ADHD Family Support and Somatic Therapy
In Person Services in the West Kootenays - Nelson, Castlegar, Rossland, Trail
Virtually throughout BC and Internationally
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
How do I know if this approach is right for me or my family?
If you've tried traditional behavioral approaches and they haven't created lasting change, or if you sense there's something deeper happening beneath the surface behaviors, this approach might resonate. I work with families who are ready to move beyond symptom management to address what's actually happening in the nervous system. We offer a free 20-minute consultation to discuss your situation and see if we're a good fit.
Do I need an ADHD diagnosis to work with you?
Not necessarily. While many families I work with have a formal ADHD diagnosis, others are navigating challenges that look similar—dysregulation, overwhelm, behavioral struggles—without a diagnosis. Whether you're seeking ADHD family support, individual somatic therapy, or help with relational patterns, what matters most is whether the nervous system-informed, attachment-based approach feels aligned with what you're seeking.
What's the difference between your approach and traditional therapy?
Traditional therapy often focuses on changing thoughts (cognitive approaches) or managing behaviors (behavioral strategies). While these can be helpful, they often miss what's happening in the body and nervous system. My approach integrates somatic awareness, attachment healing, and nervous system regulation—working with the whole person, not just the mind. We address the roots of dysregulation, not just the symptoms.
Do you work with children directly, or just parents?
My primary focus is supporting parents and adults. For families, I typically work with parents through parent coaching and family sessions, helping you understand your child's nervous system and build your own co-regulation capacity. I also work with adults individually for somatic therapy. For children who need direct therapeutic support without their parent present, I can provide referrals to colleagues who specialize in child therapy.
Practical Details
Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?
Both! I offer in-person sessions in Nelson, BC for local clients in the Kootenays (including Castlegar, Trail, and Rossland), and virtual sessions for clients throughout British Columbia, across Canada, and internationally. Many families find that virtual sessions work beautifully for this type of work.
How long are sessions?
Individual somatic therapy sessions are typically 90 minutes for in-person sessions and 60 minutes for virtual sessions. ADHD family support sessions vary depending on whether they're individual parent coaching or full family sessions. We'll discuss what makes sense for your situation during our consultation.
How often do we meet?
Most clients meet weekly or bi-weekly, depending on needs and goals. Consistency is important for nervous system work, as we're building new patterns and capacity over time. We'll find a rhythm that works for your schedule and budget.
How long does this work take?
This varies significantly based on your goals and situation. Some families see meaningful shifts in 8-12 sessions, while others work with me for 6 months to a year or longer. This isn't quick-fix work—we're addressing nervous system patterns and attachment wounds that have developed over time. We'll regularly check in about your progress and adjust as needed.
Do you accept insurance?
I provide receipts that you can submit to extended health insurance plans that cover Registered Therapeutic Counsellors (RTC). Many plans in BC cover RTC services. I recommend checking with your insurance provider about your specific coverage. I do not direct bill.
What are your fees?
Session fees and package options are discussed during our initial consultation. I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for local families based on financial need. I believe in making this work accessible while sustaining my practice.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes! I offer a free 20-minute consultation where we can discuss your situation, explore whether my approach feels like a good fit, and answer any questions you have about working together. There's no pressure or obligation—it's simply a chance to connect and see if we're aligned.
About the Approach
What is attachment-based ADHD support?
Attachment-based ADHD support understands that ADHD challenges are deeply connected to nervous system regulation and relational experiences. Rather than focusing solely on behaviour management, we work to build secure attachment between parent and child, support nervous system co-regulation, and create the relational conditions where ADHD children can actually flourish. This approach recognizes that children regulate through relationship before they can self-regulate.
What is somatic therapy?
Somatic therapy works with the body's wisdom, not just the mind's understanding. "Soma" means body—this approach recognizes that our nervous system patterns, trauma, and attachment experiences are held in the body, not just in our thoughts. We work with sensations, movement, breath, and body awareness to build regulation capacity and heal what words alone can't reach.
What is polyvagal theory and why does it matter?
Polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, helps us understand how the autonomic nervous system shapes our behaviour and experience. It explains why we go into fight/flight activation or shutdown/collapse, and how we access states of safety and connection. Understanding your nervous system patterns—and your child's—is foundational to creating lasting change. It shifts us from "what's wrong with me/my child?" to "what's happening in our nervous systems?"
I've tried everything—therapy, medication, behaviour plans. Why would this be different?
If you've tried everything and nothing has created lasting change, it's not because you or your child are failing—it's because most approaches miss what's actually driving the struggles. When we address nervous system dysregulation and attachment needs directly, rather than just managing surface behaviours, we see different results. This work goes deeper. It's not a quick fix, but it creates genuine, sustainable shifts.
Do you support medication decisions?
I'm not a prescriber, but I absolutely support families in making informed decisions about medication. For many families, medication is a helpful tool that reduces nervous system activation enough for other interventions to work. I help families understand medication decisions through a holistic lens—considering nervous system needs, attachment patterns, environmental factors, and family values. I work collaboratively with prescribers when clients are on medication.
For Families
My child won't sit still for therapy. How does this work?
I don't expect children to sit still and talk about feelings—that's not how nervous system work happens anyway. Family sessions often involve movement, play, and activities that support co-regulation. For parent coaching sessions (without the child present), we focus on building YOUR capacity to co-regulate with your child in everyday moments, not just in therapy sessions.
What if my partner isn't on board with this approach?
It's common for parents to have different perspectives on ADHD support. One parent can begin this work alone and often sees shifts that naturally bring the other parent into alignment. I also offer sessions specifically for parents/partners to get on the same page about approach and goals. You don't both need to be "all in" from the start.
Can you work with schools or teachers about my child?
Yes, when appropriate and with your consent, I can consult with your child's school or teacher. I also offer separate school consultation services for educators who want to understand ADHD and nervous system regulation in classroom settings. Sometimes a brief consultation can help a teacher understand your child's needs differently.
What's the Thriving Together program?
Thriving Together is an 8-week group program for parents navigating ADHD. It combines education about nervous system regulation and attachment with skill-building, community support, and personal nervous system work for parents. Groups are kept small (6-8 families) and are offered both in-person in Nelson and virtually. It's a powerful way to build understanding and connection with other parents who truly get it.
For Adults
I was just diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. Can you help?
Absolutely. Late ADHD diagnosis is incredibly common, and it often brings both relief (finally understanding yourself) and grief (mourning what wasn't understood earlier). I received my own ADHD diagnosis at 38, so I understand this journey personally and professionally. We work to integrate this new understanding, heal ADHD-related shame, and build genuine regulation capacity—not just productivity hacks.
I'm a parent with ADHD myself. Can you help with that too?
Definitely. Many parents I work with discover their own ADHD through parenting, or they've known for years but are now struggling with the demands of parenting while managing their own dysregulation. We can work on both—understanding your child's needs AND tending to your own nervous system, building your regulation capacity, and healing your own patterns.
What if I've experienced trauma? Is this approach trauma-informed?
Yes, my approach is deeply trauma-informed. Whether or not you identify as having "trauma," I approach our work with sensitivity to nervous system patterns, respect for your pace, and understanding that healing happens in relationship. We work within your window of tolerance, honoring your defenses, and creating safety for vulnerable parts to emerge. You're always in control of what we work with and when.
For Educators
What does school consultation look like?
School consultation can take many forms depending on your needs: one-time workshops, half-day or full-day professional development, ongoing consultation with individual teachers or teams, or customized training series. We focus on practical, neuroscience-informed strategies that help both students and staff feel more regulated. This isn't theory—it's applicable tools you can use Monday morning.
I'm a teacher and also a parent. Can I access both services?
Absolutely! Many educators I work with are both teachers AND parents navigating ADHD. You might work with me for parent coaching for your own family, and your school might bring me in for professional development. These are complementary—what you learn in one context often enriches the other.
Do you only work with schools that have students with ADHD?
While ADHD is often the entry point, the nervous system and attachment principles I teach benefit ALL students. Every child benefits from co-regulation, every classroom thrives when adults understand behavior through a nervous system lens, and every school culture improves when staff feel supported and regulated themselves. This isn't just "ADHD strategies"—it's foundational good practice.
Still Have Questions?
The best way to get your specific questions answered is to book a free 20-minute consultation. We can discuss your unique situation, explore whether this approach feels right, and address any concerns you have about moving forward.
Or email me at [email protected]
Securely Thriving
Location: Nelson, BC | Serving the Kootenays and beyond
Sessions: In-person in Nelson and virtual throughout BC and internationally
About Securely Thriving
Securely Thriving, is founded out of both lived experience and professional conviction: that meaningful support for ADHD must go deeper than behavior—and begin with connection, safety, and relationship. As a parent, educator, and somatic therapist, I’ve seen how nervous system regulation, attachment, and practical tools can transform not just a moment, but a whole family or classroom culture. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating the conditions where adults and children can feel safe enough to grow. Securely Thriving exists to walk alongside families, educators, and communities doing this brave, beautiful, often overwhelming work—with clarity, care, and compassion.
Find Your Ground
Compassionate Support for Families and Schools Cultivating Clear-Loving Boundaries, Thriving Relationships, and ADHD Empowerment.
Build Clarity, Connection, and Calm - one step at a time.
Securely Thriving
Nelson, BC V1L 4H6
Email: [email protected]
Serving the Kootenays and Beyond | Virtual Sessions Available Internationally
