Neurodiversity Counsellors | Neurodivergence-Affirming Care in BC
Autism support, ADHD services and counselling for children, parents and families across BC. Neurodiversity aware therapy in Chilliwack, Vancouver and Surrey.
At Vitality Collective, we believe deeply in meeting people as they are—not as the world has told them they should be. Through our neurodivergent counselling services in BC, we create spaces of safety, exploration, and validation for individuals whose brains work differently.
Vitality Collective offers neurodiversity counselling in-person in Vancouver, Surrey, and Chilliwack, as well as virtual therapy throughout British Columbia. Our experienced counsellors help children, individuals, parents and families navigate neurological differences including, but not limited to, ADHD, Autism and PDA. Our neurodiversity-affirming practice proudly offers direct billing to the Autism Funding Unit.
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in the way human brains are wired. It includes differences in how people think, feel, process information, and relate to the world around them. Rather than framing these differences as disorders or deficits, the neurodiversity paradigm recognizes them as valid and valuable expressions of human diversity.
This concept originated in the Autistic community and has expanded to include other ways of being that deviate from what is often considered "neurotypical." It’s a framework rooted in respect and human dignity, and it challenges the idea that there is one “correct” or “normal” way to learn, feel, or interact.
At Vitality Collective, our neurodiversity counselling in BC is grounded in this belief. We don’t treat neurodivergence as a problem to be fixed—we see it as a difference to be understood and supported. Every brain has its own way of moving through the world, and our job as neurodivergent-informed therapists is to help you work with your mind, not against it.
Related Reading: Counselling For ADHD & Neurodiversity
What does neurodiversity include?
Neurodiversity is a broad and inclusive concept that refers to a range of neurological and cognitive differences. Some of the most common expressions of neurodivergence include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, and Tourette Syndrome. Some individuals experience sensory processing differences, intense emotional sensitivity, or patterns of thinking that don’t fall neatly into a specific diagnostic box.
For many people, these differences have been present since childhood, even if they weren’t always recognized. Others may begin to explore neurodivergence later in life—perhaps after learning more about Autism or ADHD, seeing themselves reflected in others’ stories, or feeling exhausted by years of masking and “holding it together.” Whether you have a formal diagnosis, are self-identified, or are just beginning to question whether you might be neurodivergent, our registered clinical counsellors are here to help you explore that experience with care and clarity.
Our neurodiversity counselling in BC supports individuals across the full spectrum of neurodivergent experiences. We welcome adults, teens, and children, as well as parents and families navigating this journey together.
Can Registered Clinical Counsellors diagnose neurodivergence?
While clinical counsellors in BC do not offer formal neurodivergent diagnostic assessments—those are typically completed by psychologists or psychiatrists—we absolutely support individuals who are in the process of seeking a diagnosis, or who are reflecting on their identity outside the context of diagnosis. We recognize that the diagnostic process in BC can be long, expensive, and not always accessible or inclusive. Our neurodivergent counselling service focuses not on labels, but on your lived experience.
You do not need a diagnosis to access neurodiversity counselling in BC. Many of our clients come to therapy because they’re burnt out, overwhelmed, or simply trying to understand why they’ve always felt different. Others come after receiving a diagnosis and want help integrating that information into their coping mechanisms. Others hope to learn how to better support their neurodivergent child or partner.
Whatever brings you here, your therapist will meet you with openness and curiosity. Diagnosis is one lens, but it’s not the only one. What matters most is how you understand your mind—and what kind of support helps you thrive.
Do neurodivergent people need therapy?
At Vitality Collective, we believe therapy is for everyone. Neurodiversity counselling in BC can be incredibly powerful for people who have spent years feeling out of step with the world around them. Many neurodivergent individuals grow up internalizing the message that they are “too much,” “too sensitive,” “too disorganized,” or “too quiet.” Over time, this can create a sense of shame, chronic anxiety, self-doubt, and even trauma.
Therapy provides a place to untangle those messages and begin rewriting the story you tell yourself. Our BC counsellors help neurodivergent individuals process past experiences, regulate emotions more effectively, build confidence, and develop strategies that align with their unique brain. We approach therapy from a strengths-based model and recognize that neurodivergent people have incredible strengths and skills.
For some clients, this looks like learning how to reduce sensory overwhelm, or creating a daily structure that works with executive functioning differences. For others, neurodivergent therapy might focus on building communication tools, navigating social fatigue, or recovering from neurodivergent burnout. Some people use neurodivergent therapy sessions to process workplace challenges, while others explore their identity, relationships, or sense of purpose.
We also work with clients who want to stop masking—the exhausting process of hiding neurodivergent traits to appear “normal.” Unmasking can be both liberating and vulnerable, and neurodivergent therapy in BC can provide the support needed to do that safely and with self-compassion.
What does a neurodiversity counselling session look like?
There is no one-size-fits-all model for therapy. Our neurodiversity counselling in BC is flexible and deeply individualized. Some clients prefer structure and clear goals. Others thrive with a more conversational or exploratory format. We’ll collaborate with you to find the approach that best supports your needs.
In therapy sessions, we might talk about recent experiences that brought up stress or confusion. We may look at emotional patterns and how your nervous system responds to different environments. We may practice grounding techniques for overwhelm, or develop strategies to manage tasks that feel impossible to initiate. We might talk about stimming, special interests, relationships, shame, resilience—or whatever is most relevant for your life right now.
We also understand that traditional talk therapy doesn't always work for every neurodivergent person. That’s why we incorporate tools like visuals, sensory-friendly practices, movement, metaphor, and creative expression. If you need time to process, space to stim, or breaks during session, that’s not only okay—it’s welcomed. You don’t have to perform in this space. You just have to show up as you are.
Why see a therapist who specializes in neurodiversity?
While many therapists work with a broad range of issues, not all are equipped to support neurodivergent clients with the depth, nuance, and care they deserve. Neurodiversity counselling in BC requires an understanding of how neurodivergent experiences intersect with identity, trauma, accessibility, and mental health.
Our therapists at Vitality Collective have training specifically in neurodiversity-affirming therapy. We understand how things like sensory overload, social exhaustion, executive dysfunction, and masking affect your day-to-day life. We don’t try to “normalize” your behaviour or focus on compliance—we focus on support, autonomy, and thriving. Our goal is to affirm who you are and help you build a life that truly fits you.
Neurodivergent-informed therapists also recognize how ableism, systemic barriers, and cultural factors shape mental health. We hold space for the grief, anger, confusion, and joy that can come with discovering or owning a neurodivergent identity. This is work that is emotional, liberating, and often life-changing—and you deserve a therapist who can walk that path with you from a place of understanding.
Is neurodiversity counselling covered by insurance in BC?
Many extended health plans in British Columbia include coverage for therapy with Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) or Registered Social Workers (RSWs)—credentials that our team holds. However, coverage depends on the specifics of your plan, so we encourage you to contact your benefits provider directly to confirm eligibility.
At Vitality Collective, we also offer direct billing to a wide range of insurance providers to make accessing counselling as easy and stress-free as possible. Our neurodiversity-affirming practice proudly offers direct billing to the Autism Funding Unit. We’re happy to help you navigate the logistics so you can focus on what matters: your healing and growth.
Neurodiversity Counselling in BC
Whether you’re deep in the process of unmasking, just starting to explore your identity, or seeking a therapist who speaks your language and honours your experience, neurodiversity counselling in BC is here for you. At Vitality Collective, we offer something more than therapy—we offer connection, curiosity, and a chance to finally feel at home in your own mind. Our therapists are here in Vancouver, Surrey, Chilliwack, and virtually across the province to support you. If you’re interested in beginning neurodiversity counselling in BC, please fill out our New Client Intake Form.