Mycoa (Age 45, She/They/Xe/Xim)

My interests are as varied as my work background! A few of my favorite jobs were being a lifeguard, playing classical guitar in restaurants, leading yoga for school kids, and directing kids' choirs.  Currently, you can find me composing or arranging music, providing counseling as an LLPC, and working on certifications in psychedelic reintegration therapy, EMDR, and more.

My AuDHD diagnosis was eye-opening and freeing. Not only do I struggle with complex trauma, I have also struggled to establish close relationships, maintain jobs, and more.  Getting the diagnosis helped me realize that I wasn’t stupid/naive/too much.  Rather, I’m a complex intersection of AuDHD (autism and ADHD combined), a big heart, dyslexia, dyspraxia, an innocent soul, treatment-resistant depression, and a heart meant to share with people.  Also, meeting the love of my life, my wife Ash, and having their unconditional love and support, has given me the solid ground from which I now can fly.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve given myself permission to live out loud. To get a funky haircut. To record myself playing music or singing, even though it’s never perfect, just to capture a moment.  To be vulnerable enough to share my heart even when it is so easy to be hurt by an uncaring world. To risk pain in order to connect to others on a meaningful level. For if you won’t let yourself be seen, how can you know yourself? 

My only advice to the world is this…..be brave. Be open. See each other, experience connection to others, for that is the solution to most struggles.