chronic illness, and other mental health concerns. My practice affirms all identities, including LGBTQ+ and those outside traditional norms.

What if I’ve had negative experiences with therapists before?
Sadly, many people share this experience. You may have felt dismissed, misunderstood, or pathologized in the past. It would be helpful to share these experiences with me so that our work feels safer and more supportive. My approach is collaborative and affirming, grounded in respect for your self-knowledge. You are the expert of your own experience.

How is neurodiversity-affirming therapy different from traditional therapy?
It begins with acceptance. Your neurotype is not a flaw to cure. Instead of aiming to conform you to neurotypical norms, we explore masking, sensory differences, executive functioning challenges, and strengths as valid parts of who you are. Skills and strategies are included when helpful, but the foundation is self-acceptance and empowerment.

Do you integrate body-based approaches?
Yes. As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner trained in Hakomi body-centered psychotherapy, I incorporate mindfulness-based body awareness and nervous system regulation strategies when they are helpful. These approaches can support trauma recovery, stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. They are always optional and guided by your consent and interest.

What if I struggle with executive functioning and scheduling?
That is entirely understandable. We can discuss reminders, pacing, and supports to make therapy accessible. I understand that flexibility or occasional rescheduling may be needed, and I uphold a clear cancellation policy that we will review together. My goal is to balance clarity with compassion.

Can I bring a support person to the consultation?
Yes. If you feel more comfortable, you can bring a partner, family member, or close friend to the initial consultation. This can be a good way for them to hear about the therapy process and support you from the start.

What if I want to include my partner or family in sessions?
We can discuss inviting a partner, family member, or support person into a session if that feels supportive. This can be especially helpful when you want loved ones to understand your neurodivergence better. Typically, we decide this together before inviting them in, so you feel comfortable and prepared.

Do you offer online therapy or in-person sessions?
Both. I offer secure video sessions for clients across Oregon and in-person therapy on Tuesdays in my SE Portland office. Some clients choose a mix depending on their needs.

How often do we meet?
Most clients start with weekly sessions, and then some may shift to every other week. We can adjust frequency based on your goals, budget, and energy. Flexibility is part of my neurodiversity-affirming approach.

Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Everything we discuss is private and confidential, except in situations required by law, such as imminent safety concerns of children. The limits of confidentiality will be explained in our intake process.

What kinds of issues can we work on besides neurodivergence?
Clients often bring up relationships, anxiety, depression, grief, identity, creativity, chronic illness, and career challenges. Therapy can focus on whatever feels most important to you.

What is a therapy session like if I’ve never done it before?
Therapy is a conversation where I do most of the listening. I may ask questions to help you explore, but there is no script or pressure. You can expect a welcoming environment where your comfort and goals guide the process. I often invite mindful awareness of your body and nervous system as part of our work.

Is stimming or fidgeting welcome during sessions?
Absolutely. Many neurodivergent people focus and regulate better when moving, fidgeting, or stimming. You are welcome to doodle, knit, or bring fidgets, or use other sensory tools during sessions. Therapy works best when you feel comfortable.

Can I ask questions in therapy if I’m unsure what to do?
Yes. You are encouraged to ask questions at any time about the process, my approach, or what to expect. Curiosity and feedback help us shape sessions to fit your needs.

What do you do as the therapist during a session?
My role is to listen deeply and reflect on what I hear so you can explore what matters most to you. As we talk, I respond authentically and gently guide you to notice what happens in your body and nervous system. I may ask questions or offer other perspectives about things. I may suggest mindfulness practices or provide tools and resources. Let’s check in regularly to find the pace and style that works best for you.

How is therapy different from coaching?
Therapy focuses on self-discovery, mental health, and deeper life patterns. Coaching is usually more structured around performance, productivity, or achieving external goals. In therapy, we work with your nervous system, trauma history, relationships, and identity. Coaching may be helpful in skill-building, while therapy is designed to hold the full range of your emotional and neurodivergent experience in a safe and affirming way.

How much does therapy cost?
My current fee is $200 for a 50-minute session. I also offer limited sliding-scale slots ($125–$175). Payment is due at the time of service and is typically charged automatically by your on-file credit card. I do not bill insurance directly, but I can provide a superbill you may submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

How do I get started?
Schedule a free 20-minute video consultation to see if we are a good fit. We will then discuss your goals and create a plan together. You are welcome to reach out at any time to begin your therapy journey.

If your question is unanswered here, please feel free to contact me or ask during the consultation.