My son neurologist recommended Gearing Up to us. We’ve seen a shift in our son that has ADHD for the past 8 months. So far our experience has been good, we are in the process of completing his assessments.
Neurodivergent Therapy in Dallas
Did you know that 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent?
At GearingUP, we celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals while providing the support they need to thrive. Neurodivergent therapy is a specialized form of mental health care designed to address the specific needs of individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent traits.
This type of therapy focuses on helping clients navigate challenges related to sensory sensitivities, executive functioning, social communication, and emotional regulation, while also celebrating their unique strengths and talents. At GearingUP, you can expect a safe, affirming space where your neurodivergence is understood, respected, and valued.
What to Expect with Neurodivergent Therapy
- A Safe and Affirming Space – You’ll work with therapists who understand neurodivergence and create a judgment-free environment where you can be yourself. Your sensory needs, communication style, and unique perspective will be respected and accommodated.
- Personalized Strategies for Daily Life – Therapy will focus on practical tools to help you navigate challenges like time management, sensory overload, or social interactions. These strategies are tailored to your specific needs and goals.
- Celebration of Your Strengths – Neurodivergent therapy isn’t just about addressing challenges—it’s also about recognizing and building on your unique strengths, whether it’s creativity, problem-solving, or attention to detail.
- Support for Emotional Regulation – You’ll learn techniques to manage emotions, reduce anxiety, and cope with stress in ways that work for your brain. This can include mindfulness, sensory regulation, or cognitive-behavioral strategies.
- Guidance for Self-Advocacy – Therapy can help you build confidence in advocating for your needs at school, work, or in relationships. You’ll learn how to communicate your needs effectively and set boundaries that support your well-being.
Whether you’re seeking help with daily challenges, building self-advocacy skills, or simply exploring your identity, our therapists are here to support you every step of the way.
Types of Neurodivergent Therapy Offered At GearingUP in Dallas
At GearingUP, virtually all of our therapies and clinical offerings are available to neurodivergent clients. We are committed to providing affirming, inclusive care that celebrates neurodivergent identities and addresses their unique mental health needs. Below, we’ve highlighted how some of our therapies can be specifically tailored to support neurodivergent individuals, families, and couples.
CBT’s structure focuses on the relationship between thoughts and behaviors. By addressing our negative thoughts and the things that influence those thoughts, we can improve our overall emotional wellness and choose more skilled behaviors. CBT’s evidence-based process teaches clients new skills, problem solving strategies, and practical coping mechanisms to create lasting positive change.
An updated version of CBT, DBT goes further to illustrate how both thoughts and emotions influence our experience of our lives. Using both individual therapy and skills classes (in group or individual sessions), DBT follows a research supported skills curriculum through four overall topics – mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy helps clients process and heal from traumatic experiences using a combination of therapeutic techniques and neurological reprocessing strategies. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that has been shown to greatly reduce the impact and severity of traumatic memories, and a key therapy in GearingUP’s trauma-informed therapy offerings.
ACT combines the powerful grounding skills of acceptance and mindfulness with techniques for commitment and behavioral change. This therapy system emphasizes value-based decision making to act in alignment with your goals instead of simply reacting to whatever is happening in the moment. ACT equips clients with powerful tools to overcome discomfort and lead truly fulfilling lives.
CPT is a specialized form of cognitive therapy designed primarily to treat PTSD and trauma. CPT focuses on understanding how the trauma has affected your thoughts about safety, trust, power/control, esteem, intimacy in relationships, and more. Researchers have shown over dozens of studies how effective and impactful CPT can be for trauma clients to help them heal and move forward. Our expert therapists guide you through every step of recovery.
ERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD as well as certain phobias and other anxiety disorders. Through gradual, controlled exposure to feared situations or triggering stimuli while preventing typical avoidance responses, ERP helps break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Under expert guidance, you will learn how to face fears safely, leading to decreased anxiety and improved daily functioning.
MBCT builds upon the foundation of cognitive therapy principles and skills by adding mindfulness practices and acceptance skills that have been proven to help prevent relapse of recurrent conditions like depression and anxiety. Mindfulness also helps us become more aware of and clarify our existing thinking patterns, triggers, and belief systems for more profound cognitive restructuring with CBT skills.
EFT helps individuals, families, and couples develop healthier emotional connections and relationship patterns. Through understanding core emotions and attachment styles and needs, this approach focuses on identifying and transforming difficult emotional responses and relationship dynamics into more wholesome patterns. Clients learn to express feelings more effectively, strengthen bonds, and create lasting positive change in their relationships and emotional lives.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is a specialized treatment protocol proven effective for PTSD and trauma-related disorders. Through gradual, safe exposure to trauma memories and previously avoided situations, clients learn how to work with trauma-related memories and triggers. This short term treatment helps reduce PTSD symptoms and enables people to reclaim their lives from fear and avoidance.
Mindfulness sets a foundation for all GearingUP clients for increased awareness, self-compassion, and improved clarity of thoughts and intentions. While mindfulness plays a role in many therapy systems, learning the skills and practices of mindfulness can unlock additional benefits like reducing reactivity and stress, boosting emotional regulation and body awareness, and bringing a greater sense of peace to your life.
When Should Neurodivergent Clients Consider Therapy
Therapy can be a powerful tool for neurodivergent individuals, offering support, strategies, and a safe space to explore your unique strengths and challenges. Whether you’re navigating daily life, building relationships, or seeking greater self-understanding, therapy can help you thrive in a world that isn’t always designed for neurodivergent minds. Here are six key reasons to consider therapy—and why starting today can make a meaningful difference in your life.
-
Navigating Daily Challenges
If you’re struggling with daily tasks like time management, organization, or sensory regulation, therapy can provide practical tools to make life easier. For neurodivergent individuals, these challenges can feel overwhelming, but therapy offers strategies tailored to your unique brain. Whether it’s executive functioning coaching or sensory integration therapy, we’ll help you build skills to thrive in your daily life.
-
Managing Anxiety, Depression, or Emotional Regulation
Neurodivergent individuals are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, or emotional dysregulation due to the stress of navigating a neurotypical world. Therapy can help you understand and manage these emotions, providing tools like mindfulness, CBT, or DBT to improve your mental health and well-being.
-
Improving Social Skills and Relationships
If you find social interactions challenging or feel misunderstood in relationships, therapy can help. Social skills training and relationship therapy provide tools to navigate social cues, improve communication, and build stronger connections with others. For neurodivergent individuals, this can lead to more fulfilling relationships and a greater sense of belonging.
-
Exploring Identity and Self-Acceptance
Therapy can help you explore your neurodivergent identity and embrace it with pride. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or seeking to better understand yourself, therapy provides a safe space to celebrate your strengths and work through challenges. This journey of self-acceptance can be life-changing.
-
Healing from Trauma or Rejection
Many neurodivergent individuals experience trauma related to bullying, discrimination, or feeling misunderstood. Trauma-informed therapy can help you process these experiences, rebuild trust, and develop resilience. Healing from trauma allows you to move forward with greater confidence and peace.
-
Supporting Life Transitions
Whether you’re transitioning to adulthood, starting a new job, or navigating a major life change, therapy can provide guidance and support. Neurodivergent individuals often face unique challenges during transitions, and therapy can help you build the skills and confidence needed to succeed.
Why Start Therapy With GearingUP Today?
Therapy isn’t just for crises—it’s a proactive step toward understanding yourself, improving your mental health, and building a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.
At GearingUP, our neurodivergent-affirming therapists are here to support you every step of the way. Taking the first step today can lead to lasting change and a brighter tomorrow.
How Neurodivergent Therapy Works At Dallas-Based GearingUP
Getting started is simple. Contact us by phone, email, or through our website, and our friendly team will guide you through the enrollment process. We’ll take the time to understand your needs and match you with a therapist who specializes in neurodivergence.
Your journey begins with an initial consultation, where you’ll meet your therapist and discuss your goals, concerns, and any specific needs related to your neurodivergence. This is your opportunity to ask questions and ensure you feel comfortable moving forward.
Based on your consultation, your therapist will design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking help with executive functioning, sensory regulation, or emotional well-being, your plan will focus on what matters most to you.
Therapy sessions are a safe, judgment-free space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Your therapist will use evidence-based approaches to help you build skills, gain insights, and work toward your goals. For neurodivergent clients, this often includes strategies for managing sensory sensitivities, improving social communication, and navigating daily challenges.
Therapy is a collaborative process, and your therapist will regularly check in to assess your progress and adjust your plan as needed. Whether you’re tackling new challenges or celebrating successes, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Over time, therapy can help you build confidence, self-advocacy skills, and a deeper understanding of your neurodivergent identity. Many clients find that therapy not only addresses immediate concerns but also empowers them to thrive in all areas of life.
Depending on your goals, you may gradually transition out of therapy or continue with ongoing care to maintain your progress. Your therapist will work with you to create a plan that supports your long-term well-being and success.
Our Dallas-Area Clinicians Specialize In Neurodivergent Therapy
Our team provides affirming, strengths-based therapy for neurodivergent folks—including ADHD, autism, OCD, and learning differences. We tailor care to sensory needs, communication styles, and executive-function challenges, using evidence-based approaches (CBT, DBT, coaching) that reduce burnout and masking while building practical skills and self-confidence.
-
Learn MoreAllison Gann, LPC Associate
-
Learn More
Jill Kalis, LMSW
-
Learn More
Blanca Rodriguez, LPC Associate, LCDC-I
-
Learn More
Yazmin Rodriguez, LPC Associate
-
Learn More
Ruqiya Barreh, LMSW
-
Learn More
Alisha Garcia, LPC
-
Learn More
Antonette Anuwe, LPA
-
Learn More
Dr. Sylvia Gearing
-
Learn More
June Holcomb, LPC-S, LCDC
-
Learn More
Maggie Smith, LPC
-
Learn More
Melissa Woods, LPC-S, LPA
-
Learn More
Dr. Nathalie Martinez Raper, LPC-S
-
Learn More
Omari Smith, LPC-S
-
Learn More
Dr. Milton Gearing
Locations GearingUP Offers Neurodivergent Therapy in Dallas
GearingUP offers neurodivergent-affirming counseling across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Our clinicians provide specialized support for ADHD, autism, OCD, and learning differences, tailoring therapy to each client’s needs. With offices in Plano, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, and North Richland Hills, expert care is always close to home.
Neurodivergent Therapy Reviews
Gearing up has been great for both me and my wife. Gaining control of our emotions and keeping them regulated was a game changer. My counsler Dr Natilie is a rock star in mental health. She helps quite and direct me to help me manage my adhd and help me navigate some communication and emotional disregulation that had plagued me for years. Best money I have ever spent. It was an investment into a life worth living. Thank you Gearing up you Rock.
Maggie is excellent with teens and really understands the challenges that come with ADHD and growing up in today’s world. They’re patient, supportive, and easy to talk to, helping teens feel comfortable and heard.
Melissa has been wonderful to work with. They have a great understanding of autism and handle anger and emotional challenges with patience and skill. They create a safe, supportive environment and truly care about their clients’ progress. Highly recommend.
Gearing Up has been an invaluable resource for my family over the past year. My 5th-grade daughter has been participating in DBT therapy to help manage her ADHD symptoms, navigate peer relationships at school, and address other challenges as needed. Mr. Omari has been her counselor throughout this process, and she feels very comfortable with him. He has a unique ability to connect with her, meeting her where she is and guiding her through the difficulties she faces.
For those unfamiliar with DBT, it’s much more than traditional “talk” therapy. The skills my daughter is learning are not only practical but will be lifelong tools that I wish I had known at her age, particularly when it comes to emotional regulation.
Between my daughter and myself, we attend five different therapy sessions each week, including individual, skills, and parenting sessions. While this can sometimes make scheduling a bit tricky, Gearing Up has always been flexible and accommodating. Overall, our experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m grateful for the support we’ve received.
An investment & time consuming – but 100000% WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!
I have been a single Mother for the majority of my 10 year old son’s life. He was diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, depression and the cherry on top…ODD in 2019. He was beginning to get physical with me, wouldn’t accept “no” as an answer, and if he didn’t get his way he would absolutely destroy his bedroom (including any electronics that he had). Every day I was walking on eggshells with him and I felt like I didn’t even know how to “parent” anymore. He walked all over me.
He had done play therapy for 2 years when he was younger and it wasn’t working for him and honestly a waste of money. He needed some hardcore, hands on therapy – and so did I.
After researching “youth therapists” and numerous other phrases, I came across Gearing Up. I didn’t love the reviews I read regarding billing and the office staff (which was never an issue for me), but after looking through the website and bios of the therapists, learning about DBT, and making sure that my insurance (BCBS) was accepted, I knew they would be able to help my son and I.
The DBT program that my son and I completed after a year consisted of 4 sessions per week. Yes, like I said…it’s A LOT!
For my son – 1 skills session and 1 individual session. For myself – 1 parent group session and 1 individual (parenting) session.
Dr. Sylvia Gearing led the Parent Group sessions, Omari Smith was my son’s therapist and my individual sessions were with Dr. Nathalie Raper.
Omari worked a miracle on my son, who is almost 11 now. He has blossomed into a respectful, empathic, and kind boy. Our Mom/Son relationship has never been better.
He thinks before he speaks, is able to calm himself down before his temper escalates, and he’s genuinely enjoyable to be around!
Nathalie is incredible to work with! She gives it to you straight, which is what I needed. She taught me how to handle specific situations that I encountered with my son and how important it is to not “give in.” She helped me come up with methods for a reward system and helped me figure out what the appropriate consequences should be for the things that my son wouldn’t do.
I cannot be happier with our life now after the help of Gearing Up. Thank you!