“I could say I didn't know yet, and nobody rushed me. The room felt set for someone like me.”
Gilda R.
Therapy for adults who learned late that they're autistic
I'm Troy Rowland, a licensed professional counselor in Portland, Oregon. Sessions are slow, plain-spoken and low in sensory demand, in my office or by video, and you set the pace.
- Late diagnosis
- Unmasking
- Sensory needs
- Routines and rest
- Written agendas
- Camera-off sessions
- Stimming welcome
- Work and relationships
Therapy that doesn't ask you to act less autistic
I'm Troy Rowland, a licensed professional counselor in Oregon. I work with adults who learned they were autistic after years of wondering why ordinary days took so much effort.
Some of my clients come with a diagnosis. Some are still deciding whether the word fits. I don't diagnose, and I don't try to make anyone less autistic. We talk about what the diagnosis changes, what you have carried alone, and how to arrange your days so they cost you less.
Sessions are plain-spoken and unhurried. I say what we will do before we do it, and you can change it at any point.
Plain words
Direct language, with no hints to decode.
Your pace
Pauses, silence and "I don't know yet" are all welcome.
Sensory choices
Light, sound and seating are yours to adjust.
Privacy
I keep your records private and share them only as the law allows.
Camera off
Always an option on videoIn writing
Agenda before each session
Sample reviews.
How we can work together
Sessions for the questions that tend to come up after a late diagnosis, paced to you.
Individual therapy
One-to-one sessions, in my office or by video. We start with what you want to talk about, and I send the agenda in writing so you know what to expect.
After a late diagnosis
Time to take in what a diagnosis, or a strong suspicion, means for how you see your past. I listen; I don't hand you a story about who you are. If you want an evaluation, I'll point you to someone who does them.
Masking and exhaustion
Many late-diagnosed adults spent years hiding their needs to get through the day. We look at where that happens, what it costs and where you'd like to do less of it.
Sensory needs and routines
Light, sound, texture, transitions and sleep. We work out what helps, what to ask for at home and at work, and how to build in rest.
Work and relationships
Telling people at work, asking for changes, explaining yourself to family or a partner, or deciding not to. We can practice the words if that helps.
A session set low
Everything about the room can be adjusted. You don't have to ask twice, and you don't have to explain why.
Light and sound
Lamps instead of overhead lights, a quiet room and no scent. Tell me if anything is too much and I will change it.
Eye contact and camera
No eye contact is needed in the office. On video, your camera can stay off for the whole session.
Words first
I send an agenda in writing before each session, and a short written summary afterward if you ask for one.
Your path
How it starts
A clear way in, with nothing sprung on you.
- 01
Step 1: Your first message
Write to me by email or through the form. Tell me only what you want to, and ask about anything: fees, the room, how video works. I reply in writing.
- 02
Step 2: Your first session
We go through how sessions run, what stays private and what you would like from the time. Nothing here is a test.
- 03
Step 3: Finding a rhythm
We choose how often to meet and where, in the office or by video. You can change that whenever you want.
- 04
Step 4: Changing the pace
Some people want fewer sessions over time, some want a break and some want to stop. Each is fine, and you can come back.
In their words
What people say about the room and the pace.
“I said I needed the camera off, and the answer was of course. That was the whole conversation.”
Ramil S.
“The agenda arrives the night before, so I know what the hour holds.”
Dorota K.
“He didn't ask me to look at him. I hadn't realized how much easier that makes it to talk.”
Ajay P.
“I could take a long pause and nobody filled it.”
Fernanda L.
Sample reviews.
Write to me first
A few lines is enough. I reply by email or phone, whichever you ask for, and I can answer questions about fees, video or the room before you book.
Phone(503) 555-0115
Hours
- Monday – ThursdayToday
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday – SundayToday
- Closed