Melissa Sornik (she/her)

I specialize in working with twice exceptional learners, who are both gifted and have learning disorders or challenges due to neurodivergence including ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. I've been working in this field for over 20 years as an advocate and 17 years as a therapist and consultant. I provide support for individuals and families as well as professionals and educators in this area.

I specialize in helping gifted individuals who often struggle with anxiety. This can stem from characteristics of giftedness including intensity (intellectual, emotional, physical), high intelligence in one or more areas (academic or non-academic), independent/divergent thought processes, idealism, perfectionism, existential concerns, and isolation. My approach focuses on the mind-body connection and uses tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

I approach relationship issues using my B.E.S.T. model for healthy relationship building. B.E.S.T. focuses on four fundamental elements crucial for cultivating resilience and healthy relationships across various environments including home, school, social community and the workplace. The four elements are Boundaries, Effective Communication, See the Person in Front of You, and Take a Break.

I work with twice-exceptional individuals, who are gifted and have learning disabilities or challenges due to neurodivergence, including ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. I have been working as an advocate in this area for over 20 years and as a therapist and consultant for 17 years. Additionally, I provide education and support for educators and related service providers.

I approach relationship issues using my B.E.S.T. model for healthy relationship building. B.E.S.T. focuses on four fundamental elements crucial for cultivating resilience and healthy relationships across various environments including home, school, social community and the workplace. The four elements are Boundaries, Effective Communication, See the Person in Front of You, and Take a Break.

I pull from multiple modalities to meet individual client needs. Some modalities I pull from are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Gestalt therapy, and positive psychology with an emphasis on a strengths-focused and mind-body approach.