Linda Schartman, MA

With fourteen years of experience working in mental health, as well as two master's degrees (the first in sociology and the second in clinical mental health counseling), I offer respectful psychotherapeutic services that celebrate human agency and diversity in all of its expressions. I honor your courage in reaching out for help as well as your perseverance in finding good help. You matter, even though it may not feel that way right now. I will do everything in my power to support you. ******************************************************************** My specializations include: Neurodiversity and Developmental Differences All services are informed by my position that we all have different and equally valid ways of interpreting information and diverse relational styles. I am trained at the master's level to assess for autism and ADHD. I tailor my approach to your learning style and preferences, finding strategies that work for you. I embrace differences and honor diversity on all levels. Career and Daily Living Whether your challenges are career-related, relational, or just getting through each day—or a combination of these challenges and more—I'm here to help you navigate life more effectively. LGBTQIA2s+and BIPOC Concerns I celebrate all types of diversity and follow evidence-based practices that save lives. With my background in sociology, I always look at contextual factors and work with your goals and value system. I practice with humility and focus on empowering marginalized identities. Post-Traumatic Stress / Adjustment I will help you manage and work through your trauma and adversities, including all types of traumas, from the "Big T traumas" to addressing microaggressions and discrimination and bias. Living with Disabilities I can assist you in coming to a place of acceptance, as well as addressing the complexities of disclosing sensitive information about your disability status, gender, sexual orientation, etc., or opening up to and connecting with supports that may be available in the community. I also provide validating support in living with medical concerns and chronic conditions that make life feel difficult. ****************************************************************** Techniques are personalized to you and your treatment plan. Here are my favorites: Sensory Integration, Bilateral Stimulation, Somatic Attunement, and Movement Especially useful for neurodivergence and trauma, these are powerful tools to assist with self-soothing and grounding. Relaxation & Humor I offer coping skills that make therapy fun, while promoting mental and physical health. Psychoeducation Honoring your pace and learning style, I love to provide informative support to help you understand yourself and your experiences better. Writing, Visual & Experiential Explorations We determine which types of processing are most helpful and, if you are open to it, employ a variety of creative methods to facilitate growth. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy / Acceptance and Commitment Therapy DBT and ACT are great for those who prefer more directive and structured approaches and can help you be more effective in accomplishing your goals. Narrative Therapy This is my primary theoretical approach. It is empowerment based and offers tools to deconstruct of systems of being that do not service you or your values and goals. Together, we work towards reconstruction of your preferred stories.