Hello and Welcome. I am Dr. T. A. Meridian McDonald, PhD, MS, LPC-MHSP, Counselor and Director of Spectrum For Life Counseling. I am a multiply neurodivergent therapist and published researcher who is passionate about helping all clients, including those with neurodivergent conditions (diagnosed or self-identified), achieve personal growth. As a scientist and educator on neurodivergent conditions for over 20 years, I have helped individuals, families, and community members better understand the value of neurodivergent people and the challenges they face.
My work on co-occurring conditions (mental and physical health) experienced by neurodivergent people compelled me to bring my knowledge and skills from research settings to directly working with individuals in the community. As part of my practice, I support clients in self-empowerment which can take many forms. I tailor my practice to help clients identify and meet challenges, leverage their strengths and develop skills to increase their sense of fulfillment in life.
My primary approaches include a mix of internal family systems, acceptance and commitment therapy, critical race/feminist/cultural theories (power dynamics), psycho-dynamic approaches (childhood experiences), bio-psycho-social
approaches (biology, psychology, and environment), and existential, mindful, and other contemplative approaches.
There are other approaches that I can apply with special consideration for client needs, such as CBT or different forms of DBT. These approaches have some excellent techniques and ideas but were not designed to directly address the mental health of marginalized people. I am well aware of ways that therapies have been historically weaponized against
marginalized and divergent people. I will discuss these concerns with you and, together, we will create a unique approach tailored just for you.
Similarly, my education and occupation also ranges from GED, to Community college, to Tier 1 Flagship Research University, to Research Scientist and Consultant. In my education and life, I have often taken difficult roads- or forged new roads- to accomplish my purpose in life.
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