Hey, I'm Cassandra Miasnikov (she/they), a Professional Counselor Associate who specializes in working with neurodivergent teens and adults, especially those who've spent years being told they're feeling too much, thinking too hard, or that they just need to try harder.

If you've ever felt like you're too much, too sensitive, or wired differently than everyone around you, particularly as a woman or gender-diverse person living with OCD, ADHD, ASD, or bipolar disorder, you're exactly who I work with. I believe that understanding how your brain actually works is the first step toward building a life that truly fits you.

I specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals who may feel misunderstood, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that don't reflect who they truly are. My areas of focus include:

• ADHD, autism, and executive functioning challenges

• Anxiety, OCD, and intrusive thoughts

• Bipolar disorder

• Sleep disorders

• Burnout

• LGBTQ+ identity exploration and support

My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine partnership, where we explore patterns together and build skills that actually fit your real life. I draw from evidence-based modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Understanding how your brain works is just the beginning; together, we focus on emotional regulation, resilience, and building a life that aligns with your values rather than society's expectations.

I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, where I graduated with a 4.0 GPA. My training includes specialized work with neurodivergent and mood-disorder populations, and I have conducted independent clinical research in these areas, presenting at conferences including the International OCD Foundation and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). I've also contributed writing on mental health topics for the International Bipolar Foundation and Business Insider.

Outside of therapy, I love Dungeons & Dragons, writing fantasy and solarpunk, and spending time in nature. I believe curiosity and creativity are powerful tools for healing, and I genuinely enjoy bringing those values into the work we do together.