Liz Zhou

Holistic Trauma Therapist, Coach, Speaker

Helping highly sensitive, neurodivergent adults & couples.

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Neurodiversity Liz Zhou Neurodiversity Liz Zhou

For Neurodivergent Adults: 6 Creative Ways to Regulate Your Nervous System

Many neurodivergent adults (autistic, ADHD, highly sensitive) experience emotional intensity, sensory overload, and social challenges that dysregulate their nervous systems. This blog post explores 6 unique ways ND folks can care for their nervous systems through sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, and the crucial practice of taking breaks from sensory input. 

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Why Therapy Intensives are Great for Neurodivergent Brains

If you’re neurodivergent (autistic, ADHD, highly sensitive) and traditional therapy hasn’t quite worked for you, a therapy intensive could be a helpful alternative. Intensives are a form of short-term, accelerated therapy, using powerful modalities like Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting, and EMDR to heal the nervous system.

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Neurodiversity, Couples Liz Zhou Neurodiversity, Couples Liz Zhou

Double Empathy Problem: Why Communication is Confusing in Neurodiverse (Autistic-Allistic) Relationships

In mixed-neurotype relationships, communication breakdowns can occur due to differences in brain processing styles. A neurodivergent-affirming therapist explains how the “Double Empathy Problem” shows up: direct vs. indirect language, verbal vs. nonverbal communication, and differences in eye contact.

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“Autistic Person” vs “Person with Autism”: What’s the Difference? | A Neurodivergent Therapist’s POV

As the mental health field updates its understanding of autism to be more affirming, more and more adults are realizing that they’re autistic – leading to a growing community of late-diagnosed neurodivergent people. Let’s explore the difference between identity-first and person-first language, and why many members of the Autistic community prefer identity-first language. 

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Neurodiversity, Couples Liz Zhou Neurodiversity, Couples Liz Zhou

Common Challenges of Neurodiverse Couples (+ Tips to Improve Communication and Intimacy)

Is miscommunication causing tension in your relationship? Do you get into arguments over thermostat settings, noise levels, and lighting in the house? Learn how the “double empathy problem” and differing sensory needs impact neurodiverse relationships (autistic/allistic, neurodivergent/neurotypical). A neurodiversity-affirming couples therapist offers 4 tips.

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