Challenging Ableism in Therapy: Neurodivergent-Affirming Practices for Clinicians

Jennifer Glacel is a founder and is the President of the Board of Directors of the Washington Interdisciplinary Neurodivergence Group, or WING. Jenn has been a psychotherapist in private practice since 2009 and is the owner and founder of Seven Corners Psychotherapy. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play therapist-Supervisor, whose current focus is working with other clinicians, through training and supervision, to help them understand neurodivergence and autism and increase their skills in play therapy and using symbols and sandplay in therapy with clients of all ages.

Tisha Moon is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified
Counselor (NCC), providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults in
Virginia and Florida. As the Clinical Director at Family and Child Therapy in Vienna, VA,
Tisha brings a decade of experience in creating inclusive, affirming environments that
support neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ individuals in navigating life’s complexities while
embracing their authentic selves.

As a co-founder of the Washington Interdisciplinary Neurodiversity Group (WING), Tisha
is deeply committed to advocacy and education around neurodiversity. Her prior
experience in corporate business informs her unique perspective on systems,
leadership, and advocacy, informing her approach in both clinical and educational
settings.

Tisha’s therapeutic approach is rooted in person-centered, trauma-informed care with a
strong emphasis on neurodivergent-affirming principles. She believes in fostering
collaborative client relationships that focus on self-regulation and emotional
understanding, helping clients navigate their worlds authentically. In her work with teens
and adults, she incorporates parts work and experiential approaches, tailoring her
methods to meet the diverse needs of those she supports. Tisha also specializes in
working with autonomy-driven nervous systems, often referred to as Persistent Drive for
Autonomy (PDA), ensuring her clients' unique needs are at the forefront of the
therapeutic process.

In her work with children, Tisha prioritizes addressing underlying needs in her work with
children rather than focusing on behavior modification. She nurtures each child’s
strengths and their unique ways of engaging with the world, working closely with
caregivers to create environments that support their authenticity and growth.
Tisha also provides IEP/504 consultations, helping families navigate the educational
system to secure necessary accommodations for neurodivergent students. Her
advocacy ensures that students' educational rights are upheld, and their individual
learning needs are met.

Tisha holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Brown
University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Evangel University.