Understanding therapy and mindfulness practices are not just my career at Atlas Psychology Boulder, they are my lifestyle. My journey began as a high school athlete practicing at a Bikram yoga studio here in Boulder, where I discovered both a supportive community and aspects of myself that continue to shape who I am today. These early years in a hot yoga room influenced my approach to higher education, personal relationships, and life's challenges.

From 2006 to 2010, I attended Colorado State University for my undergraduate degree. In 2008, I began working as a student intern for Blue Sky Bridge in Boulder, CO, where I worked directly with children and families who were victims of abuse. This transformative experience led me to the University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work, where I specialized in supporting adolescents and young adults experiencing high levels of anxiety and complex traumas. My work in both clinical and community-based settings has equipped me with diverse therapeutic tools that I now bring to my practice at Atlas Psychology, including play therapy, CBT, DBT (both individual and group-based), brainspotting, parts work, and somatic therapy.

As a social worker and Boulder therapist, I believe in treating the whole system. I often incorporate family members and other professionals into the treatment planning process, recognizing that as an individual begins to transform, so does their support system. One of my greatest passions is working with neurodivergent individuals – this stems from my personal experience with ADHD and raising a child with ADHD. Beyond therapy, I help families navigate disability services within school systems, providing recommendations for accommodations and helping create inclusive goals for IEP or 504 plans. As a mother of a neurodivergent child, I intimately understand the challenges families face when supporting loved ones with vulnerable nervous systems, and I often share my own reflections and experiences to create a safe space where clients feel truly seen and understood.

My commitment to mindfulness extends beyond traditional therapy – I'm an RYT-200 certified yoga instructor, completing my first teacher training in spring 2010. In our sessions at Atlas Psychology, you'll experience elements of mindfulness and somatic work, particularly beneficial for processing complex trauma. Mindfulness helps us learn to be present with all emotional states, and while sometimes uncomfortable, it helps us move through stuck spaces controlled by negative or fear-based stories. I offer this practice both in individual therapy and quarterly DBT group therapy sessions for late teens and young adults.

I remind my clients about the importance of doing the work both inside and outside our sessions, and I commit to showing up with you even on the hardest, most conflicting days. I hold space for you to come as you are, and I promise to do the same. Remember, seeking therapy doesn't mean you're broken – it means you're committed to understanding yourself and willing to explore the reactive states that our society often dismisses.

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• Family systems

• Eating Disorders

• Neurodivergent Disorders

• Self Harm/Suicidal Ideations

• Anxiety

• Behavioral Therapy

• Coping Skills/Mindfulness Based Practice

• DBT

• CBT

• Divorce

• Trauma/PTSD

• Complex PTSD (childhood and adolescence)

• Master of Social Work - University of Denver

• Clinical Social Work Candidate, Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (SWC.0000000051)

• Registered Psychotherapist, Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (NLC.0107724)

• Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200)

• LinkedIn

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• Psychology Today

Have you ever tried to follow a map that's written in a language different from yours, while navigating unfamiliar terrain? That's what parenting can feel like when you're a neurodivergent adult raising neurodivergent children. It's like we're both the translator and the traveler, trying to make sense of an uncharted ocean together.

I've found myself in this position many days - trying to support my children while also navigating my own neurodivergent experiences. Some days, I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water. Other days, there are moments of profound connection that neurotypical parents might never experience. It's messy, it's beautiful, and it's entirely worth it.

Understanding Shared and Unique Experiences

There's something powerful about looking at your child and truly getting it when they're overwhelmed by a noisy restaurant or they hyperfocus on a topic that fascinates them. I see myself in these moments, and there's a connection that forms without words.

But here's the thing I've had to learn the hard way: my neurodivergence is not my child's neurodivergence. The coping strategies that saved me might not work for them. The sensory inputs that overwhelm me might be completely different from what triggers them. I've made countless mistakes assuming my child would respond like I would, only to realize they're navigating their own unique brain landscape.

Advocating Without Burning Out

Some days, I find that I'm completely dysregulated trying to advocate for my child while managing my own executive functioning challenges. IEP meetings, doctor appointments, explaining to family members why my child needs certain accommodations - it's exhausting. And if you're neurodivergent yourself, you likely already have limited energy reserves to begin with.

I've had to learn to stop holding my breath during this process. What do I mean? Just like we need to exhale to survive, we need to release the pressure of trying to fight every battle at once:

●      I've learned to prioritize which advocacy efforts will make the biggest impact for my child right now

●      When possible, I delegate to my partner or a trusted family member when my own capacity is low

●      I've stopped (or attempt to stop) feeling guilty about setting boundaries when I'm overwhelmed

If I'm not breathing, no one else in my home is either. I can't effectively advocate for my child if I'm running on empty.

Embracing Flexibility and Routine

As neurodivergent people, many of us crave routine and predictability. But life with kids rarely follows a perfect schedule. I've locked myself in my room crying more than once when plans fall apart or routines get disrupted.

What helps me is creating a balance:

●      We have visual schedules and reminders throughout our home

●      I involve my children in creating our routines so they have ownership

●      I've practiced accepting that some days won't go as planned, and that's okay

When I feel myself getting too attached to how things "should" be, I remember that as neurodivergent people, we often seek control as a way to feel safe. But sometimes the most important skill I can model for my child is flexibility when things don't go as expected.

Managing Self-Doubt

The voice of self-doubt is loud when you're a neurodivergent parent. Will my own challenges get in the way of being a good parent? Am I doing enough? Should I be masking more to fit what other parents expect?

I've made countless mistakes and have raised my voice. I've threatened consequences that I knew deep down I couldn't follow through on. I've become desperate in these moments, knowing that no one was actually learning anything productive. So I stop, I breathe, and sometimes I cry.

Here's what I remind myself:

●      It's not just okay but powerful to apologize to my child when I mess up

●      Seeking support isn't failure—it's strength

●      My neurodivergent perspective gives my child something valuable that neurotypical parents can't offer

Creating a Neurodivergent-Friendly Home

Self-care isn't just about taking breaks; it's about creating an environment where we can all thrive. In our home, this looks like:

●      Designated quiet zones with soft lights, lots of blankets, and smells that que safety where anyone can decompress

●      So many sticky notes, dry erase boards, and posters that celebrate neurodivergence because visual cues help both me and my children stay grounded

●      Open communication about sensory needs and emotional states

I've found that when I honor my own neurodivergent needs in our home setup, it naturally creates space for my children to express their needs too.

Celebrating Neurodivergence

Some of the most beautiful moments in parenting happen when I stop trying to force neurotypical expectations on my family. When my child connects deeply with a special interest, when we notice details others miss, or when we find creative solutions to everyday problems—these are gifts.

Self-care is an important part of our survival. If you walked the desert with no water, would you be able to complete the journey? You wouldn't, so why do we skip honoring our neurodivergent needs as if they're not crucial to our livelihood?

Parenting as a neurodivergent adult isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up authentically, breathing through the hard moments, and celebrating the unique perspectives we bring. It requires us to be honest about how we feel and what we need, and when we start to honor this, our children will mirror the same.

We can't change a world built for neurotypical people, but we can create homes where neurodivergence is understood, accepted, and even celebrated.

www.atlaspsychologyboulder.com/blogs-posts/parenparenting-neurodivergent-children-as-a-neurodivergent-adult-dlad2

As a licensed therapist, I often get questions about Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters from clients who share their lives with beloved pets. If you've been wondering what an ESA letter is, how it differs from service animal documentation, or whether your furry companion might qualify, you're not alone. Let me break this down in simple terms.

What is an ESA Letter?

An Emotional Support Animal letter is a document written by a licensed mental health professional that certifies your need for an emotional support animal as part of your mental health treatment. This letter serves as official documentation that your pet provides therapeutic benefit for a diagnosed mental health condition.

The letter essentially states that your animal companion plays a crucial role in your emotional well-being and mental health stability. Many of my clients find that their pets offer comfort during difficult times, help reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of routine and responsibility that supports their healing journey.

ESA vs. Service Animals: Understanding the Legal Difference

This distinction is important and often misunderstood:

Service Animals are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only dogs (and in some cases miniature horses) can be service animals. They have broad public access rights and can accompany their handlers virtually anywhere.

Emotional Support Animals don't require specialized training and can be various types of animals. They provide comfort through companionship but don't have the same public access rights as service animals. However, ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act, which means they may be exempt from pet policies in housing situations.

Housing Accommodations and ESA Letters

The primary legal protection for ESAs comes through housing. The Fair Housing Act allows individuals with valid ESA letters to live with their emotional support animals even in "no pets" housing, typically without paying pet deposits or monthly pet fees. This accommodation recognizes that these animals serve a therapeutic purpose, not just companionship.

My Office Companion: A Personal Touch

Speaking of therapeutic animals, many of my clients have had the pleasure of meeting my black toy poodle during their sessions. While he's not technically an ESA (he's more of an office mascot!), I've witnessed firsthand how his calm presence can help clients feel more relaxed and open during therapy. There's something about a gentle, well-behaved dog that can make even the most anxious person crack a smile.

His presence in my office has shown me the powerful bond between humans and animals, and how pets can indeed play a meaningful role in emotional healing and support.

How I Can Help with ESA Letters

If you're interested in exploring whether an ESA letter might be appropriate for your situation, together we can determine through an assessment process if an ESA recommendation would be beneficial as part of your overall treatment plan.

What Makes a Valid ESA Letter?

A legitimate ESA letter that can primarily be used for housing purposes per the Fair Housing Act must be written by a licensed mental health professional and should include:

• The professional's license information and contact details

• Confirmation of your mental health condition that qualifies for ESA accommodation

• A statement that the ESA is necessary for your mental health treatment

• The professional's signature and date

Moving Forward

If you're struggling with mental health challenges and believe your pet provides significant emotional support, this might be worth exploring. The first step is always establishing care with a qualified mental health professional (either myself or someone else who is licensed in the state of Colorado) who can assess your needs and determine the best treatment approach.

Remember, the goal isn't just to get documentation—it's to ensure you're receiving comprehensive mental health care that truly supports your well-being, whether that includes your four-legged friend or not.

If you're looking for compassionate therapy services and are interested in exploring whether an ESA letter might be part of your mental health treatment plan, I'm here to help. For more information, you can contact me directly at giulia@atlaspsychologyboulder.com.