If you identify as neurodiverse, you may have spent much of your life feeling misunderstood—especially in relationships, work, or emotional situations that others seem to navigate more easily.
You may experience:
- emotional overwhelm or shutdown
- Frustration with neurotypical patterns of communication
- difficulty with communication or being understood
- anxiety, depression, or burnout
- feeling out of sync with others despite your efforts
DBT offers a practical and respectful, neuroaffirming way to work with these challenges.
A Thoughtful, Individualized Approach
San Jose DBT has a long-standing commitment to working with neurodivergent individuals, including adults with autism and ADHD.
Melinda Carlisle Brackett brings both professional training and personal understanding to this work. She has advanced training in autism spectrum conditions through the TEACCH Program (UNC), the UC Davis MIND Institute, and the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity. She is also a Certified Neurodiverse Couples Therapist and has personal experience as a parent and partner in a neurodiverse family system.
This combination allows for a deeper understanding of both the internal experience and relational dynamics of neurodivergence.
How DBT Can Help
DBT is especially helpful for neurodiverse individuals because it focuses on:
- Emotional regulation – understanding and managing strong or fluctuating emotions
- Communication – expressing yourself clearly and navigating misunderstandings
- Distress tolerance – getting through overwhelming situations without shutting down or escalating
- Mindfulness – staying grounded and present, even during stress or sensory overload
These DBT Skills are adapted to fit each person’s unique way of thinking and processing—not forcing you into a one-size-fits-all approach.
What Makes This Work Different
DBT is not about “fixing” who you are. We are not “treating” differences. We respect differences and help youo you get to your goals byt identifying struggles that get in the way light persistent anxiety, depression, social anxiety, confusing relationships. We teach skills for lowering your physical arousal so emotions aren’t so painful and help you build a balanced, emotionally rich and satisfying life.
We adapt DBT skills in order to support sensory differences, communication style differences, and help you build the kind of support structures that enhance your well-being.
Common Areas of Focus
- Emotional overwhelm or shutdown
- Anxiety and depression
- Relationship and communication challenges
- Sensory sensitivity and stress
- Burnout and fatigue
Next Steps
If you’re looking for support that understands both the strengths and challenges of neurodivergence, you’re welcome to reach out.
Call or text (408) 893-4032 to learn more or get started.