Neuro-Affirming Therapy

For many adults, a late-in-life diagnosis of ADHD or Autism brings a mix of relief and grief. You’ve spent years "masking" or working twice as hard as everyone else just to stay level. At PPG, we provide neuro-affirming support that moves past the stigma. We help you stop fighting against your brain and start building a life that actually fits your wiring.

Our approach

We balance the deep work of self-acceptance with the practical work of executive functioning.

The Insight

Deconstructing the "shame" cycle. We help you understand your specific neurotype—from sensory processing to hyper-focus—so you can stop measuring your success by neurotypical standards.

The Action

We develop "Work-Arounds" that stick. Instead of generic advice, we build personalized systems for time management, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy that respect your energy levels and cognitive style.

Clinical methods

Neuro-affirming care requires a specialized toolkit that goes beyond traditional talk therapy.

Executive Function Coaching

Targeted support for the "management" side of life—prioritization, task initiation, and organizing the mental clutter.

CBT for ADHD

Shifting the cognitive distortions (like "I'm just lazy") that often accompany a lifetime of undiagnosed neurodivergence.

Sensory & Emotional Regulation

Tools to manage the "overwhelm" and "burnout" that come from navigating a world not designed for your nervous system.

How specialties work together at PPG

Many of our adult clients come to us after their child has been diagnosed, recognizing the same patterns in themselves.

The PPG Difference: Because we house one of the premier pediatric ADHD and Neuropsychological testing centers in the region, our adult specialists have direct access to the latest neuro-affirming research and resources. If you are navigating your own diagnosis while raising a neurodivergent child, our team can coordinate care to ensure both you and your child are supported in a unified, shame-free way.

Your team

Meet our specialists in this area

Emily Mudge, LCSW

Emily Mudge, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Emily is a licensed clinical social worker and parent coach who works with children, adolescents, adults and families on anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. She helps parents turn what happens in therapy into everyday strategies at home.

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Lorens Hidalgo, LCSW

Lorens Hidalgo, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Lorens is a bilingual therapist who offers care in English and Spanish to adults, adolescents, couples and families dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. Her approach is attachment-focused and psychodynamic.

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Marissa Caldarola, LCSW

Marissa Caldarola, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Marissa is an EMDR-trained therapist with more than seven years of experience treating trauma, substance use, anxiety, and depression in children, adolescents, adults and couples.

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Megan Sedita, PsyD

Megan Sedita, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Sedita is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults, adolescents, and couples on trauma, anxiety, mood, and relationship difficulties. She trained at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System, working with Veterans.

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Lily Brown, PhD

Lily Brown, PhD

Clinical Psychologist, Postdoctoral Resident

Dr. Brown is a postdoctoral resident in clinical psychology who works with adolescents and adults on trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Her approach is collaborative, integrative and grounded in CBT and other evidence-based models.

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Jessica Duffy, LCSW

Jessica Duffy, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Jessica is a licensed clinical social worker with twelve years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families through anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and family or relationship conflict.

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Melissa Klay, PhD, LCAT, ATR-BC

Melissa Klay, PhD, LCAT, ATR-BC

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Director of Art Therapy Program

Dr. Klay is a licensed psychologist and board-certified art therapist with more than 25 years of experience treating complex trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation in children, adolescents, and adults. She directs PPG’s art therapy program.

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Gerard Micera, PsyD

Gerard Micera, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Micera is a licensed clinical psychologist and performing arts educator who works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families on anxiety, depression, and life transitions. His style is warm, humorous, and engaging.

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Kate Testa, MA

Kate Testa, MA

Art Therapist in Residence

Kate is an art therapist who works with children and adolescents in grades preK–12, with a focus on neurodiverse young people, including autistic children, English language learners, and students with learning or physical disabilities. She also offers individual art therapy for adults, on its own or alongside traditional psychotherapy.

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