Ruth M. Strunz, RP, CCC

I am a Registered Psychotherapist, Canadian Clinical Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor. I provide psychotherapy, play-based therapy, parent counselling, clinical supervision, and professional training, in-person and virtually.

I specialize in attachment-based therapy for individuals or families with autism/neurodivergence. In any important relationship and at any age, cross-neurotype relationships (where one person is neurotypical and the other neurodivergent) can feel challenging or confusing. I work with neurodivergent individuals of all ages who struggle in relationships with important neurotypicals in their lives.

My work is influenced by my training in developmental and educational psychology and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI). My therapeutic practice is enhanced by extensive clinical and lived experience in counselling psychology, sensory integration, cross-neurotype relationships, Adlerian parenting and mindfulness-based practices.

I know that with neurodiversity-affirming guidance and support, parents of autistic/neurodivergent children can significantly improve their child's developmental trajectory and capacity for secure attachment. And likewise, I know that for people of all neurotypes, desired change happens within the context of a healthy, neurodiversity-affirming, therapeutic relationship.

I look forward to working together to help with whatever has led you here today!

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health consists in finding a sense of belonging that is grounded in meaningful relationships, healthy community, gratitude, creativity, and satisfying work. This is true for neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals, acorss the lifespan - each of us requires a unique balance of these elements, to wake up joyfully each morning!

My commitment to autistic mental health and clinical experience with cross-neurotype relationships led to the development of Neurodiversity-Affirming Psychotherapy (Strunz, 2024). This unique therapeutic model fosters secure attachment relationships between autistic/neurodivergent individuals and their loved ones. Every step of our therapeutic journey is guided by the autistic/neurodivergent client’s personal goals, and fuelled by our shared commitment to autistic mental health and wellbeing. At every stage, NAP recognizes and addresses the unique challenges experienced by neurodivergent individuals navigating life within the dominant culture of neuronormativity.

Social Justice

As a psychotherapist I am privileged to encounter regular opportunities for social justice endeavours, within my practice and beyond. I promote inclusive schools, where autistic/neurodivergent students are appreciated for their strengths and perspectives. I welcome opportunities to work with parents and teachers on creating neurodiversity-affirming Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) making the Ontario curriculum accessible to autistic/neurodivergent children, and those with atypical sensory needs or social/emotional barriers to full participation. I provide training and consultation to professionals (therapeutic, psychological, educational, legal, medical) who intend to provide neurodiversity-affirming services to their clients.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Psychotherapy (Strunz, 2024) recognizes the importance of cross-neurotype relationships. It identifies the unintended mental health impacts of Acquired Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in those who received this intervention, and addresses early-life relational trauma of all forms. NAP invites autistic/neurodivergent individuals to explore their personal narratives about their own lives and abilities, to challenge those which do not feel true, and to build a sense of themselves as a significantly contributing and valuable member of their community. It supports parents of autistic/neurodivergent kids to advocate against expressions of systemic discrimination on their child’s behalf, and it facilitates healing in cross-neurotype relationships of all kinds.