ANIKA ROSEN

Clients Served

• LGBTQ2SIA+
• Teens, Youth, Adults (Ages 13+)
• Individuals, Groups
• Late Diagnosed/Questioning

I am a queer, AuDHD social work student who underwent the process of self-discovery and understanding long after I was diagnosed. I struggled to understand myself and others, and often had to change myself to better suit others. Throughout my journey, I used storytelling and creativity to manage anxiety and communicate with others, and connect to the neurodivergent community through shared behaviours I thought only I could understand. I have learned how to advocate for myself, develop strategies that make day-to-day life manageable, and encountered barriers to diagnosis and adequate care. I know firsthand the benefits of counselling, psychotherapy, and self-acceptance, and I now harness my professional knowledge to help others uncover how their brains function and embrace those differences. I am a strong proponent of the power of storytelling and neurodiversity-affirming approaches in practice, taking into account clients’ unique social landscape and background. I have since learned that early diagnosis does not always mean early self understanding, and late/self diagnosis comes with its own series of challenges. I firmly believe that no matter what stage you are in, there is room to grow and understand yourself.

As a critical social worker, I strive for an intersectional understanding of clients’ stories and believe in centering connection, therapy co-creation, that we all carry wisdom, and we know ourselves better than anyone.