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Becoming Yourself Counselling and Consulting

Gifted Neurodivergent adults light burning bright, not with gifted burnout

Therapy for Gifted & Neurodivergent Adults in Ontario

Understanding yourself beyond labels and expectations.

When Giftedness Meets Neurodivergence

Many adults who were identified as “gifted” early in life later discover they are also neurodivergent. Individuals with autism, ADHD, or both may have fallen under the title of “gifted” whether in the classroom or after they graduated. While your intellectual strength may have made academic success “easier”, secretly you may have struggled with focus, emotional regulation, and burnout.

This creates a gap between your potential and your lived experience. For many adults with ADHD and/or autism, this is often called the “reality gap.” Therapy provides a safe space to explore that gap with compassion and curiosity. Ultimately, we want to see you reconnect with your authentic self.

The Hidden Costs of High Achievement

Gifted adults often mask their difficulties behind competence and productivity. But perfectionism, masking, and chronic self-criticism can lead to exhaustion and disconnection. 

In therapy, we familiarize ourselves with patterns that once helped you succeed but are now limiting you, then we look at the best way to replace them with sustainable strategies grounded in balance and self-acceptance.

Some Challenges Associated with Giftedness:

  • Imposter syndrome and chronic self-doubt
  • Overachievement tied to self-worth
  • Emotional intensity and rejection sensitivity
  • Difficulty relaxing or feeling “enough”
  • Burnout and executive function fatigue

Reconnecting with Your Authentic Self

Many of my clients identify as both gifted and autistic, often described as twice exceptional (2e). They often feel intellectually capable yet emotionally or socially drained.

 I am proud to offer therapy for gifted and neurodivergent adults in Ontario and the surrounding areas, as well as online virtual counselling that helps you reconnect with your authentic self.

Together, we’ll identify techniques for emotional regulation, energy management, and redefining success in a way that feels authentic instead of performative.

(Because many gifted and 2e adults also identify with other forms of neurodivergence, you may find it helpful to explore my pages on lived-experience autistic support and late-diagnosed ADHD support for a fuller picture of how these intersecting traits can shape your inner world.)

Begin the Journey to Balance

You’re gifted and exceptional, but in everyday life, you may struggle. The path forward will require balance. Therapy helps create a balanced approach to managing both your gifts and your struggles.

This isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong” because there isn’t anything wrong. It’s about understanding your unique brain, validating your challenges, and helping you cultivate a sustainable, authentic way of being.

I offer online therapy for gifted and neurodivergent adults across Ontario. Whether you’re located in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, or London, I would love to hear from you.

Book a free 20-minute Meet-and-Greet to see if this feels like the right fit.

FAQ — Gifted & 2e Adults

 

What does “gifted” or “2e” mean in adulthood?

Giftedness in adults often shows up as emotional depth, perfectionism, intensity, existential thinking, rapid learning, creative problem-solving, and chronic self-doubt. “Twice-exceptional” (2e) adults experience giftedness alongside neurodivergence such as ADHD, autism, AuDHD, or learning differences.

 

Why do gifted and 2e adults struggle emotionally?

Many grew up misunderstood, masked their struggles, or were praised for performance instead of needs. This often leads to burnout, imposter syndrome, sensitivity to rejection, and feeling “too much” or “not enough.”

 

How does therapy help gifted or 2e adults?

Counselling provides a grounded, neuroaffirming space to explore intensity, perfectionism, emotional overwhelm, identity struggles, and self-expectations. Together, we look at strengths, needs, and ways to build a life that feels aligned, not pressured.

 

Do I need a formal assessment to seek support?

No. Many gifted and 2e adults are self-identified, late-diagnosed, or exploring traits. Therapy supports you wherever you are.

 

Can therapy help with gifted burnout and masking?

Yes. Many gifted/2e adults experience long-term burnout due to performing at high levels while camouflaging struggles. Therapy helps untangle internalized expectations and build sustainable rhythms.

 

Why do gifted adults experience “tall poppy syndrome”?

Because gifted traits often attract criticism, envy, or misunderstanding. Therapy explores the emotional impact and helps reconnect you to your identity and values.

Do you offer support online?

Yes—sessions are offered online across Ontario, accessible for busy schedules and energy needs.

Is your approach strengths-based?

Deeply. Therapy focuses on understanding, compassion, identity, and helping you reconnect with your authentic self—not pushing you toward unrealistic expectations.