Mary Klovance
Founder, Registered Clinical Counsellor
Mary Klovance
She/Her
BA, BEd, MA, RCC
ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)
ADHD-Certified Educator (ADHD-CE)
Mary works with teens (14+), and parents/caregivers.
Online & In-Person:
Wednesdays: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Specializations:
Teens (14+)
Parentinging support for parents of ADH(D) Teens
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (Disorder) (ADH(D))
Pervasive Desire for Autonomy (PDA)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Struggles at School
Challenges with substance use or substance use disorder
Anxiety
“We live in a world of stairs, where there should be ramps, because ramps work for everyone”. Many of us have grown up thinking that our neurodivergent way of doing and being is “out of order” aka disordered. When in reality, neurodivergence is an integral part of the world we live in. We need neurodiversity in order to find new solutions to old problems, to create art, to spark excitement and to see things in new and different ways. My goal is to help neurodivergent folk– and those who support them–to identify the gifts that neurodivergence brings and identify a strengths-based way of approaching problems.
Experience & Education:
As a neurodivergent counsellor working in SD 61 since 2012, I’ve seen firsthand how many neurodivergent youth—and their parents—struggle to find the right kind of support in a system not designed for constantly moving minds and bodies. I am also a parent to a neurodivergent child and understand the unique challenges that come with parenting an ADH(D)er while managing your own sensitive nervous system as a neurodivergent parent. My approach blends personal insights with over a decade of professional experience and education about supporting ADH(D) teens.
Specialized Trainings & Certifications:
Suicide & Self-Harm: Stopping the Pain (PESI)
Oppositional, Defiant & Disruptive Behaviors in Kids: Non-Medication Strategies for the Classroom, Clinic & Home (PESI)
ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)
ADHD-Certified Educator (ADHD-CE)
Neurodiversity-Affirming, Ethical Trauma Therapy (Therapist Neurodiversity Collective)
Do’s & Don’ts of Therapy with Neurodivergent Clients: A Trauma Informed Somatic Approach (Nyck Walsh, The Leading Edge)
Two Day Advanced Collaborative & Problem Solving Training with Dr. Ross Greene
Approach & Modalities:
When working with neurodivergent clients, my counselling approach is mainly a mixture of psycho-education about neurodivergence and how it shows up, Solution-Focused & Narrative Therapy. Meaning that, there in session there is a strong focus on identifying issues and roadblocks to success and coming up with a specific plan to overcome these obstacles. Follow-up sessions focus on adapting our approach until we find something that works. Each session may also include the use of metaphors to better understand how neurodivergence (and co-morbid mental health issues such as Anxiety) show up in our lives, using homework to continue the counselling process at home, and finding ways to process emotions in a healthy way. Please note, I do use CBT therapy when focusing on Anxiety but it is NOT recommended as a successful therapy type for neurodivergence specifically: You cannot think your way out of ADHD!
Communication Style:
My counselling style is direct, grounded, and goal-focused. I bring my authentic self to every session—no sugarcoating. Clients who appreciate honesty and clear guidance tend to connect well with my approach. I’m very much a “we’ve got this” kind of counsellor: collaborative, practical, and focused on creating a plan to move forward. Rather than spending extensive time dissecting the past, my work centers on the here-and-now and building strategies for the future, helping clients feel empowered to take meaningful action and create lasting change.
Fun Facts or Interests:
My current hyperfocus is kickboxing and climbing! I used to say I wasn’t a runner… but guess what? I run now! I’m a bit of a workaholic, but I’m learning to balance it out with self-care, movement, and fun. And if there’s music playing—there’s a good chance I’m dancing! 💃 I also love writing and have big plans to write my first book, so stay tuned!
