Ben Snyder (He/Him/His)

I take a strengths based approach with clients on the spectrum, grounded in the belief that autism is not a disease. People on the spectrum merely experience and do life differently. Emotions and physical sensations can be far more intense for people on the spectrum. While this can mean that anxiety and sensory overload can be more disruptive, it also means the capacity for joy in a hobby or the ability to deeply focus on a task can also be more fervent. I help clients harness autism's power.

I use the Gottman method for couple’s therapy because it relies on scientifically validated tools and methods rather than general beliefs about what “should” work or how relationships “should” be. Following a thorough assessment protocol, I am able to deliver a targeted approach that gets at the difficult parts of your interactions and help you to build skills that will improve communication and overall happiness in your relationship.

It sucks to live in such a sex-negative culture, especially when your interests and desires are unique. People who enjoy kink and BDSM, and those who are curious about it, benefit from therapy not only to integrate these into their lives, but also to manage any other mental health needs. There are unfortunately a lot of therapists out there who are not well-informed about kink and have done harm as a result. I provide a knowledgeable and secure space for kinky clients for the therapy they need.

I use the Gottman method for couple’s therapy because it relies on scientifically validated tools and methods rather than general beliefs about what “should” work or how relationships “should” be. What this means for you is that you will receive a couple’s therapy approach grounded in a scientifically validated strategy that is tailored to the specific needs of your relationship. As a specialist in sexuality, I integrate sex therapy methods into the couples work that is informed by science.

Many people get frustrated in therapy by seeking "the answer" to their problems, building insight into their suffering with the idea that this insight will "fix" them. ACT is different, because rather than looking backward, it focuses on the present moment. ACT is heavily grounded in mindfulness and self-awareness in the present moment. This approach grounds clients and helps quiet their minds allowing for more meaningful engagement in their lives.

I believe in directly addressing intimacy and sexuality directly in relationships. For me, sex therapy and couple’s therapy go hand-in-hand because relationships and sexuality are deeply connected. Unfortunately, I often hear that people had experience with couple’s therapy that never addressed their sexual lives. This can be especially challenging for clients who don’t entirely fit within these norms, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and nonmonogamous and polyamorous people.

Coping with adult ADHD can be uniquely challenging, particularly for those diagnosed in adulthood. Often, the symptoms are explained away as character flaws or personal quirks, leaving people to feel invisible. This can create challenges navigating relationships. As a specialist in sexual health, I regularly address intimacy issues, both emotional and sexual for individuals and couples dealing with ADHD. My therapy approach is affirming and empowering, creating acceptance for ADHD.

I have over 15 years of experience navigating the complexities of autism and sexuality. In many ways, this is its own specialized area of care due to the unique sensory sensitivities, mathematical cognitive patterns, and struggles navigating social dynamics. I work with autistic adults to build communication strategies, which are especially important when one partner is neurotypical. In these cases, my therapy approach is to foster active communication and building clarity in relationships.