What can I expect from my first appointment?

Your first session is a gentle introduction, no pressure to have the right words or tell your whole story. We'll spend time getting to know each other, exploring what brings you in, and helping your nervous system get a feel for this space. You'll leave with a clearer sense of what our work together will look like and why it works differently than traditional therapy. If you're neurodivergent or autistic, you're welcome to share that, it helps me tailor the pace and approach from the very beginning. There is no pressure to mask here.

How many sessions should I expect?

Healing at the nervous system level is a process, not a quick fix. Most clients begin noticing shifts within the first few weeks, though deeper change unfolds over time. We'll check in regularly about your progress and pace the work around what feels right for you. There's no pressure to commit to a set number of sessions upfront.

Do I need a formal autism or Asperger's diagnosis to work with you?

No. Many of my clients are self-identified, late-diagnosed, or still in the process of figuring things out. You don't need a label to deserve support. If you relate to the neurodivergent experience: masking, sensory sensitivity, social exhaustion, emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitivity, you are welcome here exactly as you are.

I've tried talk therapy before and it didn't help. Will this be different?

Most likely, yes. Somatic and expressive arts therapy works at a completely different level than traditional talk therapy. Rather than analyzing your patterns or revisiting your history through conversation, we work directly with your nervous system and body. Many clients, including neurodivergent adults who found talk therapy exhausting or surface-level, describe this as the first therapy that actually moved something.

Is this therapy suitable for autistic adults?

Yes, and it's one of the populations I'm most passionate about working with. Somatic and art-based therapy is particularly well suited for autistic clients because it doesn't rely on verbal fluency or require you to translate your inner world into language that fits someone else's framework. We work with how your nervous system is actually wired, not against it.

What if I don't know how to explain what I'm feeling?

That's exactly why we don't start with words. Art, movement, and body-based practices give your experience a channel that doesn't require you to explain anything perfectly. Many clients, especially those who have always struggled to articulate their inner world, find this the most relieving part of this work. You don't need the right language here. We'll find it together in a different way.

Do you offer Telehealth?

Yes. Telehealth sessions are available throughout Florida, making it accessible for clients who find in-person settings overwhelming, prefer the comfort of their own space, or simply live outside the Daytona Beach area.

Is art therapy only for people who are good at art?

Not at all. Artistic ability is completely irrelevant here. We use simple materials: drawing, painting, collage, imagery, not to create something beautiful but to give your nervous system somewhere to go. There is no right or wrong. Nothing needs to be shared or explained unless you want to. The focus is entirely on what shows up when you have a safe space to express it.

What does an art based therapy session look like?

Art based sessions are gentle and guided. We use simple creative tools to explore emotions or experiences that may be hard to put into words, with a focus on safety and regulation rather than making art. Participation is always optional and paced to what feels comfortable for you. No artistic experience is needed. There is no right or wrong way to do this work, and you never have to share or explain your artwork unless you want to. For neurodivergent and autistic clients, many find this the first place their inner world has ever had a real outlet; no translation required.

What does an IFS session look like?

Most IFS sessions are a calm, guided inward experience. We often begin by settling your body and breath, then gently turning attention inside. I welcome you to close your eyes, it can help you connect more easily with your inner world. I'll invite you to notice sensations in your body, locate where a feeling or "part" is showing up, and give that part space to express what it needs you to know. We follow your system's pace without forcing anything or reliving painful memories. Many clients describe sessions as surprisingly soothing, like having a compassionate conversation with your inner self. For autistic clients especially, IFS often provides the first framework that makes their inner world actually make sense.The goal is to help every part of you feel heard and safe, so healing can unfold naturally.

How do I know if I’m doing IFS “right”?

There's no "right way" to do IFS. Your inner world already knows how to communicate. We're just learning how to listen. Some people see images, others feel sensations, hear thoughts, or simply notice emotions. All of that counts. We move at the speed of trust, with curiosity instead of perfection. My role is to guide you, help your nervous system stay grounded, and support you in getting to know your parts in a way that feels safe. If at any point you're unsure, we pause, check in with your body, and come back to what feels comfortable. There is no performing here, no right answer, no way to get it wrong. IFS meets you exactly where you are, and that's always enough.

How can I contact my therapist in between sessions?

If this is a medical emergency please dial 911 or visit your nearest Emergency Room. For non-urgent correspondence you can email sheffield.kimberly.msw@gmail.com or call the office 386-243-9072. Please allow 24-48 hours for us to respond.