Tamala Takahashi
License and Certifications
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Registered Associate Marriage Family Therapist (AMFT)
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Registered Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC)
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Certified Trauma Professional (CTP)
Life Experience
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Late-diagnosed ADHD
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Mother of neurodiverse children
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NT/ND co-parenting experience
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Childhood trauma survivor
Education
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Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Antioch University of Los Angeles
Tamala's Story
I was late-diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 49. Two of my three adult children were diagnosed with ADHD in their late teens/early 20’s and, while my oldest has not been diagnosed, they are likely autistic/ADHD as well. My husband of 27 years was also late-diagnosed with AuDHD (at age 48).
I am also a survivor of childhood emotional neglect and abuse. This is common among the neurodiverse as even the most well-meaning parents may not have the appropriate tools to support their children. It’s also common for those parents to have been neurodiverse as well, with their own experience of neglect and abuse, handing down their generational trauma.
Soon after having been diagnosed with ADHD, I became an empty nester. My first career as a non-profit and professional development consultant was cut short by COVID, so I decided to go back to school and become a therapist focusing on trauma recovery.
I am sharing this with you because I believe it will help me understand and support you. I look forward to hearing from you.
Main Areas of Focus
Being in a Relationship with a Neurodiverse Partner
The neurodiverse experience can feel lonely. Whether you are neurodiverse or have a neurodiverse partner/family member, it can feel like you are expected to behave a certain way and say certain things, or that no matter how hard you try, you can’t do it right. Maybe you feel like there are things that just don’t make sense but nobody else can see it. That struggle can feel so lonely.
My intention in therapy is to provide a space where you are no longer alone. Whether in couples or individual therapy, I am there to support you and hold space for your lived experiences.