About Kristen McClure

About Kristen McClure

I'm Kristen McClure, a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly three decades of dedicated service. My journey began with a focus on the unique mental health needs of women and children, an area that has remained close to my heart as I've expanded my practice to include a broader spectrum of individuals. Today, I specialize in working with ADHD women of all ages, drawing from my personal and professional experiences with neurodiversity to offer a deeply empathetic and understanding approach.

My Background

I'm originally from New York, where I attended SUNY Albany for undergraduate school. Between my undergraduate and graduate studies, I worked in a juvenile justice lock-up facility for young girls whose behaviors were deemed "unmanageable". Because of this, they were turned over as wards of the state. Many of these children were actually victims of abuse and trauma and should have been treated as such. This experience inspired me to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work, where I felt I could make some difference. I began to understand that behavioral models such as this were inherently flawed.

After earning my Graduate degree, I was hired in Charlotte, NC, to develop mental health programs in schools, particularly in impoverished districts. I served as a therapist within these schools as well, dedicating myself to supporting young children's mental health. I've lived here since then and now pass as a Southerner.

Professional Experience

Over the years, I have gained extensive experience working with various mental health issues, including trauma and all forms of anxiety and depression, including bipolar disorder and OCD. I have run foster care programs, created a local child advocacy center, and established support groups for parents of bipolar children and trauma victims. Additionally, I have developed online support groups for both parents of bipolar children and mental health professionals.

My career also includes teaching at UNCC Charlotte. Currently, I run and create virtual communities, courses, and books for ADHD women based on a neurodivergent-affirming model. I am also trained to be a self-compassion teacher, bringing this crucial aspect into my practice.

Therapeutic Approach

As a Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapist, I deeply value the richness that neurodiversity brings to our lives. My goal is to help my clients navigate a world that often feels misaligned with their unique perspectives, celebrating their neurodivergence as a source of strength and individuality.

Having navigated the complexities of a neurodiverse family, I bring a unique perspective to my practice. This personal connection to neurodiversity enriches my understanding and ability to support those facing similar challenges, including the unique manifestations of ADHD in women. This includes how hormones interact with executive functioning, the shortcomings of the medical system in serving women, and issues related to emotional regulation and misdiagnosis. Recognizing the significant impact of these factors on mental health, I am committed to helping women navigate these challenges with knowledge and compassion.

In addition to these considerations, my work emphasizes advocacy. I understand the obstacles neurodivergent individuals often encounter in seeking understanding and support in various contexts, from personal relationships to professional environments. My therapy sessions, available virtually to clients in North Carolina and South Carolina, are designed to:

• Develop effective self-support strategies tailored to the unique needs of neurodivergent women.
• Encourage the discovery and utilization of personal strengths.
• Promote self-advocacy, empowering women to seek the understanding and accommodations they deserve.
• Cultivate self-compassion, especially in the face of societal challenges and transitions.
• Guide clients toward living authentically, in harmony with their values and neurodiversity.
• Foster trust in the wisdom of their emotions and body, acknowledging the impact of hormonal changes on well-being.

I believe in validation and the right to be treated equally, recognizing that the world often disables different people. My feminist approach incorporates self-compassion, self-advocacy, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by neurodivergent women.

Contact Information

You can learn more about my journey and credentials by exploring my resume here. Also, feel free to check out my newsletter. For any queries or further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at kristenlynnmcclure@gmail.com.

I am currently a member of APSARD, CHADD the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), and ACO.