When I began working in human services in 2009, formally learning about supporting people throughout the lifespan felt like putting a missing puzzle piece into place. As a transgender, SWANA, neurodivergent person growing up in the midwestern US, I often felt like I was on the outside looking in. No work feels more meaningful to me than seeing somebody step into their full, genuine self.
Austin PAPASIAN, LICSW
License and Education
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, License # LW 61104610
Master of Social Work, University of Washington, 2017
Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Psychology and Social Justice, Evergreen State College, 2011
MY TOOLKIT
Neurodivergent-Affirming Approaches
As a neurodivergent therapist who prioritizes dignity, agency, competence, and passion, developing a neurodivergent-affirming approach has been essential to both my pride in my work and sustainability in my field.
Fueled by curiosity and a deeply human drive to heal in community, I enjoy learning from other neurodivergent adults as much as the limits of time, energy, and opportunity allow.
Somatics
Also known as working with the body!
I primarily do this by helping you build familiarity and trust with your sensory and nervous systems.
Many people I work with find relief from learning to recognize their body’s early cues of stress and practicing simple movements that help restore the sense of felt safety.
I am certified in Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies by Linda Thai.
Parts Work
Perhaps you’ve heard of Internal Family Systems (IFS)—that’s one version of a parts work approach that I practice.
“Parts work” is an umbrella term for therapies that help you build relationship with different, often at-odds, internal “parts” of yourself. Through getting to know these different parts, clients develop deeper self-understanding and capacity to act from their most grounded self.
I often find parts work to be particularly compelling for neurodivergent folks who, like myself, enjoy categorization as well as self-development— it can be like creating Pokemon cards for different aspects of your psyche.
Psychodynamic Therapy
From a practical standpoint, our development is going to be disproportionately shaped by our early life experiences. Which is to say: At some point in your healing journey, it is likely that it will become useful to explore your relationship with the people who raised you.
BIASES I EMBRACE
The wisdom of our emotions. The wisdom of our bodies. The power of that which is invisible. Disability justice. Fat positivity. Trans and queer positivity. Kink and polyamory positivity. Dismantling white supremacy. Min Yoongi. More compassion. More rest.