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Nicky De Sumrak-Messina
About
Hello and welcome. As a clinician, I strive to create an environment that feels safe, supportive, and respectful of each individual’s unique experiences and identity throughout the assessment process. I view evaluations as a collaborative journey, where we work together to better understand your strengths, challenges, and personal experiences. I am passionate about helping individuals gain greater insight and self-understanding through thoughtful and comprehensive assessment. My approach is empathetic, nonjudgmental, and strengths-based, with an emphasis on fostering trust and open communication. By the conclusion of the evaluation process, my goal is for you to feel heard, understood, and supported, with a clearer understanding of yourself and a path forward toward reaching your fullest potential.
I am passionate about working with autistic and neurodivergent adults because I have seen firsthand how often neurodivergent individuals are misunderstood or expected to conform to standards that do not align with who they truly are. Being the mother of a neurodivergent child has deepened my appreciation for neurodiversity and strengthened my understanding of the unique challenges many neurodivergent individuals face throughout their lives. I recognize that many neurodivergent people have spent years feeling pressured to mask their authentic selves in order to fit into environments or expectations that were not designed with them in mind. This can often contribute to feelings of shame, frustration, anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. Through the assessment process, my goal is to provide a supportive and affirming space where individuals feel understood, respected, and empowered. I strive to help clients gain greater insight into their experiences, recognize their inherent strengths, and develop practical skills and strategies that enhance daily functioning, self-confidence, and overall quality of life.
I believe a strengths-based approach leads to the most meaningful and lasting outcomes for clients. I approach every assessment with the goal of developing an individualized understanding of each person’s unique experiences, challenges, and strengths. I believe growth and positive change are most likely to occur in an environment grounded in empathy, nonjudgmental acceptance, and genuine understanding. Through a strengths-based and affirming approach, I collaborate with each individual to ensure they feel valued, empowered, and fully seen throughout the assessment process. I believe every person possesses unique strengths, abilities, and qualities that can be harnessed to support personal growth and help achieve meaningful goals. By offering support, validation, and a safe space for authenticity, I strive to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable being themselves and empowered to better understand and embrace who they are.
