A sanctuary where your voice is heard, your struggles are understood, and your uniqueness is celebrated.
Therapy For Autistic & ADHD Women
You’ve spent a lifetime trying to fit into a world that doesn’t understand your unique mind—forcing yourself to blend in, mask your struggles, and silence your true self.
Now, imagine this: a space where you don’t have to pretend, where your brilliance is recognized, and where you finally feel safe, supported, and unapologetically “enough.”
Here, you are truly seen.
Here, your voice matters.
Here, you are never alone.
Helping neurodivergent women finally feel seen, valued, and free—
Breaking the exhausting cycle of masking and burnout so you can embrace your true strengths and live boldly, without hiding or shame.
Ready to stop pretending and start thriving? Let’s begin your journey discovering what it means to “Be Yourself.”
If this feels like the refuge you’ve been craving—
A space where your individuality is celebrated, and you can finally let your guard down—
Then you understand how draining it is to exist in a world that often overlooks the way your mind works.
It’s time to feel seen, supported, and enough.
Take the first step now.
How About When Your To-Do List Feels Like a Mountain?
You’re staring at your to-do list, and every task feels heavier than the last. You have the motivation, the drive, and the desire—but starting even one thing feels like you’re moving through quicksand.
The thoughts come fast and critical:
“Why can’t I just do this? Why does everything feel so overwhelming when everyone else seems to manage?”
The constant ache of guilt weighs you down, leaving you feeling like no matter how hard you try, it’s never enough.
Imagine a space where you can truly be yourself. Let’s create that together.
Let’s talk about what’s paralyzing you.
Those heavy moments, the silent struggles, the patterns that leave you feeling drained and unseen—they don’t have to define your story.
Does This Sound Familiar? You’re Smiling on the Outside, but Inside, You’re Overthinking Every Word…
Or, Maybe You Are Experiencing The Endless Cycle: Productivity, Burnout, and Shame
You’re hyperfocused on a project, lost in the flow and feeling powerful. But then, out of nowhere, the energy drops, leaving you feeling hollow and burnt out.
The all-too-familiar shame creeps in:
“Why can’t I find balance? Why does it always feel like I’m either doing everything or completely crashing?”
The cycle of productivity and exhaustion feels endless, leaving you to wonder if you’ll ever escape it.
You’re out with friends, seemingly engaged, but in reality, your mind is racing:
”Was I too much?”
“Did I talk too fast?”
“Are they bored with me?”
You’ve perfected the art of masking, revealing just enough to blend in, while hiding the parts of yourself that feel too vulnerable to share.
It’s a survival skill, but it comes at a cost.
After every social event, the exhaustion and loneliness creep in, leaving you to wonder: “Will I ever truly belong?”
What Belonging Feels Like
Think about the joy of connecting with people who truly get you.
Conversations that don’t drain you but fill you up.
A sense of belonging so real, it feels like home.
The quiet confidence of knowing you’re no longer “too much” or “not enough.”
Let’s talk about what’s weighing on you. Those heavy moments, the silent struggles, the patterns that leave you feeling drained and unseen—they don’t have to define your story.
Imagine Finally Feeling Safe to Be Yourself
Picture this: you step into a space where, for the first time, you feel free to exhale. No more overanalyzing your every word. No more tightening your shoulders, bracing for judgment. Instead, relief washes over you like a wave—you’re safe here.
You’re not just accepted; you’re embraced. Every complexity, every quirk, every piece of you that felt “too much” is finally seen as enough. It’s like setting down a heavy backpack you’ve carried for so long, you forgot how light freedom feels.
Life Without the Mask
Imagine waking up knowing you don’t have to spend your energy pretending or shrinking yourself to fit in. Instead:
You confidently say no when you need rest.
You pursue what lights you up without fear of being “too much.”
You honor your natural rhythms—working with your mind, not against it.
Instead of masking, you start showing up as yourself—and it feels right.
The Freedom You’ve Been Waiting For
You start to realize that the life you’ve been chasing wasn’t about changing who you are—it’s about reclaiming who you’ve always been. A grounded joy takes root as you live unapologetically, authentically, you.
Hi, I'm Dawn.
I empower Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD women to shed the masks society expects them to wear and embrace their authentic selves, so they can not only survive but truly thrive.
When I was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD in my 40s, it was like a fog lifting. Finally, the pieces of my life that didn’t fit made sense.
Relief, validation, confusion—all of it hit at once.
I know how overwhelming it can feel to finally have a name for what you’ve been experiencing.
I also know how empowering it is to use that clarity to build a life that truly supports you.
Have you realized that by constantly putting others at ease, you’re the one left feeling uncomfortable?
It’s time to break free from this cycle—stop dimming your light or compromising your peace for the comfort of others.
Let me help you learn how to start choosing your own comfort and watch how it transforms your life.
-
I’m a licensed clinical therapist deeply committed to empowering women and neurodivergent couples to break free from perfectionism, anxiety, and self-doubt and to build lives that feel genuine and whole. With over 20 years of experience in the field, I bring a unique blend of knowledge and empathy to my practice, helping clients navigate a wide range of challenges, including body image concerns, neurodivergence, and eating disorders.My specialties include working with perfectionistic women, anxious moms, neurodivergent individuals and couples, and those facing body dissatisfaction. As a Certified Autism Specialist and an ADHD Specialist-in-Training, I have advanced training in the intersections of neurodivergence with women’s experiences, reproductive mental health, hormones, and body image challenges. My crossover training also addresses neurodivergence in the context of eating disorders, offering a nuanced and inclusive approach to care. I am currently pursuing the Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist Certification to deepen this expertise.
Drawing from a compassionate, values-aligned framework, I help my clients reconnect with themselves and create lives that are meaningful and fulfilling. My approach holistically addresses the mind, body, and heart, incorporating relational tools and practices designed to support lasting change.
Here’s how I support clients on their journey from overwhelm to empowerment:
Values-Aligned Therapy: Together, we’ll uncover what truly matters to you—your values, passions, and goals—and use them as a guide for growth and decision-making, empowering you to live more authentically.
Specialized Neurodivergence Support: I provide tailored approaches for neurodivergent individuals, incorporating expertise in Autism, ADHD, and their unique interplay with life challenges, body image, and emotional regulation.
Eating Disorders & Body Image: With decades of experience in treatment centers and expert-led trainings, I help clients navigate eating disorders and body image concerns with compassion and specialized strategies.
Holistic & Integrative Care: I weave intuitive and energy healing practices into therapy sessions, including techniques from my current Reiki training, to support emotional balance and deep healing on a mind-body-spirit level.
Somatics and Physiological Awareness: Using approaches like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Brainspotting, we’ll release tension, build self-awareness, and foster a sense of safety in your body.
Trauma-Informed Practices: My work integrates trauma-sensitive tools like EMDR and Brainspotting, helping clients process emotional pain and reconnect with their innate resilience.
Self-Compassion Development: Together, we’ll transform self-critical patterns into a kinder, more accepting relationship with yourself, paving the way for growth and self-confidence.
Perinatal and Postpartum Care: For clients navigating motherhood, I offer specialized support, addressing the unique mental health challenges of perinatal and postpartum experiences.
Whether you’re facing perfectionism, anxiety, neurodivergence, or body image challenges, I’m here to help you find healing, empowerment, and a renewed sense of self. Together, we’ll create space for transformation and growth so that you can step into a life that feels authentic, grounded, and fulfilling.
I offer virtual therapy sessions to clients in Illinois and South Carolina, making it easy to connect wherever you are—in every sense of the word.
To Find Out More About Me, click here or book a call with me.
Want to Find Out What It Would Be Like to Work With Me? Schedule Your Free Consult Call Today!
Let’s Get Started Together
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Click here to access my calendar and book a complimentary consultation call at a time that works for you.Complete a Short Pre-Call Form
After scheduling, I’ll send you a brief form to fill out. This helps me get to know you a little better and ensures our time together is as focused and productive as possible.Your Consultation Call
On the day of your appointment, I’ll call you at the scheduled time. During this 15–20 minute phone call, you’ll have the chance to share what’s been on your mind and what you’re hoping to work on in therapy. I’ll explain how I can support you, and we’ll address any questions you may have.Next Steps
If it feels like a good fit, we’ll decide on session lengths that suit your needs—options range from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Then, we’ll schedule your first session and begin the journey toward your goals.
What if you could finally stop hiding the parts of yourself
That Feel Messy, Different, or “Too Much”?
And instead, embrace them as the most powerful, beautiful pieces of who you are?
Imagine Living as Your True Self—Free, Confident, and Connected
No more stumbling through life feeling alone.
No more pretending to be someone you’re not.
Picture this: Waking up each day with calm and clarity, knowing you don’t have to mask or drain yourself just to fit in.
You Feel Steady, Balanced, and Enough
The constant hum of anxiety—“Am I too much? Not enough?”—fades. In its place, a quiet confidence grows: you are exactly who you’re meant to be.
Your energy feels balanced—you rest when needed and honor what lights you up.
You feel deeply connected—to others who truly get you and, most importantly, to yourself.
You’re no longer hiding. Instead, you’re embracing your strengths and stepping into a life that feels genuine.
Ready to step out of the shadows and into a life that feels real, whole, and unapologetically you?
Let’s take the first step together.
You’re Not Alone in This Journey
The fears, exhaustion, and doubts you’re carrying right now? You’re not the only one. Many others have felt the same—overwhelmed, burned out, and unseen.
But with the right support, everything can change. My clients have moved from:
Overwhelm to peace: No longer consumed by anxiety and self-doubt.
Burnout to balance: Finding sustainable ways to work and rest without guilt.
Feeling unseen to deeply understood: Creating connections where they can finally be their authentic selves.
While I can’t share exact client stories (confidentiality matters), I can tell you this: the transformation they’ve experienced is real, and it’s possible for you too.
Here are a few general experiences to help you get the gist of what has been shared with me over the years:
“ ”
I felt like I was drowning in the demands of life—constantly masking, overworking, and burning out. Now, I’ve learned how to set boundaries, honor my energy, and actually enjoy my day-to-day life without guilt.
I used to be so hard on myself—constantly criticizing every mistake and pushing myself to exhaustion. Therapy taught me how to treat myself with kindness and patience. Now, I give myself grace instead of guilt, and it’s changed everything.
I’ve learned how to listen to myself and my parts, and honor what I need without judgment. Self-compassion has helped me rebuild a life that feels calm, balanced, and aligned with my values.
It’s time to embrace self-compassion and start living with the kindness and care you deserve. Let’s take the first step together.
Begin Your Journey to Self-Compassion
So Why Now? It’s Time to Finally Feel Understood
Life can feel like an uphill climb when you’re constantly trying to fit into a world that wasn’t built for the way your mind works.
Maybe you’ve spent years masking—hiding your true self just to get by—or working twice as hard as others to keep up, only to find yourself exhausted and burned out.
This Is Your Moment to Create Change
Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or are just starting to understand your neurodivergence, you’re here because you’re ready for something different.
You’re ready to feel seen, supported, and understood in a way that doesn’t ask you to change who you are. Therapy is your chance to step out of survival mode and into a life that truly works for you.
It’s Okay to Feel Nervous—You’re Not Alone
It’s normal to feel hesitant or unsure about taking this step. Those fears you’re carrying? They’re valid.
Let’s explore them together, with gentleness and understanding. You don’t have to navigate this alone—this is your safe space to be exactly who you are.
You’ve spent your life feeling like a puzzle with missing pieces, constantly trying to fit into places that don’t make sense.
So You Wonder, “Why Would Therapy Be Any Different?”
You can’t shake the fear that therapy will be just another place where you’ll have to put on a front, nod along, and try to act “normal” so you don’t come across as strange.
You’re terrified that even here, you’ll have to keep pretending—that this place of supposed safety will be just another where you feel like an outsider, unseen and misunderstood.
What Else Might Be Holding You Back?
Here Are Some Common (and very valid) Fears About Therapy
Fear of Never Feeling Truly Understood
"What if therapy is just another place where I’ll have to pretend to fit in?"
You’ve spent so much of your life trying to fit into spaces that didn’t feel right, putting on a front to avoid judgment. The thought that therapy might be another place where you have to mask or hide yourself can feel overwhelming.
But this space is different. Here, you don’t have to pretend or hold back. This is a place where all of you is welcome—your struggles, your strengths, your quirks, and your truth.
Fear of Never Finding Peace
"What if I’m stuck in this cycle forever?"
The exhaustion from constant highs and lows can feel endless, and the idea of peace might seem impossible right now.
But it’s not. Therapy is a chance to break free from the cycle of burnout and overwhelm, to create a life where you can rest, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. You don’t have to keep running this race alone.
Fear of Rejection
"What if I open up and I’m judged or dismissed—again?"
Being vulnerable takes courage, especially when you’ve been met with rejection in the past. The fear of hearing “you’re too much” or “that’s not a big deal” can feel paralyzing.
In therapy, you’ll be met with compassion, not judgment. You deserve a space where your feelings are honored and your experiences are taken seriously.
Fear of Being “Too Much”
"What if my emotions or thoughts overwhelm even my therapist?"
You’ve carried the weight of feeling like you’re “too much” for so long—too sensitive, too intense, too complicated. It’s made you hesitant to fully open up, even when you desperately want to.
In therapy, your feelings are not a burden. They’re a part of your story, and they deserve to be heard with kindness and care.
It’s normal to feel uncertain about starting therapy—your fears and hesitations are valid and deserve to be honored. Therapy is deeply personal, and finding the right fit is essential for your healing journey.
If you are ready to get started, schedule your call now.
Reserve your complimentary consultation
As you reflect on what you’re looking for in a therapist, let’s explore whether this space and approach align with your needs.
Together, we can determine if this is the right path to help you move forward.
-
You’ve been masking for so long, you’ve lost touch with your authentic self. You’re ready to dive in and explore who you truly are without the pressure to conform.
You’re exhausted from feeling “too much” or “not enough” in a world that doesn’t seem to understand you. You want a space where you can feel seen, supported, and valued for exactly who you are.
You’re navigating life as a neurodivergent woman and feel overwhelmed by constant sensory overload, burnout, or social anxiety. You want tools to manage these challenges in a way that works for your unique needs.
You’ve recently been diagnosed (or suspect you may be neurodivergent) and want a safe space to process this new understanding of yourself.
You struggle with perfectionism and feel stuck in a cycle of high expectations and constant self-criticism. You’re seeking ways to move toward self-compassion and balance.
You long to build stronger boundaries and healthier relationships but often feel unsure how to navigate them as a neurodivergent person.
You want to stop living in survival mode and start creating a life that feels manageable and fulfilling.
This space is tailored to meet you where you are, helping you discover the tools and support to thrive as your authentic self.
-
You need services billed directly to your insurance. While I provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement, I do not accept insurance directly.
You require fully in-person therapy sessions. Many of my sessions are conducted virtually to provide flexibility, although some in-person options may be available.
-
An insurance superbill is a detailed receipt you can use to seek partial reimbursement for therapy costs if your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits. It contains all the necessary information your insurance company requires to process a claim.
When working with an out-of-network provider, you pay for each session at the time of service. Afterward, you receive the superbill to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
How to Use a Superbill for Therapy Reimbursement:
Pay for Your Therapy Session:
Payment is due at the time of each session. Once payment is received, I will provide you with a superbill, at your request.Check Your Insurance Benefits:
Contact your insurance company to confirm whether your plan offers reimbursement for out-of-network therapy. Be sure to ask about:Reimbursement rates for therapy sessions.
Deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums that apply.
Steps for submitting claims.
Request Your Superbill:
After payment, I’ll provide you with a superbill that includes:My practice details (name, address, license).
Dates and fees of your sessions.
Any required diagnostic codes.
Submit the Superbill to Your Insurance Company:
Follow the claims process outlined by your insurance provider, which may involve:Uploading the superbill through their online portal.
Mailing a paper copy to their claims department.
Wait for Reimbursement:
After submitting your superbill, your insurance company will review your claim and, if approved, send reimbursement directly to you based on your plan’s coverage.Follow Up if Necessary:
If you encounter any issues, such as a denied claim or request for additional documentation, reach out to your insurance company for clarification or to reprocess the claim.
Need Guidance?
I’m here to help you navigate the superbill process and ensure you have everything you need to submit your claim with confidence! -
My Unique Approach Prioritizes Your Time, Convenience and Energy and Offers Flexible Session Times Designed For Your Needs:
Sessions are thoughtfully structured to meet your unique needs, offering flexibility in 30-minute increments (e.g., a 30-minute session is 25 minutes long) and ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
For deeper exploration, sessions over 2 hours in length are considered Therapeutic Intensive Sessions.
Your journey begins with a 90-minute initial session, where we’ll take the time to understand your life as a whole and craft a personalized plan for therapy.
Together, we’ll explore the session length and frequency that will best support you, helping you move toward the goals and growth you’re seeking.
This is your space, designed with care, to meet you exactly where you are.
If you’ve decided this space aligns with your needs—now it’s time to act. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. If you’re ready to move forward and create meaningful change, I’m here to support you.
Let’s Get Started Today
Your path to growth and healing begins with this step. Don’t wait—choose yourself now.
In 6 Months-
Will you still be feeling like you’re performing a role that isn’t you?
Will You Still Be Living a Life Where You’re Gripped By ….
The Weight of Masking
Each day, the weight of masking grows heavier, leaving you to wonder: does anyone truly see the person beneath it all?
The Grip of Burnout
Burnout clings like an unwelcome shadow, robbing the joy from things that once lit you up. Even the simplest pleasures feel out of reach.
The Relentless Cycle
Hyperfocus and exhaustion drag you through a relentless cycle, isolating you further. The constant push and pull leave you feeling disconnected from yourself and those around you.
Feeling Drained and Unseen
Drained, unseen, and alone—you’re left questioning: is this really all life has to offer?
Don’t Wait Any Longer—because six months from now,
Burnout could take more than your energy.
It could steal your joy,
your focus,
and the dreams you’ve worked tirelessly to achieve.
You deserve to feel driven, not drained. Reclaim your balance, your passion, and your peace—starting today.
Or, 6 months from now, will you be leaving a therapy session-
Feeling like you’ve taken a significant sigh of relief?
The Calm You’ve Been Searching For
The air around you feels calm, free from overstimulation and expectations. You’re not bracing yourself to play a role or second-guessing your every word. Instead, you’ve spent an hour simply existing as you are—without judgment or the need to perform.
Feeling at Home in Your Own Skin
Your shoulders drop, the tightness in your chest eases, and for the first time, you feel at home in your own skin. With tools tailored to you, you’re learning to work with your brain’s rhythms—focusing without burnout, unwinding without guilt.
Shedding the Burden of Masking
The burden of masking begins to lift. You connect deeply with others, no longer performing but sharing your authentic self. As your world reshapes to fit you, you finally embrace a life where being yourself feels effortless and enough.
The choice to begin this journey could change everything.
Your future self is waiting.
Are you ready to take that first step? Let’s start today.
Use the link below to schedule your free consultation for virtual therapy in Chicago, IL, or Charleston, SC, with Dawn Leprich-Graves.
Counseling For Neurodivergent Women—
A sanctuary where you no longer have to hide, filter, or second-guess yourself.
This is a space where your authenticity is celebrated, your needs are heard, and you can finally embrace a life of joy and connection, just as you are.
You no longer have to face this journey on your own. Imagine stepping into a life where you feel truly understood, where the constant pressure to measure up fades, and where every part of you—your challenges, your brilliance, your truth—is seen, valued, and cherished.
Take that first step. You’re so deserving of this.
Contact
Contact
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!
Contact Information
Hours
By Appointment Only
Location
Chicago, IL
Charleston, SC Aurora/Naperville, IL & Online throughout IL and SC