Life feels harder than it should
Therapy for neurodivergent women navigating ADHD, autism, sensory overwhelm, and motherhood in North Carolina.
I work with women who often feel overwhelmed by the pace and expectations of daily life, especially when their nervous systems process the world a little differently.
Many of the women I see are exploring ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivity, or other forms of neurodivergence, sometimes for the first time in adulthood.
Hi! Welcome to Otherwise Counseling
I’m Sara Alexander, LCSWA
I provide a space for clients to find calm, clarity, and a different way forward. A place for sensitive and neurodivergent women to explore their nervous systems without masking, shaming, or forcing themselves to live or parent the “right” way…whatever that is.
You might be in the right place if
-You feel constantly overwhelmed by the demands of daily life
-Your mind feels scattered or overloaded much of the time
-Noise, busy environments, or constant interruptions quickly drain your energy
-You’ve wondered whether ADHD, autism,
or sensory sensitivity might explain some of your experiences
-You feel exhausted from trying to keep up with expectations that seem easier for other people
-You want support that understands neurodivergent nervous systems
What I Help With
ADHD in Women
Many women first begin exploring ADHD in adulthood after years of feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or constantly behind. Therapy can help you better understand how your brain works and develop systems that support it
Sensory Overwhelm
Some nervous systems take in more stimulation from the world around them. Therapy can help you recognize patterns of sensory overload and develop ways to care for your energy and attention.
Autism in Women
Many autistic women go undiagnosed for years, masking their differences and pushing through exhaustion. Therapy can be a place to explore identity, sensory needs, and a life that fits your nervous system.
Neurodivergent Pregnancy, Postpartum, & Motherhood
Pregnancy and early motherhood can intensify sensory sensitivity, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm, especially for neurodivergent
women. Therapy offers support through these transitions while
honoring your nervous system and identity.
Therapy that fits your brain and body
A Neurodivergent-Affirming Approach
Find calm without masking. Learn ways to settle your body without having to hide what you feel or pretend you’re fine.
Make sense of the chaos. Untangle what’s anxiety, what’s sensory overload, and what’s just life, so you know what to respond to and what to release.
Build trust in your own way of being. Instead of fighting to meet some invisible standard, we’ll create routines that actually work for your brain.
Grow real self-compassion. The kind that lets you be gentler with yourself when you drop the ball, melt down, or need a break.
Create small, doable changes. No giant life overhauls. Just practical steps that help you feel a little steadier each week.
Here’s how we’ll work together:
Otherwise Counseling is about knowing there is always another way to live, parent, or just be with yourself. Together, we’ll find the one that works for you.
I provide online therapy for women in Asheville and throughout North Carolina. Virtual sessions allow you to access support from your own home without the added stress of travel or busy waiting rooms.
Virtual Therapy Across North Carolina
Feeling ready to take the first step?
Schedule a free 15-minute video consultation to see if we feel like a good fit. I’ll check in about what your needs are and what lead you to seek therapy now. I’ll give you a quick run-down of the logistics of working together and then tell you a bit about what to expect from doing therapy with me. You’ll also have the chance to ask any questions that will help you make a decision that feels right.
