Cedar Counseling & Wellness

Nora Padison, LCPC

(she/her)

Licensed clinicial PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Whether you’re seeking therapy for the first time or coming back to it again, having the right support can make a world of difference. I see therapy as a collaborative process centering around empathy, warmth, and acceptance. You may be an adventurer, a free spirit, or a deep intuitive thinker— I understand the high highs and low lows that can occur in highly sensitive and curious minds. I am passionate about helping neurodivergent adults in times of transition, burnout, and overwhelm to find balance and navigate life’s hurdles.

 

I offer complimentary 15-minute consultations and am available to connect via email, phone, or you can schedule an appointment at the link below.

ADHD & Autism

I work from a neurodiversity affirming lens in which marginalization is addressed and nonconformity is embraced. As we are often told to change to fit society’s standards, I promote honoring your authentic self and find ways throughout each session to highlight your strengths. I am here to allow you to be genuinely seen and understood.

Creatives

I embrace creativity in my clinical work to help clients reach untapped parts of themselves. As an artist, I understand the dichotomy of the creative process as self-care, as well as a source of stress. I connect with creative folks to develop a balance in life that carves out space for reflective thought, meaningful relationships, and creative work.

Quarter Life Transitions

Our twenties to mid-thirties can be a highly transitional part of life whether it be starting out your career, navigating friendships/relationships, or feeling the pressure to “get it right.” It can be overwhelming, but I promise you are not alone. Together, we will explore your concerns and develop new ways to address them. 

My Approach

As a therapist, I practice integrative techniques rooted in strengths-based, relational, and neurodiverse affirming perspectives. I do not claim to be an expert on your lived experiences, but I believe in everyone’s right to exist, love, and seek support. Whether you are sitting across from me on the couch or see me through the screen, I utilize my compassion, our partnership, and a holistic approach to learn about who you are, where you have been, and who you want to be.

 

Just as you are trying to change patterns of behavior and discover new insights in therapy, I am also an imperfect human working to better themselves. I will laugh with you in session, ask for clarification, and sit with you in the uncertainty. No matter what approach we decide to take together, I create a space for healing, growth, and understanding.

Areas of Expertise

  • ADHD

  • Autism
  • Quarter-Life Transitions
  • Creatives
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Dating & Self-Discovery
  • Perfectionism & Burnout
  • Life & Career Transitions
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Family of Origin Concerns

  • Neurodiverse Affirming Therapy

  • Health at Every Size (HAES®)-aligned
  • Person-Centered Therapy
  • Strengths-Based Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Mindfulness
  • Coping Skills Development
  • Young Adult Therapy

Professional Credentials

Licenses & Certifications

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LGPC) – Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists

  • Autism Evaluations: Using the MIGDAS-2 Sensory Based Diagnostic Interview Process- Marilyn J. Monteiro, Ph.D.

  • Foundations of Neurodiversity Affirming Couples Therapy, Adrienne Clements, MA, LMFT

  • Challenging Myths about Autism: Lessons from the Neurodiversity Movement – Joel Schwartz, PsyD

  • Prepare/Enrich Certified Facilitator, 2021

  • B’Well Counseling Services Health at Every Size Supervision Group – Katie Cashin, LCPC

Education

  • Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, 2015

  • Towson University, Towson, MD, Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology, 2020

On a Personal Note

  • I’m a lifelong creative and started my first art business selling jewelry in middle school.
  • My favorite TV show is RuPaul’s Drag Race and could talk about it all day long.
  • I grew up listening to the Grateful Dead and have spent the last few summers seeing as many Dead & Company concerts as I can.
  • Prior to becoming a therapist, I was a middle school teacher.