Relationship Counseling for NEURODIVERGENT COUPLES in Houston, TX

Embrace neurodivergence as you strengthen your relationship

When one or both partners are neurodivergent, complex challenges can arise in your relationship.

Differences in communication styles, sensory sensitivities, and executive functioning can lead to misunderstandings and emotional distance. It's common to feel like you're on different wavelengths, struggling to connect despite your best efforts.

At Heights Couples Therapy, we understand these complexities and are here to support you. Our goal is to help you and your partner honor each other's unique needs without self-sacrifice or minimization, and help you create a relationship that honors and embraces the neurodiversity in your relationship.

Common Struggles for Neurodivergent Couples

  • Communication Differences: Varied processing and expression styles can lead to frequent misunderstandings.

  • Sensory Sensitivities: Differing sensory needs may impact daily routines and intimacy.

  • Executive Functioning Discrepancies: Challenges with planning, organization, or follow-through can create tension.

  • Emotional Regulation: Differences in handling emotions can result in conflicts or withdrawal.

  • Social Expectations: Navigating societal norms and expectations that may not align with your relationship.

These challenges don't mean your relationship is flawed. They simply mean you need customized strategies for your relationship—so you can both feel understood and supported.

Benefits of Relationship Therapy for Neurodiverse Couples

  • Navigate Sensory Needs

    Work together to create an environment that respects and accommodates both partners' sensory needs. Identify potential sensory triggers together and find supportive solutions that promote comfort and connection.

    LEARN MORE

  • Face Executive Functioning Differences

    Explore strategies to manage executive functioning differences without frustration or shame. Strengthen teamwork by creating systems that support both partners' strengths and challenges.

    LEARN MORE

  • Rediscover Emotional Intimacy

    Develop a deeper emotional connection by understanding each other's needs, honoring neurodiversity, and fostering deeper trust. Learn how to navigate differences with compassion and mutual support.

    LEARN MORE

Why We Use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Neurodivergent Couples

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is particularly effective for neurodivergent couples, especially when one or both partners have ADHD. EFT focuses on identifying and transforming negative interaction patterns into secure emotional bonds.

For neurodivergent relationships, EFT offers:

  • Emotional Clarity: Helps both partners articulate and understand their emotional experiences.

  • Secure Attachment: Promotes a sense of safety, reducing anxiety and emotional reactivity.

  • Structured Interaction: Provides a framework for discussing sensitive topics without escalating conflicts.

  • Mutual Support: Encourages partners to support each other's growth and accommodate neurodivergent traits.

By focusing on the emotional bond between partners, EFT helps you embrace the neurodiversity of your relationship and create a harmonious and fulfilling relationship.

“What if you don’t understand our neurodivergence?”

Many neurodivergent individuals and couples have had past experiences where they felt misunderstood or invalidated, so it's understandable to feel hesitant about starting therapy.

At Heights Couples Therapy, we take an affirming, neurodiversity-informed approach, ensuring that therapy is not about “fixing” either partner but about creating understanding and strengthening your bond. We recognize that neurodivergence is a natural variation in human experience, and therapy will be tailored to support both partners without pathologizing differences.

We also understand that therapy itself can feel overwhelming, whether due to emotional processing, executive functioning challenges, or previous negative experiences. Our approach is structured to create a safe, supportive space where both partners feel heard, valued, and empowered—without pressure to conform to neurotypical norms.

Relationship Therapist for NEURODIVERSE COuples

Meet Amy Shahda

As a specialist in couples and relationship therapy, I am passionate about supporting couples where one or both partners are neurodivergent. With a compassionate and collaborative approach, I can help you embrace the complexities of your relationship and get back on the same page—even if that page seems miles apart right now. 

Together, I can help you and your partner navigate neurodivergence, uncover innovative solutions to manage differences and ensure you’re building an ideal future together.

 FAQ

  • Therapy provides a space to explore these differences and develop strategies that respect and integrate both perspectives. EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) is an especially effective model when one or both partners are nuerodivergent.

  • At Heights Couples Therapy, we take an affirming, neurodiversity-informed approach, ensuring that therapy is not about “fixing” either partner but about creating understanding and strengthening your bond. We recognize that neurodivergence is a natural variation in human experience, and therapy will be tailored to support both partners without pathologizing differences.

  • It’s understandable to be hesitant about couples therapy, especially if past therapists have not understood your neurodivergence or if therapy did not accommodate your processing or sensory needs. We take an affirming, neurodiversity-informed approach, ensuring that therapy is not about “fixing” either partner but about creating understanding and strengthening your bond. If, after learning about the benefits of this service, your partner isn’t able to attend, we are happy to support you with individual therapy so that you can still receive the tools and support to navigate your nuerodivergence in the relationship.

  • We understand that neurodivergence is often accompanied by executive functioning challenges—such as difficulty planning, following through, and remembering appointments. To make things easier, we’ll offer you a recurring appointment time, so you don’t have to worry about scheduling. You’ll also receive text and email reminders.

    We also know that practicing new skills outside of therapy can be challenging for neurodivergent couples. That’s why we’ll collaborate with you to find creative, compassionate ways to support you in applying what you’re learning in therapy.

  • The length of therapy depends on your goals and needs, the level of disconnect or conflict in your current dynamic, and logistical needs. Some couples find clarity and a solid base of mutual understanding in a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support.

  • Relationship therapy focuses on the dynamics between partners, helping you both address challenges and build a stronger foundation together. While individual therapy explores personal growth, couples therapy emphasizes collaboration and shared solutions.

Increase love and acceptance in your neurodiverse relationship

Navigating neurodivergence in your relationship brings unique struggles and challenges, but it also offers the opportunity for shared connection, creativity, and emotional closeness.

With the right support, you and your partner can create a relationship that honors your neurodiversity while fostering connection and intimacy.

Schedule a consultation at Heights Couples Therapy today, and take the first step toward a more connected and fulfilling partnership.