Working with Neurodiversity with Messina Delgado

Welcome

Welcome to Kathy On The Couch: EMDR Podcast, the show that unveils and explores the transformative power of EMDR therapy. Our mission is to support clinicians through meaningful conversations, practical resources, and honest dialogue about EMDR, therapy, and the business side of clinical work.

We are your hosts, Tony Parmenter and Kathy Couch, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey with you.

About Rewired360

Rewired360 equips clinicians and business owners to step into the CEO mindset as they learn, lead, and thrive. We support the full EMDR career pathway, including becoming an EMDR International Association Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant.

Our offerings include:

• Consultation and training programs
• Podcasts, blogs, and YouTube channels
• Facebook groups and free peer huddles for business and EMDR
• Free Rewired360 swag store

View all offerings and social platforms by visiting www.rewired360.com.

In This Week's Episode

Meet Messina Delgado, LPCA

Messina Delgado is a provisionally licensed counselor based in Sugarland, Texas, where she practices at Open Narrative Counseling and Robin Lee Counseling. She specializes in working with trauma and neurodivergence across the lifespan, serving both children and adults with a deep understanding that "adults are tidily larger children, especially when it comes to sensitive materials."

As a neurodivergent clinician herself, Messina brings lived experience and authentic insight to her therapeutic work. Her journey to becoming a therapist was shaped by years of being undiagnosed, navigating expansive interests, and ultimately learning to embrace observation as a powerful tool for understanding both self and others.

Messina is passionate about adapting EMDR therapy for neurodivergent populations, emphasizing the importance of trusting clients' experiences, creating sensory-safe environments, and honoring each person's unique way of processing. She incorporates creative approaches including art, visual tools, somatic work, and parts work to meet clients where they are. Her philosophy centers on the belief that "behavior is conversation" and that attunement is imperative—recognizing that communication doesn't always require exact words.

Currently mentored through the EMDR certification process by Kathy Couch at EMDR University, Messina is committed to expanding access to neurodivergent-affirming therapy and helping clients discover their sense of self beneath the information overload. She believes deeply in the power of play, curiosity, and creating spaces where hard questions are finally welcome.

When she's not in session, Messina can be found observing the world around her, managing her relationship with the Texas sun, and advocating for better understanding of neurodivergence in clinical practice.

In this episode, we dive into:

• • Trust your client always - If a neurodivergent client says "I can't feel it," believe them. Don't assume it's trauma-related or tell them they're "doing EMDR wrong."

• • Create sensory-safe environments - Turn off overhead lighting, neutralize scents, minimize distractions, and dress consistently to support regulation and predictability.

• • Getting to zero isn't always the goal - For neurodivergent clients, focus on state change and adaptive functioning rather than insisting on a SUDs rating of zero. Confidence in self matters more than the number. •

• Neurodivergence + trauma requires nuanced assessment - Symptoms can be misdiagnosed as BPD, bipolar, or depression when neurodivergence and trauma are actually at play.

• • Use visual tools and creative approaches - Incorporate art, Mr. Sketch markers, written words in color-coded formats, and allow movement during bilateral stimulation. •

• Play and attunement are essential - Behavior is communication. Build rapport through unsaid understanding and let clients process in their own way.

  Resources Mentioned

  • EMDR Training for Neurodivergence:

  • Christine Male - Subtle Autism and EMDR training (live, offered 3x/year)
  • Susan Paulson - Level 2 and Level 3 Autism EMDR training
  • Sandra Paulson - Prerecorded EMDR and autism training
  • Kathy Steele - Autism and EMDR training

  • Neurodivergence Resources:

  • Embrace Autism website (screeners and information)

    • Kathy on the Couch Membership Community

    • Monthly consultation groups, NBCC CE trainings, course modules, and resource kits for grief and trauma therapists

  • EMDR University - Full EMDR certification and consultation pathway through Rewired360

Connect With Us

Join the Community:

• Free Facebook Group for EMDR Therapists
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for Everything EMDR
• Subscribe to our Blog for marketing tips and business ideas
• Visit the Rewired360 Swag Store for merchandise

Explore Our Training:

Whether you're seeking foundational skills or advanced expertise, EMDR University is your partner in growth and excellence. Check out our full list of courses at rewired360.com or rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about EMDR intensives and innovative tools like Dharma Dr. EMDR Tappers
• Find all links at linktr.ee/rewired360

About Your Hosts

Kathy Couch, LCSW, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, FT

Kathy is the founder and lead trainer for Rewired360, specializing in EMDR training and continuing education for mental health professionals. She is a Fellow in Thanatology who develops comprehensive training curricula, certification programs, and professional resources. Kathy also hosts the "Kathy on the Couch" podcast and operates multiple business entities including Willow Creek Counseling.

When Kathy isn't working with clinicians, you can find her enjoying holistic therapies and spending time with her husband, children, and twin boys.

Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant

Tony Parmenter is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and founder of Seiyu Institute for Health & Training, L3C, where he specializes in complex trauma and intergenerational healing.

A U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom before teaching ESL in Tokyo and training as a Mental Health Counselor, Tony brings a unique perspective to his work with veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, and creatives. He is the creator of innovative trauma treatment approaches including the Medicine-free Altered State Recovery System (MARS) and Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®, which integrate nature-based interventions with evidence-based practices.

His holistic approach draws from EMDR, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, polyvagal theory, Reiki, clinical hypnosis, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Tony is also a musician, outdoor enthusiast, and professional trainer who has held visiting or adjunct professorships at NYU, Bellevue University, Purdue University, and others. Additionally, he is a volunteer with the Vermont TRN and American Red Cross, bringing a whole-person/whole-spirit perspective to trauma recovery that honors the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit.

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