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Meet Michelle 

Neurodivergent Affirming Therapist

I specialize in working with parents raising neurodivergent children—particularly those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), ADHD, and autism—as well as couples and neurodivergent individuals navigating relationship challenges and major life changes. My work is grounded in warmth, validation, and deep understanding, creating a space where clients feel understood rather than judged, and supported rather than “fixed.” I also work with women navigating midlife transitions, including identity shifts, burnout, and changing relationships. I help clients move beyond survival mode toward greater clarity and confidence, and toward change that feels authentic and doable.

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I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, relationship strain, identity exploration, and significant life transitions. Many of the individuals and families I see are untangling years of masking, misunderstanding, or emotional overwhelm. I bring clarity and compassion to these experiences, offering structured, thoughtful guidance while honoring each person’s unique ways of thinking, communicating, and relating. Together, we focus on reducing stress, strengthening relationships, and building a life that feels more aligned, connected, and sustainable.

Michelle Torres, Psychotherapist

You're in the right place if...

You’re a parent raising a neurodivergent child (including PDA, ADHD, or autism) and feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to respond in ways that actually help

Traditional parenting strategies haven’t worked and you’re looking for an approach that prioritizes connection and supports the nervous system

You’re navigating a neurodivergent relationship and want support with communication, conflict, or emotional distance

You are a neurodivergent individual, including if you were newly diagnosed or self-identifying later in life, and are exploring identity, relationships, and emotional wellbeing

You value a collaborative and compassionate therapeutic process and want support that honors your unique ways of thinking and feeling

Giant Poppies
“Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.”
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― Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

Areas of Focus

01.

Understanding Neurodiversity

02.

Couples/Neurodivergent Relationships

03.

Supporting Unique Life Experiences

04.

Inclusive, Affirming

Therapy

05.

Family Therapy/Parenting, including PDA

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Michelle Torres, MA, MFA, AMFT
(Practicing under Michelle Torres Maxson)
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #150977
Employed by The Center for Mindful Psychotherapy at ExP Therapy
Supervised by Lori Crowely, LMFT #121471 

Know The History: Petaluma CA lies in Coastal Miwok (Me-Wuk) Lands

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