“I think we have a lost generation of women who are diagnosed with ADHD later in life, who have had to manage the condition on their own and deal with it on their own for the majority of their lives. The diagnosis is a blessing and a curse: it’s a great relief, but they wonder what could have been different if they had only known.”
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- Michelle Frank, clinical psychologist & ADHD Expert
Hi, I'm lisa
I have lived with undiagnosed ADHD for over five decades, navigating employment and educational systems that have not been supportive or inclusive to neurodivergent humans: from working as the first wellness manager for the Edmonton Police service to working as a private consultant at all levels of government and for several insurance companies.
I was the first art therapist at the Edmonton Sexual Assault Centre and in 3 non-profit organizations. My discovery as a grad student in my 40’s of Art Therapy, was the antecedent to me finding the capacity and brilliance of my own ADHD.
My unique sensitivity had a purpose, my nervous system felt safe and I learned to accept my creativity, vision and uniqueness. The first paper I wrote in an audited Masters level art therapy class I took for “fun”, received a 100% and was published in the CANADIAN ART THERAPY ASSOCIATION JOURNAL. I accepted this as a rite of passage, left my career and entered grad school in my 40’s as a single parent of three children.
It was my belief in myself and the strengths of being neurodivergent that got me through some very difficult times.
"Each client's shared journey adds to my capacity and contributes to the path of mastery."
- Lisa Hardy, C.C.C. Canadian Certified Counsellor
& ADHD Psychotherapist/Coach
Many of my contemporaries got lost in the shame of disappointing themselves and others, with the shame of not fitting in and the struggles of executive skills challenges.
The gems of their uniqueness and their true potential were never cultivated, acknowledged, or valued. It is not unusual for the neurotypical world to misunderstand our unique sensitivity and presentation, to make it a disease, a disability or a disorder. It is none of those things.
Neurodivergence is the result of having a dimensional, different and divergent brain: of THINKING DIFFERENTLY. My ADHD was the challenge but it also was the way through the challenge. I made it through. I am living my bliss by being of service to you on your individual journey.
This is the rocket fuel that propels my passion to do this work. What is lost and fixed in that loss can never be reclaimed and it is a tragedy for all of us. What is lost and still seeking, can be found and reclaimed and this is a huge triumph, a victory: individually and collectively.
Education
2017
Masters of Psychotherapy and Spirituality, Art Therapy Specialization
University of Alberta-St. Stephen’s College (3.9 GPA), Edmonton, AB
1992
Bachelor of Social Work (Completed Coursework)
University of Calgary, AB
1990
Bachelor of Social Work (Commenced Program) 4.0 GPA
University of Western Ontario, London, ON
recent professional development
2024
The Neurodiversity Paradigm and Autistic Adults in Therapy
Katy Higgins, MFT
Individuation as Homecoming
Dr Robert Romanyshyn 2024
2023
The Luminous Language of Loss
Laura Lentz
Banff Women’s Wellness Retreat
Jung, Art & The Alchemical Imagination
Dr. Ann McCoy
2021
The Alchemy of Story
Laura Lentz 2021
1989
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
1 / Canadian Art Therapy Association Newsletter
Winter 2014
2 / Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Newsletter
Spring 2013
3 / Canadian Art Therapy Association Journal
Spring 2011
4 / The Advocate: Alberta College of Social Workers
Summer 2010
5 / Rehab Matters
Spring 2010
PUBLICATIONS
speaking/teaching engagements
March 2024 Keynote Address at the Roundtable Discussion of CPHR Yukon/BC
“Unlock the Power of Neurodiversity.”
April 2023 Trinity Western University
“Therapeutic Considerations For Working with Clients/Students Impacted with ADHD.”
May 2024 Keynote Address at the Roundtable Discussion of CPHR Yukon/BC
“Unlock the Power of Neurodiversity: Going Deeper”