Neurodivergent Therapist in Sioux City, IA
Trauma-informed testing and neurodivergent-affirming therapy with Dr. Christina Stai, Holistic Resources Clinic.
Book Your Free 20-Minute Consultation →Introduction
Somewhere along the way, you started keeping score. How long you could hold it together in a meeting. How much longer you could sit still at the dinner table before your body demanded a break. How convincingly you could perform "fine" when you weren't.
Maybe a previous provider told you it was just anxiety. Maybe someone told your child they simply needed more discipline. Neither answer ever quite fit, because the real explanation was never about effort. It's about wiring.
At Holistic Resources Clinic, Dr. Christina Stai works from a different premise entirely: your brain isn't broken, it's different, and different brains deserve a different kind of support. For Sioux City families and individuals, that means boutique, trauma-informed psychological testing and neurodivergent-affirming therapy, without deficit-based labels and without pressure to perform neurotypical.
Here's what this page will walk you through:
- What neurodivergent-affirming care actually looks like in practice, beyond the buzzword
- A clear, step-by-step path from your first phone call to ongoing support
- Who this practice is built for, and how to know if it's the right fit
- Answers to the questions Sioux City clients ask most
Meet Dr. Christina Stai: A Neurodivergent-Affirming Psychologist in Sioux City
Credentials and Specialized Training
✅ Importan Consideration Dr. Stai holds a Psy.D. in clinical psychology and is a licensed psychologist in Iowa, also serving clients in Florida and California via telehealth. Her postdoctoral training centered on autism, ADHD, and trauma-informed care. She is certified in gold-standard diagnostic tools including the ADOS-2, with advanced training in CBT, ACT, and somatic approaches, each adapted specifically for neurodivergent clients.
Unlike a generalist therapist who "accepts" neurodivergence as one specialty among many, Dr. Stai built her entire practice around it. This isn't an add-on to her training. It's the foundation of it.
Her Philosophy: You Are Not a Problem to Be Solved
Dr. Stai treats a diagnosis as a tool for self-understanding, not a verdict on your worth. Her model is collaborative: you set the goals, she brings the clinical expertise to help you reach them in a way that actually respects how your mind works.
💡 Expert Tip In your first session with any provider, ask directly: "How do you accommodate sensory needs in your office?" and "What does neurodivergent-affirming mean to you?" The answer will tell you almost everything you need to know.
A Personal Welcome
Hear directly from Dr. Stai about her approach and what to expect before you ever pick up the phone:
Why Her Integrated Model Matters
Many people spend months on a waitlist for testing, then months more searching for a therapist who actually understands the results once they arrive. Dr. Stai offers both testing and therapy under one roof, so your care never restarts from zero. Your therapy is informed by your full evaluation, and your progress is tracked by someone who already knows your story.
Our Services: Testing and Therapy, Tailored to You
Psychological Testing
Comprehensive, gold-standard assessments for autism, ADHD, learning differences, and co-occurring conditions. Includes a detailed written report, a feedback session, and recommendations for school, work, or daily life.
Ideal for: Children, teens & adults seeking diagnostic clarity or accommodationsSpecialized Therapy
Individual therapy for neurodivergent clients using affirming modalities like ACT, CBT, and somatic work. Focus areas include burnout recovery, unmasking, executive functioning support, trauma processing, and identity exploration.
Ideal for: Neurodivergent teens, adults & parents seeking ongoing supportFor current session structure, package details, and a custom quote based on your needs, reach out during your free consultation.
How to Choose Between Testing and Therapy
If you're unsure whether you need a formal evaluation or simply someone who gets it, start with a free consultation. Dr. Stai will help you figure out what actually makes sense for your goals. Many clients begin with testing to gain clarity, then move into therapy to work through what the results reveal.
What Does "Neurodivergent-Affirming" Actually Mean?
You've probably seen this phrase everywhere. Here's what it actually looks like in the room.
We Reject Deficit-Based Models
Traditional therapy often pathologizes neurodivergent traits: stimming gets labeled "disruptive," directness gets labeled "rude," and special interests get labeled "obsessions." Here, stimming is self-regulation. Directness is clarity. Deep interests are a source of joy and expertise. You will never be asked to mask or perform "more neurotypical" to make someone else comfortable.
We Work With Your Brain, Not Against It
✅ Note this Point Therapy modalities are chosen because they align with how neurodivergent brains actually process emotion and sensory input, not because they're the industry default. ACT, adapted CBT, and somatic approaches are used in place of abstract, purely verbal talk therapy wherever that fits better.
💡 Expert Tip If you've tried CBT before and found it invalidating, it may have been delivered in a neurotypical-centered way. Affirming CBT focuses on your values and practical skill-building, not on "correcting" your thoughts.
Sensory-Friendly Environment by Design
The clinic is set up to reduce overwhelm: adjustable lighting, weighted blankets, fidget tools, and a quiet space to decompress. You can move during sessions, take breaks, or request a different seating arrangement. Sensory preferences are discussed before you even walk in the door.
Identity-First, Not Person-First (Unless You Prefer Otherwise)
Identity-first language ("autistic person," "ADHDer") is the default here, because most of the neurodivergent community prefers it. But your identity is yours to define, and the language always follows your lead.
Who We Help
Children & Teens
- Kids struggling in school due to undiagnosed autism, ADHD, or learning differences
- Teens experiencing burnout from masking, leading to school refusal or shutdown
- Parents wanting to advocate effectively for accommodations
Adults
- Adults who've always felt "different" and are considering an evaluation
- Professionals managing executive dysfunction and chronic overwhelm
- Individuals recovering from years of masking and burnout
Families & Partners
- Parents seeking affirming parenting strategies
- Couples navigating communication and sensory differences
Common Concerns We Address
- Autism spectrum identity and late diagnosis
- ADHD (inattentive, hyperactive, or combined)
- Learning differences (dyslexia, dyscalculia, and others)
- Trauma and PTSD, especially from repeated invalidation
- Anxiety and depression rooted in masking and sensory overload
- Executive functioning challenges (planning, organization, task initiation)
Many clinics treat these as separate issues. Here, they're understood as overlapping and interconnected, which means your care plan addresses the full picture, not just one piece of it at a time.
The Process: From First Contact to Ongoing Care
Free 20-Minute Consultation
Call or email to schedule a no-pressure phone or video call. You'll briefly share what you're looking for, and Dr. Stai will explain how she might help, including her approach, the office environment, and any accommodations you need.
💡 Expert Tip Write down your top 2–3 concerns and any sensory preferences before the call. It's okay to say, "I need the lights dimmed during sessions," or "I communicate better in writing."
Intake and Goal Setting
Once you decide to move forward, you'll complete intake forms through the secure patient portal, a brief questionnaire about your history, current challenges, and what you hope to gain. For testing, school or work records may also be gathered, with your consent.
✅ Note this before Decision All information is stored securely and used only to tailor your care. Nothing is shared without your written permission.
Evaluation or Therapy Begins
For testing: Sessions include clinical interviews, standardized assessments like the ADOS-2, and questionnaires, paced to your comfort throughout. You'll receive a comprehensive written report and a feedback session to walk through results together.
For therapy: Sessions begin with building a shared understanding of your goals, then move into a mix of talk therapy, skill-building, and somatic techniques. You set the pace.
Ongoing Support and Adjustments
Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all here. Regular check-ins cover what's working and what's not, and you can always request a change in approach, frequency, or focus. Many clients combine therapy with executive functioning coaching or parent support sessions.
Pricing and Insurance Information
Every client's needs are different, so rates depend on the specific services involved. Rather than guess at what applies to you, the clearest path is a conversation: book your free consultation and Dr. Stai will walk you through what's involved and provide a clear, custom breakdown with no hidden fees.
Holistic Resources Clinic is an out-of-network provider. While insurance isn't billed directly, a detailed superbill is available on request, which you can submit to your insurer for possible reimbursement. Calling your insurance company ahead of time to ask about out-of-network mental health benefits is a good first step.
✅ E-E-A-T Consideration Cost should never be the reason someone goes without affirming care. If finances are a concern, say so during your consultation. Testing scope and session frequency can often be adjusted to fit your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is neurodivergent-affirming therapy, and how is it different?
It's therapy that starts from the assumption that neurodivergence is a valid identity, not a disorder to be cured. Instead of teaching you to mask or "fit in," this approach helps you understand your brain, work with your strengths, and build environments that actually support you.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. Dr. Stai is licensed to provide telehealth in Iowa, Florida, and California, through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Many neurodivergent clients prefer telehealth because they can control their environment, skip travel stress, and keep their own sensory tools close by.
How long does a psychological evaluation take?
Typically a handful of sessions spread over a few weeks: an intake interview, testing sessions with built-in breaks, and a final feedback session to review results together.
I'm an adult. Can I still be evaluated for autism or ADHD?
Absolutely. Many adults seek evaluation after years of feeling different, or after a child's diagnosis prompts questions about their own experience. Dr. Stai has extensive experience with late-diagnosed adults and understands the particular weight of years spent masking.
What if I need accommodations during sessions?
Just ask. Lighting can be adjusted, fidgets are available, movement and breaks are welcome, and written communication is an option if that's easier. Your comfort is part of the process, not an inconvenience to it.
Do you work with children who are non-speaking or have high support needs?
Yes. Dr. Stai is trained in alternative communication methods and works with families to build a supportive, low-demand environment. Share your child's specific needs during the consultation so care can be planned accordingly.
How do I know if we're a good fit?
The free consultation exists for exactly this. Pay attention to how you feel during the call: Do you feel heard? Are your questions answered directly? Does the philosophy line up with your values? Trust what you notice.
💡 Expert Tip It's okay to "interview" a few therapists before committing. A good therapist welcomes your questions and respects your need to find the right match.
What Our Clients Say
Client experiences with this practice speak to the same themes again and again: feeling heard for the first time, walking into a space built for their sensory needs, and finally getting a straight answer instead of a vague label.
If you'd like to hear directly from past clients, reviews are available on the clinic's Google Business Profile, and specific examples can be shared during your consultation.
Additional Resources and Tools
Free downloadable guide: "What to Expect from a Neurodivergent-Affirming Evaluation" walks through the entire testing process, from initial questions to understanding your report, so you feel prepared rather than caught off guard.
Self-assessment questionnaires: Not diagnostic, but a useful starting point if you're unsure whether your experiences align with common neurodivergent traits and whether a full evaluation makes sense.
Educational blog and resource library: Explore related reading on how this same affirming approach shows up across Iowa — neurodivergent-affirming care in Cedar Rapids, neurodivergent therapy in Des Moines, and neurodivergent therapy and testing in Davenport.
💡 Expert Tip Bookmark the blog and share articles with family members who want to understand your experience better. Sometimes the right article says what you haven't found the words for yet.
Sensory-friendly office kit: In-person visits include access to weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and adjustable lighting. If you have a favorite sensory item of your own, bring it along.