Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephani Jahn, PhD.
Hi Stephani, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I had already been a counselor for 10 years when I learned that I’m Autistic and ADHD–also called AuDHD. With that discovery, I fell deep into the world of neurodivergence and made big changes to my career. Now, I’m in solo private practice working with Autistic and ADHD adults, with a focus on trauma healing and self-understanding.
From the beginning of my work as a therapist, I had focused on complex trauma–and because neurodivergent people are especially prone to trauma, that’s been a very useful background. I had a strong background in dance and other arts, so I integrated creative and embodied approaches into my work. My earlier work settings included crisis response, career counseling, disability support, and college counseling, so along the way I picked up skills that are useful for my clients now.
Me being AuDHD means that I operate on the same kinds of wavelengths as my clients do. I appreciate the questions my Autistic clients have, and I understand why they get “stuck” on things other people dismiss. I can follow the threads of ADHD thought, and I really get their shame and rejection sensitivity. I’ve been there–my brain works like that, too–and that helps my clients feel safe to share their experiences and seek help.
By running my own practice, I get to be very hands-on with everything, which helps me give my clients a cohesive experience at every stage of our work. Everything in my practice is consistent with my values and clinical perspective, like emphasizing consent and being trauma-informed. And if anything ever needs explaining or adjusting, I’m able to do that–my practice is constantly developing as I learn more.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I started my practice, I was leaving what I thought was my dream job in college counseling–because of what I later learned was Autistic-ADHD burnout. I struggled as a first-time parent after my son was born in 2020. I looked okay on the outside, but inside, I was depressed and anxious. I was frequently getting overwhelmed by home life, to the point of meltdowns and shutdowns. I was in active burnout for about two or three years.
It became clear I needed a big change, so I created the job I needed, with reduced hours and working from home. That allowed me to have enough time and energy for burnout recovery and to be more present with my family. During that stage was when it became clear that I’m AuDHD, and after I gained enough expertise, I pivoted my practice’s focus to that population. Now, after several years of recovery, I’m well out of burnout and feeling good, enjoying life and my family, which is huge–and my business is solid, too.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I offer online therapy and diagnostic assessments for Autistic/ADHD adults in Florida, New York, and Indiana. My approach is warm and gentle, focused on following each client’s needs. I believe it’s important to help people feel safe and seen to support working on the hard things. After working with me for therapy or assessments, people say they feel understood and more confident about how to live well.
Something really important to me about my practice is that I am part of and learn extensively from the “actually Autistic and ADHD” communities. I’m able to validate and help people who other clinicians may misunderstand because their training didn’t take into account that lived experience. Many of my clients say I’m the first therapist they’ve had a comfortable and productive experience with. I think that’s the power of being among “neurokin.” It’s incredibly healing for someone who has never really fit in to feel like someone really gets them, and appreciates them as they are.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband is a huge, steady source of support for me. He trusted me in leaving a stable job to start my own business, and his constant help made both that and my burnout recovery possible.
I also often think back to my supervisors from early in my career who taught me that my natural approach and perspectives are valuable. That helped me have confidence in taking on the big goal of starting my own practice.
Pricing:
- I keep pricing and availability up-to-date on my website at https://apathwaytoyou.com
- Diagnostic assessments start at $950
- Therapy $165 per 50-minute session
- Workshop/presentation and consultation fees are available on my website
Contact Info:
- Website: https://apathwaytoyou.com
- Email: counseling@apathwaytoyou.com
- Phone/text: (352) 234-3150
- Business hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-3pm ET
- Check out my favorite resources and recommendations at https://apathwaytoyou.com/resources
