Taryn

My name is Taryn (she/her), a cis-gender female of West African and Eastern European descent. Previously a mental health therapist at Sakura, I have recently transformed my role into an assessment-focused practitioner.

Traditionally, the field of mental health assessment is expensive, inaccessible, and culturally insensitive. Myra and I have the shared dream of shattering these barriers through Sakura.

As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the signs were clear throughout my childhood that I fit the description – a record-breaking mess of a bedroom, a professional fidgeter, cheek biting and cuticle destroyer, multiple sensory sensitivities, and a chronic interrupter (cue home video of little me incessantly interrupting my sister’s musical performance in the living room, until she declares, “stop singing when I am!!!”).

As an adult, this appears a bit differently – losing my keys, balancing five different tasks at once to remain stimulated, continued sensory sensitivities, and skin-picking habits. Having ADHD isn’t always “quirky” and “unique.” Prior to my diagnosis, I experienced multiple fender benders, infections from skin picking wounds, and relationship difficulties due to my inattention and impulsivity.

Did you know that undiagnosed ADHD and/or Autism more than doubles premature death (Schiavone et al., 2022; Hirvikoski et al., 2015) and can reduce life expectancy by up to 21 years? (Barkley & Fischer, 2019). This is not to scare you, but rather to bring light to the severe consequences of assessment services being inaccessible and culturally inept.

What my late life diagnosis has allowed me is an understanding of my behaviors, coping strategies, and the option for medication. I have watched my anxiety melt away and my personal relationships substantially improve.

I want this reparative experience for you.

Whether you fit the criteria for a neurodivergent diagnosis or not, I will validate your lived experience. You will be listened to. Together, we will find the best diagnosis for your symptoms and history. For example, sometimes, chronic PTSD can externally present with the same symptoms of ADHD. I am here to explain those nuances to you so you can gain a better understanding of yourself and your continued journey toward healing.

In addition to providing assessment services, I regularly consult with Sakura clinicians on individual cases and provide culturally competent assessment training to all members of Sakura. I firmly believe this collaboration will ensure that assessment findings are translated into personalized roadmaps for each client’s unique circumstances.

I look forward to working with you!

Credentials