About me

I am Kirstie (Kear-stee) Davis a neurodivergent clinician who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the therapy space. I understand that healing isn't linear—and that each person’s story, strengths, and struggles are deeply personal. My approach is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and curiosity.

My Story with ADHD

I was diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school. Like many kids, I was placed on medication for a few years—and then taken off of it. From the outside, it might have seemed like things were manageable, but behind the scenes, I was pouring so much time and energy into trying to keep up. I had to study twice as hard just to maintain good grades, and even then, I felt like I was falling short.

School was always a challenge. I didn’t lack motivation—I lacked the tools and understanding I needed to thrive in a system that wasn’t designed for brains like mine. When I got to college, everything intensified. The structure and predictability I had relied on in earlier years were gone, and I struggled more than I ever had before. The challenges of ADHD didn’t stay in the classroom. Forgetfulness, emotional reactivity, disorganization, and overwhelm often led to tension and misunderstanding with my family. I felt like I was constantly falling short, even when I was trying my best. At times, it felt like no one really understood how hard I was working just to appear “okay.” Those years were filled with self-doubt, masking, and a quiet exhaustion I didn’t know how to name yet.

Eventually, I was re-evaluated for ADHD in college and placed back on medication (this is not always a choice of everyone). That was a turning point. For the first time, things started to click. I was able to focus, retain information, and actually see the results of all my hard work. More importantly, I started to understand myself—not as someone who was lazy or incapable, but as someone who had been working incredibly hard without the right support.

That experience—of feeling unseen, misunderstood, and then finally validated—has shaped how I show up for others. I know what it feels like to mask, to internalize the belief that you’re not trying hard enough, and to wonder why things feel so much harder for you than everyone else. And I also know the deep relief that comes from being recognized, supported, and empowered to work with your brain, not against it.

This journey fuels my passion for working with neurodivergent clients. Therapy shouldn’t feel like one more place where you have to perform or explain yourself. It should feel like home.

Parenting Through the Lens of ADHD

My journey with ADHD didn’t end with my own diagnosis—it deepened when I began to notice the same signs in my daughter. As a parent, I had the knowledge and instincts, but still, the process was far from easy.

Because she’s a girl, her challenges were often overlooked or misunderstood. Family members had their opinions. Teachers weren’t always sure what they were seeing. And the diagnostic criteria—still largely based on how ADHD shows up in boys—didn’t fully reflect her experience. There were moments of doubt, frustration, and even guilt. Was I overreacting? Was I missing something?

But I kept trusting what I knew about her and what I saw at home: her brilliant, creative mind; her sensitivity; her overwhelm; her exhaustion from trying to hold it all together. Working through the evaluation process with her doctors, teachers, and our family eventually led to a diagnosis. And instead of feeling defeated, I felt something I didn’t expect—relief.

Relief that she could be better understood. Relief that she could get support. Relief that I could parent her with more compassion and clarity.

That experience transformed not only how I show up for her—but how I show up for the parents I work with. I understand the worry, the second-guessing, the pressure from others, and the deep desire to just do right by your child. I also understand how powerful it is to receive a diagnosis that opens the door to self-understanding and support.

You're not alone in this, and neither are your kids.

I specialize in supporting individuals who are navigating trauma and neurodivergence. My approach is gentle, collaborative, and grounded in trust. I draw from a range of evidence-based practices—including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and EMDR—to meet you where you are. Above all, my work is trauma-informed and paced by you, with deep respect for your story, your strengths, and the path you’re ready to walk.

I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palo Alto University in 2018, where I was honored to be part of the Chi Sigma Iota counseling honor society. My journey began in community mental health, where I completed my practicum and internship—and continued in community mental health for 7+ years. Since then, I’ve remained deeply committed to serving individuals from all walks of life, including neurodivergent adults, trauma survivors, LGBTQ+ clients, and those navigating complex life transitions. It’s been a privilege to walk alongside each client as they uncover their strength, reclaim their story, and move toward healing and wholeness.

In our work together, you can expect a warm, grounded presence—someone who will meet you with compassion, curiosity, and a deep respect for your lived experience. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe to explore, empowered to grow, and fully seen just as you are.

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