Fairfield Therapy
Neurodivergent-Affirming,
Online Evidence-Based Treatment
Rachel Z. Baumann,
M.A., S.Y.C., NCSP, LPC
Licensed Therapist &
Nationally Certified
School Psychologist
Fairfield, Connecticut
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy & Assessments
I provide comprehensive evaluations, therapy, or both for individuals who are seeking to better understand how their brain works. My approach is designed to help you explore your unique neurotype to be able to navigate a world that often isn't built for neurodivergent minds. Neurodivergence includes a wide range of brain differences, including ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, Giftedness, “Twice Exceptional” (2E), Learning Disabilities, Bipolar, Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), and more. I can also help identify the presentation in autism known as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), though I prefer the term Persistent Drive for Autonomy.
Strengths-based, identify-affirming support for late diagnosis and self-identification.
Parenting support for neurodivergent children and teens.
Unmask, overcome burnout, and embrace self-acceptance.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) & Anxiety
I integrate gold-standard evidence-based treatment methods for all OCD types and anxiety disorders (e.g., Social Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Generalized Anxiety, Specific Phobias, etc.).
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): the most effective therapy for OCD.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): helping you build psychological flexibility with a self-compassionate approach.
Learn how to work with anxiety and rumination – rather than exhausting yourself trying to eliminate them.
Therapy with Compassion, Patience, and
No Judgment
We often wish our feelings didn’t matter or pretend they don’t. This makes sense—emotions can be messy and even scary. However, research shows that when we deny our emotions, we increase our pain, leading to greater psychological suffering.
The ways we avoid pain—whether by revisiting old wounds, judging ourselves, comparing ourselves to others, or using distractions like substances—might bring short-term relief but often make life harder in the long run. Therapy can help.
I have more than 10 years of experience counseling individuals and families, with intensive training in cutting-edge, research-based treatments, including:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
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Prolonged Exposure (PE) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
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Habit Reversal Training (HRT)
In-Person and Online Therapy Options
I provide therapy primarily via telehealth, offering flexible and accessible care for individuals across Connecticut. In-person sessions are available on a very limited basis at my office in Fairfield, CT, including some weekends, depending on client needs and scheduling (learn more).
Professional Affiliations
I am proud to be a member of the following organizations:
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Alpha Sigma Nu National Jesuit Honor Society
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American Psychological Association
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Anxiety and Depression Association of America
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Association for Contextual Behavior Science
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Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
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National Association of School Psychologists
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Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society
Finding the Right Therapist
The therapeutic relationship is uniquely delicate and central to success. I tailor my approach to meet children and teens at their developmental stage, helping them develop skills that align with their learning styles and cognitive patterns. For adults, I focus on meeting you where you are, offering support that respects your unique challenges, goals, and values.
Choosing the right therapist is an important first step in your journey. Therapy is both an emotional and financial commitment, so it’s essential to take your time and find someone who feels like the right fit. To support this process, I offer a free 15-minute consultation for all new clients. This gives us a chance to connect, discuss your needs, and determine if we’re a good match.
Feel free to email me to schedule your consultation—I’d be happy to chat.
Do these experiences feel familiar?
Difficulty with back-and-forth conversations (e.g., you may dislike small talk).
You hide certain movements, sounds, actions, or mannerisms when around others.
You feel socially isolated.
You find it challenging to recall things quickly or juggle multiple pieces of information at once.
Heightened sensitivity to the emotions of others.
Intense emotional suffering from perceived criticism or rejection.
Difficulty identifying and describing emotions.
You hyper-focus on interests but struggle with less motivating tasks.
Over-analyzing conversations.
Constantly checking people's reactions to what you say.
Struggling to make decisions.
Feeling trapped in a cycle of self-punishment and perfectionism.
Difficulty tolerating uncertainty.
Avoiding activities you value due to fear.
Wanting to be social, but feeling held back by anxiety.
Reading too much into non-verbal cues.
Struggling to trust authority figures.
Feeling the need to control all areas of your life.
Difficulty setting and maintaining boundaries.
Relying on routines to make the world feel more predictable.
Constantly feeling on guard.
Keeping yourself busy 24/7 to avoid stillness.
Holding a deep belief that the world is unsafe.
Easily becoming emotionally overwhelmed -- or feeling completely numb.
