More about Lauren…
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change." ~ Carl Rogers
How I got started on my journey of helping others
I’ve always had a deeply rooted, intrinsic curiosity about people and relationships. And in the various jobs I held before becoming a therapist, I found myself consistently drawn toward helping others. So, I realized early on that I wanted to focus my career in these directions.
As someone who struggled with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) early in life, I too sat through my fair share of therapy. However, because no one knew what I was truly experiencing, traditional talk therapy didn’t address all of the challenges I was facing. I understood the power of the therapeutic process, but I needed something that none of my therapists were capable of offering.
On my journey to becoming a therapist in graduate school, I finally received a diagnosis for ADHD, which unlocked the mystery that could not be addressed with traditional talk therapy. With this new self-awareness, I committed myself to providing specialized care to other neurodiverse individuals by meeting them where they are.
That includes focusing more on fostering accountability, collaborative problem-solving, inner-curiosity, and self-understanding, as well as being flexible and adaptable to each person’s needs. My goals are to move away from traditional talk therapy and offer new strategies for tackling challenges in a neurodiversity-affirming space.
Why I chose to specialize in Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
In addition to my own journey with ADHD, I also spent my early years as a therapist working with children in school struggling with the disorder just like I did. I could see firsthand how much more difficult everything was for them. I saw a lack of support and understanding from teachers and administrators because of disruptive symptoms, such as impulsivity and “disrespectful” behaviors.
It also reminded me of my own experiences as a child with ADHD. Being inattentive, chatty, late to school, and unable to follow the teacher’s directions correctly—all while trying my best to hide my struggle—had an impact on my self-esteem. Like many girls, I honed the skill of fitting in and hiding so well that I was missed for an early diagnosis.
I found my stride as a child therapist, working with kids suffering from ADHD. They even ended up being some of my favorite clients. I found them creative, energetic, and largely misunderstood. And in the process of supporting them, I also learned how to involve parents and help teachers understand ADHD.
Over time, I got to know more and more adults who went through their childhood undiagnosed or untreated for ADHD. In turn, I developed a passion for helping them overcome their own blocks to success as well.
After seeing how effective ADHD-informed therapy could be, I decided to further my professional experience by becoming an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP). Now, I specialize in helping children, adults, and parents/family members of those affected by ADHD in any way.
My philosophy on healing and personal growth
I believe that adults are the most successful and content when…
They can fully understand and embrace themselves
They feel understood and accepted in their close relationships
They have developed the skills to pursue their goals
They have accommodations at work, home, and in relationships
They have a plan and personalized strategies to get through difficult times
I also believe that children feel the safest and most capable when…
They have solid and supportive relationships
They are surrounded by adults who understand them
They have guidance for improving executive functions
They can identify barriers to meeting expectations
They have tools for regulating tantrums or impulsivity
They’re provided with accommodations and emotional support
They can develop their identity around their strengths rather than labels based on their symptoms
I understand that, as children, certain behaviors can get misconstrued or even overlooked. However, understanding what looks like negative attention-seeking behaviors and what they are trying to communicate is the key to improving children’s lives. And as someone who wasn’t diagnosed until her 20’s, I also understand how the confusion and limitations created by ADHD can follow a person into adulthood.
My background as a therapist treating and living with ADHD
Before I was diagnosed with ADHD, I worked in a number of professional fields, trying to find a career that suited and impassioned me.
I’ve been a summer camp counselor, tutor, and veterinary assistant. I received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in biology and later went back for my Master’s of Arts in Counseling. I did volunteer work with a focus on social justice, serving populations in El Salvador, the southern US border, and the Navajo Nation. And I even worked in the corporate world in online retail.
And though that corporate experience was valuable, it woke me up to my true desire for doing something that was much more fulfilling. And given that the majority of my endeavors involved a profound desire to understand and help others, it finally made sense when I fell into being a therapist.
What makes my practice unique
Most therapists don’t receive adequate education about ADHD in their masters programs. Often, that knowledge can only come from first-hand experience and/or extensive continuing education.
I happen to have both, giving me a deep understanding of ADHD and its treatment. It also enables me to tailor my approach to treating children, adults, and parents affected by ADHD. Moreover, I regard each client as the expert on themselves and their lives. I see myself as a companion walking alongside the client in their journey while offering feedback and suggestions.
When treating adults, I use a blend of talk therapy (for addressing issues, such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, etc.) and problem-solving/skill development strategies. Throughout sessions, I encourage clients to identify what is and isn’t working for them so that we can customize a treatment plan that evolves with each person’s needs.
For children and adolescents, I provide family-based treatment. That is, I offer kids 45-minute therapy sessions in addition to 20-minute coaching sessions for parents. Because a child’s well-being depends on the understanding of caregivers, parent training can be highly effective for managing the symptoms of ADHD in children with more peace at home.
And when it comes to myself...
I believe that I am passionate, honest, and playful. I’m a strong and loyal advocate who acknowledges the importance of using evidence-based treatment methods to create sustainable change. And I am passionate about providing the best care possible for my clients.
I’m also deeply curious about people and consider myself a lifelong learner. So I strive to satisfy my innate, intellectual curiosity by staying up-to-date on the latest treatment methods for ADHD.
Moreover, I stay busy in my community and strive to better myself as a therapist by participating in local therapist organizations, attending conferences, and continuing education monthly. I also engage in weekly clinical consultations with other experienced clinicians. This provides me with a therapist support network that allows me to adjust my approach and stay current of the most effective ways of treating ADHD.
When I am not pursuing higher learning or helping individuals heal, I love spending time with my two cats or doing things outdoors. Whether camping, paddleboarding, hiking, or traveling, I love engaging in activities that broaden my awareness of the world and my understanding of the human condition.
Lauren Simas received her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology at Santa Clara University prior to obtaining her Master’s of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Palo Alto University in 2017. In 2019, she was trained in Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for Eating Disorders through UCSF.Lauren is an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP).
Lauren is a licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. Her license number is LMFT #123427 and can be verified by visiting the California Board of Behavioral Sciences website at http://www.bbs.ca.gov/