Kory Andreas LCSW-C
(formerly Kory Chase)
I come from a long line of “colorful,” Neurodivergent brains. I have been drawn to the passionate, the quirky, and the uniquely wired since I can remember. As they say, “it takes one to know one.”
I entered the private practice world following a 20 year career in the Public/Non-Public Education system as a School Social Worker. During my early clinician years, the school system gave my creative brain the space to grow, learn, and connect with kids. I was surrounded by kiddos that had a hard time fitting into “the box” of public education. And I LOVED it. I was fortunate to get the chance to work with awesome kids, and learn the ins and outs of the educational system, specifically special education. Ultimately the setting that gave me the space to creatively approach therapy became one that I was no longer proud to be a part of. There was very little room for the advocacy that my Neurodivergent students needed at the IEP table, and I was tired of hearing, “ there’s nothing we can do.” I could no longer “play the game” and accept that children had to wait YEARS to get the help they needed. I was surrounded by brilliant, creative minds, and found that these students were frequently misunderstood in the interest of conformity. I felt helpless to get them the supports they needed within public education.
My last day in public school was a Tuesday, during my 22nd year. I was reprimanded by an administrator when advocating for a Kindergartner who was being denied educational and psychological testing. I will never forget the sick feeling in my stomach when she told me, “If you say the word Autism to that parent, they will freak out, and we will have to do something. You are not welcome in my teams unless you keep your mouth shut.” Keeping my mouth shut is not my style.
I have witnessed Neurodivergent kids be labeled as “difficult, disrespectful, naughty, rude, evil, oppositional,” and so much more by the same people who claimed to be against “labeling” kids as Autistic. I walked away and NEVER looked back.
All these years later, I know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I am a specialist in the area of Neurodiversity and Autism. This is my world! I am a certified AANE Neurodiverse Couples therapist, as well as a trauma informed provider. My training with the fabulous Grace Myhill as well as Lisa Ferentz paved the way for clinical work that I am deeply proud of. My “nerding” knows no bounds, and in the world of special interests, Autism is mine. And…pizza making…and photography…and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect coffee mug.
If you want a safe place to unmask, to stim, to stop worrying about where your eyes are focused or what your facial expressions are “saying”, this is a place where it’s safe to be different. In my “office,” you can tell me I’m wrong, tell me you’re offended, and ask for what you need. This is a place where you can take a break, say everything, say nothing, or ask what I mean. We can talk, or type, and it’s ok if it that takes time. This is a safe place to talk about your interests…full force. You do not have to “make sense,” or be afraid to speak about things that are taboo or not of the popular opinion This is a place where you can share what is most personal to you. This is a place where for an hour, you can let your guard down and be you.
Welcome. I hope this therapy will be different than what you’re used to.