When I was a little kid, I loved anything and everything that sparkled. I was infatuated with glitter. To me, there was nothing that glitter couldn’t improve, except for maybe pancakes. As I grew older, my love of glitter intensified, but the kids around me had moved on to more sophisticated mediums, like paints and markers. Glitter was messy and hard to clean up, after all. It stuck to everything and became a nuisance. So, as my peers moved on, begrudgingly, so did I. This was one of the first times I remember hiding my authentic self in order to become more tolerable to those around me. I did what everyone else did and hid away the parts of me that were weird. The glitter had to go.
I had never once considered that my struggles were not universal. I thought that everyone experienced the world in the same ways that I did. It was just my own fault for being unable to cope with life and relationships as effectively as everyone else. The harder I tried; the worse things got. Friendships were fraught and stressful. School became increasingly difficult to manage. Adults saw me as an incredibly intelligent kid who was shy and socially awkward. A phase to be grown out of. Like lots of autistic girls, I flew under every single radar.
I was 35 years old when I started considering that I might be autistic. When it finally dawned on me, I was scared. I didn’t think anyone would believe me. And I had no idea where to look for help. Most mental health services that work with autistics only treat children. So, I started therapy. After a few months, I expressed my concerns and was encouraged to seek diagnosis. Once I received one, my therapist informed me that she was not equipped to work with someone like me and gave me other therapy options to consider. This was truly devastating. I felt like I was being punished for finally figuring out the source of my struggles. We ultimately continued for a while, but our relationship never recovered. Unfortunately, a lot of late-diagnosed adults experience this. Even many mental-health professionals are afraid of the word autism.
It was at this time, however, that I decided to apply to grad school in order to become a mental health counselor myself. Throughout my adult experiences with the mental-health system, I found there is very little neurodivergent representation in the field. I wanted to help others on their journeys back to their authentic selves and be a resource for those who are late-diagnosed neurodivergent like I was.
I’m slowly still adjusting to living a life that feels more authentic to my true self. There will always be situations where masking will be the safest option for me, but the more I can avoid it, the healthier I feel. I have come across many other adults in the last few years who share similar experiences to mine but feel like it’s too late to start down their own path toward living authentically. Every autistic person’s experience is different, as is every path towards understanding and healing. But no matter what shape someone’s mental health journey takes, you’re never too old to get your glitter back.
Author: Meg Coughlin, Key Assets Kentucky Office Manager
5 years of experience providing therapy and mental health services in both inpatient and outpatient settings
Emphasis on motivational interviewing and nurturing a collaborative relationship with clients to address crises, ongoing life stressors, and symptoms of mental health diagnoses.
Preferred treatment modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Interpersonal Therapy
EMDR-trained
Passionate about working with the geriatric population, as well as survivors of trauma and individuals (of all ages) who experience depression and anxiety.
Fun Fact(s): A Lexington native, presently living in Berea, KY, who enjoys nature, crafting, and writing poetry.
Enjoys working with people in all stages of life, drawing on their strengths to move through life’s struggles and live fully in ways that once seemed impossible
Undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology
Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri
Fun Fact(s): I’ll choose a family hiking, camping, or hammocking adventure over a fancy dinner 8 out of 10 times, especially if all the kids, grandkids, and giant Labradoodle come along.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Criminology from Morehead State University
Master of Education in Counseling & Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College
Has over 25 years of experience providing mental health and substance use therapy services to primarily incarcerated individuals and adjudicated youth.
Fun Fact(s): Enjoys yoga, hiking, biking, participating in interesting adventures with her life partner, and spending time with Louie, “the coolest dog in the universe!”
Undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Child & Family Studies from Eastern Kentucky University.
Over one year experience in case management, serving individuals and families of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances in a community-based setting.
Special interest in the vulnerable population.
Fun fact(s): I love football
Undergraduate degree in psychology from Kentucky State University and a Master’s in Education from Lindsey Wilson College
I have training as an Adlerian therapist who utilizes a CBT approach
I have a special interest in anxiety, depression, and suicide
I love to work with clients of all ages and populations
Fun Fact(s): I enjoy swimming for self-care and walking with my dog.
I received my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Kentucky.
I have experience with medical case management at UK Good Samaritan Hospital as well as a psychiatric inpatient at Eastern State Hospital. My approach is person-centered but integrative.
Fun Fact(s): I’m originally from Southeastern Kentucky and I love the mountains of Appalachia. I enjoy working with all types of populations!
Undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with an emphasis in Family Social Services
Master’s degree in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
I enjoy working with individuals & families who have been impacted by abuse. I have a passion for assisting and supporting clients to reach their highest potential. I meet clients where they are and accommodate treatment based on individual therapeutic needs.
Fun Fact(s): I love to golf!
Several years of experience working with survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), identifying food deserts in Kentucky, and assisting families facing food insecurities. Enjoyed working with at-risk youth and hosting groups geared toward empowering teen girls.
TF-CBT trained
EMDR-trained
Interested in CPT, Art Therapy, utilizing ACEs, and trauma-informed care with diverse populations. Would like to help remove stigmas associated with mental health and eliminate barriers to service.
Passionate about the fact that healing from trauma can be powerful and positive for everyone
Fun Fact(s): An avid reader and absolutely loves relaxing at the beach
Undergraduate degree in psychology at UK. Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan.
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I love working with children of all ages, their resiliency is inspiring!
Fun Fact(s): I have a VERY active puppy named Oaks! We love to spend time outside.
Undergraduate Degree in Psychology and Spanish
Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Kentucky
In Training for EMDR
Two years of experience working with adolescents and parents
Can provide therapy services in English and Spanish
I enjoy working with people of all ages and walks of life.
Fun Fact(s): I love trying new hobbies and foods. My favorite hobbies right now are cooking, weightlifting, pickleball, and reading.
Undergraduate degree in Clinical Psychology and a double minor in Veteran Studies and Social Intelligence and Leadership at Eastern Kentucky University. Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from EKU.
Loves working with teenagers and young adults and specializing in gender and sexuality issues.
Fun Fact(s): Originally from Philly. Loves going Shark Cage Diving and Rock climbing with her husband. Has an 8-year-old dog named Charlie and who is spoiled.
Undergraduate degree in social work from the University of Kentucky, master’s in social work from the University of Kentucky
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Systems Therapy
I have a special interest in LGBTQAI+ populations, transgender transitioning support and gender-related support, grief and bereavement
I love to work with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): I have pet reptiles including a turtle and several snakes
Over six years of experience as a case manager for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Expertise in helping victims of domestic violence
EMDR-trained
Likes working with people of all ages and developing solid therapeutic relationships with clients, providing a space where people can feel safe and heard to promote healing and positive change
Fun Fact(s): She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her (adorable) dog
Certified Domestic Violence Advocate
Several years of experience helping victims of interpersonal violence, clients with substance use disorders, and children
Background in conducting gender-responsive and trauma-informed assessments
Fun Fact(s): She loves to cook for family and friends
Undergraduate degree in history from Asbury University.
Deep appreciation for person-centered work.
An avid reader of classical and fantasy literature.
Writer of stories.
Fun Fact(s): I prefer manual typewriters to computers by far
Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree and has Undergraduate degrees in Anthropology & Criminology from West Virginia University
Special interest in PTSD and trauma care, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and foster parent support
I enjoy working with junior high and high school-age clients
Fun Fact(s): I love punk rock music, sewing my own clothes, and spending time at my family’s farm!
Undergraduate in Social and Criminal Justice from Georgetown College
Experience with case management from the detention center
Enjoys making various connections within the community for further collaboration of services
I love working with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): The beach is my happy place; I go as often as I can.
Undergraduate degree in psychology from Eastern Kentucky University
7 years of case management experience in the residential and community setting
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and am interested in gender-related support, ASD, and medically complex populations.
Fun Fact(s): I love to explore caves with my family and read anything fantasy. Avocados are my favorite food!
BASW from the University of Kentucky
10 years of case management experience
I enjoy working with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): I have 2 dogs and love to garden
Passionate about helping adults and children with all areas of mental health
Graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors’s and the University of the Cumberlands with a Master’s.
Background in substance abuse treatment
Credentials: M.A., L.P.C.A., and T.C.A.D.C.