Come Join Me For:
The Re-Root to Rise Summit
May 1 to 3, 2025
Where I'll be debuting a brand new talk called "I had to lose her to find me." It chronicles my journey of going no contact with my mother in order to pursue peace, trauma recovery, and embracing my authentic self. It's also the portal where I began to have compassion for my mother and release the need for approval, validation, or shame.
Click the button below to join!
ABout cheryl
Cheryl's coaching style is rooted in empathy, trust, and a deep understanding of human potential. Through their work as a Certified Trifecta Alchemist, Cheryl brings together Neurosomatics, Accessibility For All Bodies, Gender Inclusive Principles and more. Cheryl (they/them) knows first hand what it feels like to crave deep soul nourishing support from a metaphysical whole-human approach only to be misgendered or othered in the process for having a neurodivergent brain.
Using Emotional Freedom Technique, Kundalini Yogic Modalities & Principles, Parts Theory, Trauma Informed Approaches, and a Commitment to continually elevating and honing their craft, Cheryl is passionate about getting body based nervous system and trauma recovery supports into as many hands as possible.
Whether in-person, online, or on stage at an event, Cheryl sets the level of access to the lowest barrier in the room and is equipped with the compassion and radical self-responsibility it takes to continually push the boundaries on what it means to include others in the ableist heteronormative coaching and mentorship industry.
In the time where anyone with an Instagram account can use #coach to earn an income, Cheryl devoted three years of meticulous study, embodiment, and refinement before launching their somatic mentorship & teaching business.
Finding My Spectrum: The Journey of a Late-Diagnosed Autistic Adult at the Crossroads of Canadian Psychology and 2SLGBTQIA+ Intersectionality
Finding My Spectrum: The Journey of a Late-Diagnosed Autistic Adult at the Crossroads of Canadian Psychology and 2SLGBTQIA+ Intersectionality
Discovering that you’re on the autism spectrum as an adult can be a revelation that reshapes your understanding of your entire life. For me, this journey of self-discovery was not initiated by a psychologist's diagnosis but through self-diagnosed reflection, extensive research, and eventual formal assessment. As an autistic adult with high masking autism, navigating this discovery within the context of Canadian psychology, and through the lens of 2SLGBTQIA+ intersectionality, has been both challenging and liberating.
The Path to Self-Discovery
My path to understanding my place on the autism spectrum was anything but straightforward. Like many, I spent years navigating social complexities with confusion, often feeling out of step with those around me. My adeptness at masking—camouflaging my autistic traits to blend in socially—meant that my struggles were often invisible to the outside world, including professionals.
The turning point came when I stumbled upon a list of traits associated with high masking autism. It was like reading a narrative of my own experiences—intense interests, sensory sensitivities, challenges with social communication, and an overwhelming desire to connect with others, yet not always knowing how. This self-discovered realization led me down a rabbit hole of research, eventually bringing me to the doorstep of Canadian psychology with a desire for validation and understanding.
Navigating Canadian Psychology
Seeking a formal diagnosis as an adult in Canada presented its own set of challenges. The Canadian psychology landscape is gradually becoming more attuned to the nuances of adult autism, particularly in recognizing the diversity of how it presents, such as the often-overlooked high masking autism. However, access to professionals skilled in adult diagnoses remains limited, compounded by long waitlists and significant costs.
Despite these barriers, pursuing a formal diagnosis was important to me for several reasons. It promised access to tailored supports, validation of my experiences, and a formal acknowledgment of my identity that could help navigate accommodations in professional and educational settings. Moreover, it was a step towards embracing my autistic identity openly, shedding years of accumulated masks to reveal my authentic self.
2SLGBTQIA Intersectionality
My journey of self-discovery and diagnosis didn't occur in isolation from my other identities. As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA community, I navigated a complex landscape where my gender and sexual identity intersected with my neurodiversity. This intersectionality posed unique challenges but also offered a rich tapestry of community and understanding.The intersection of autism with 2SLGBTQIA identities is an area ripe for further exploration within Canadian psychology. Autistic individuals are more likely to identify as non-heterosexual or gender-diverse, suggesting a unique interplay between neurodiversity and gender-sexual identity. For me, understanding this intersectionality has been crucial in embracing my full self. It’s a reminder that identity is multi-faceted, and recognizing the ways in which these facets interact is key to self-acceptance and advocacy.
Advocacy and Moving Forward
My late diagnosis has propelled me into the realm of advocacy, both for autism awareness and for the recognition of the unique experiences at the intersection of neurodiversity and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks. Advocacy work, particularly in the context of Canadian psychology, is crucial to pushing for more accessible diagnostic services for adults [for which there are very little in Canada right now that aren't behind a massive paywall], greater awareness of high masking autism, and the incorporation of intersectionality into our understanding of autism.
As I continue to navigate my journey as a selfdiagnosed and then formally recognized autistic adult, I am continually learning about myself and how to navigate the world around me. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can contribute to a broader understanding and acceptance of autism, particularly for those who, like me, discovered their place on the spectrum later in life.
Conclusion
Discovering my autism as an adult has been a journey of self-discovery, challenges, and ultimately, acceptance. The process of self-diagnosis, seeking formal recognition within Canadian psychology, and understanding my identity through the lens of 2SLGBTQIA intersectionality has been a complex but rewarding journey. It’s a path that has allowed me to understand my past, navigate my present, and look forward to a future where I can fully embrace all aspects of my identity. For those embarking on a similar journey, know that you are not alone. Your experiences are valid, and your identity is a tapestry of unique colours, each thread contributing to the beautiful whole.
Book a Session with Cheryl
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Inclusion & Accessibility starts on the inside
Imagine feeling grounded in who you are and knowing that your choices are aligned with your values. Imagine navigating your day-to-day life with clarity and confidence, supported by tools that empower you to show up fully for yourself and those you care about.
The gap between how you feel now and the above statement isn't as vast and wide as it feels. I know, because I led myself through this process first--and I do it every single time a new avenue of making myself wrong or not enough pops up.
What if you have a hard time wrapping your head around inclusion and accessibility because at no fault of your own you've absorbed beliefs, conditioning, and thought patterns that have unattainable perfectionism and ableism at their core?
In a capitalist society when people are valued based on their contribution to society, their ability to perform, garner success, and attain wealth and notoriety, being unable to function in a so called normal life without considerable stress, anxiety and guilt feels like a failure.
Working together to unpack internalized shame, homophobia, white supremacy and other debilitating frameworks with compassion and often play (because humour is a pathway to joy) you can begin to separate other people's beliefs and opinions from your own, learn how to define your own value, take back your power and provide yourself with what you need most: self acceptance.
We do this using body based practices, also known as somatics, subliminal recoding tools like visualization and theta wave meditation, and client centred support structures where what's most pressing for you is the focus.
This work is not a replacement for clinically trained trauma specialists. It is complimentary to clinical therapies as they are largely framed in a colonial binary perspective and fail to look at you as a dynamic complex person. Queer Alchemy does not believe in pathologizing you...aka making you disordered or wrong or mentally ill simply for having a nervous system that responded to trauma in the way it was designed to. Instead, Queer Alchemy uses compassion and empathy based person to person support to gently bring you back into cohesion with your sense of self and purpose.
Inclusion & Accessibility for Practitioners
Let’s get real for a second—our industry, the spiritual and wellness world, is buzzing with potential. There’s a huge opportunity to create businesses that truly reflect the values we talk about: unity, abundance, and authenticity. At the heart of that is inclusion. When we embrace diversity, we open doors to connect with more people, deepen our impact, and grow our businesses in ways that feel aligned with the new paradigm we’re co-creating.
But here’s the thing: making your business more inclusive isn’t always straightforward. Maybe you’re unsure where to start or afraid of making a misstep. That’s completely valid. The systems most of us have been navigating weren’t built with inclusion in mind—it’s not your fault. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
That’s why I created Inclusion Illusion
—a workshop to help leaders like you step confidently into this work. This isn’t about a checklist or slapping a rainbow on your logo; it’s about building a business that resonates with the energy of collective care and abundance.
For years, I’ve been working with spiritual entrepreneurs who are ready to do better but need a clear, compassionate path forward. I get it—this stuff can feel overwhelming. What you’ll find in this program is space to ask questions, learn, and grow without judgment. We’ll reframe inclusion not as a burden but as a natural extension of your values—and yes, when done authentically, it also happens to be great for your business.
I know what you might be thinking:
What if I get it wrong?
Mistakes are part of the process, and they don’t define you. What matters is that you’re showing up and committing to growth. Together, we’ll explore practical steps, unpack limiting beliefs, and build strategies that align with who you are and where you’re headed.
Ready to stop leaving this work for "someday" and start building a business that feels expansive, inclusive, and abundant? I’d love to walk this path with you.
Join the next cohort today!
Let’s create something beautiful together. One step at a time, we’re changing the game.
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Finding My Spectrum: The Journey of a Late-Diagnosed Autistic Adult at the Crossroads of Canadian Psychology and 2SLGBTQIA+ Intersectionality
Finding My Spectrum: The Journey of a Late-Diagnosed Autistic Adult at the Crossroads of Canadian Psychology and 2SLGBTQIA+ Intersectionality
Discovering that you’re on the autism spectrum as an adult can be a revelation that reshapes your understanding of your entire life. For me, this journey of self-discovery was not initiated by a psychologist's diagnosis but through self-diagnosed reflection, extensive research, and eventual formal assessment. As an autistic adult with high masking autism, navigating this discovery within the context of Canadian psychology, and through the lens of 2SLGBTQIA+ intersectionality, has been both challenging and liberating.
The Path to Self-Discovery
My path to understanding my place on the autism spectrum was anything but straightforward. Like many, I spent years navigating social complexities with confusion, often feeling out of step with those around me. My adeptness at masking—camouflaging my autistic traits to blend in socially—meant that my struggles were often invisible to the outside world, including professionals.
The turning point came when I stumbled upon a list of traits associated with high masking autism. It was like reading a narrative of my own experiences—intense interests, sensory sensitivities, challenges with social communication, and an overwhelming desire to connect with others, yet not always knowing how. This self-discovered realization led me down a rabbit hole of research, eventually bringing me to the doorstep of Canadian psychology with a desire for validation and understanding.
Navigating Canadian Psychology
Seeking a formal diagnosis as an adult in Canada presented its own set of challenges. The Canadian psychology landscape is gradually becoming more attuned to the nuances of adult autism, particularly in recognizing the diversity of how it presents, such as the often-overlooked high masking autism. However, access to professionals skilled in adult diagnoses remains limited, compounded by long waitlists and significant costs.
Despite these barriers, pursuing a formal diagnosis was important to me for several reasons. It promised access to tailored supports, validation of my experiences, and a formal acknowledgment of my identity that could help navigate accommodations in professional and educational settings. Moreover, it was a step towards embracing my autistic identity openly, shedding years of accumulated masks to reveal my authentic self.
2SLGBTQIA Intersectionality
My journey of self-discovery and diagnosis didn't occur in isolation from my other identities. As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA community, I navigated a complex landscape where my gender and sexual identity intersected with my neurodiversity. This intersectionality posed unique challenges but also offered a rich tapestry of community and understanding.The intersection of autism with 2SLGBTQIA identities is an area ripe for further exploration within Canadian psychology. Autistic individuals are more likely to identify as non-heterosexual or gender-diverse, suggesting a unique interplay between neurodiversity and gender-sexual identity. For me, understanding this intersectionality has been crucial in embracing my full self. It’s a reminder that identity is multi-faceted, and recognizing the ways in which these facets interact is key to self-acceptance and advocacy.
Advocacy and Moving Forward
My late diagnosis has propelled me into the realm of advocacy, both for autism awareness and for the recognition of the unique experiences at the intersection of neurodiversity and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks. Advocacy work, particularly in the context of Canadian psychology, is crucial to pushing for more accessible diagnostic services for adults [for which there are very little in Canada right now that aren't behind a massive paywall], greater awareness of high masking autism, and the incorporation of intersectionality into our understanding of autism.
As I continue to navigate my journey as a selfdiagnosed and then formally recognized autistic adult, I am continually learning about myself and how to navigate the world around me. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can contribute to a broader understanding and acceptance of autism, particularly for those who, like me, discovered their place on the spectrum later in life.
Conclusion
Discovering my autism as an adult has been a journey of self-discovery, challenges, and ultimately, acceptance. The process of self-diagnosis, seeking formal recognition within Canadian psychology, and understanding my identity through the lens of 2SLGBTQIA intersectionality has been a complex but rewarding journey. It’s a path that has allowed me to understand my past, navigate my present, and look forward to a future where I can fully embrace all aspects of my identity. For those embarking on a similar journey, know that you are not alone. Your experiences are valid, and your identity is a tapestry of unique colours, each thread contributing to the beautiful whole.
Book a Session with Cheryl
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FAQS
Do you offer refunds?
No. I do not offer refunds.
What if I need to miss a video or voice call?
You can roll any unused video or voice calls forward to your next month. The plan is flexible based on your needs. Calls can be booked as far in advance as you like. Set them and forget them with appointment reminders sent right to your inbox!
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, you have the option to pause payments for 30 or 60 days one time.
I know that life happens, I am here to support you!
What Others Have to Say About Cheryl
Before my coaching journey with Cheryl, I was lost in a maze of unsorted thoughts and feelings, struggling to focus or find clarity in my life. Dealing with trauma and its repercussions felt like navigating through an endless storm. Cheryl's guidance was a beacon of light in that chaos. Their approach, though uncompromising and direct, empowered me to confront my issues head-on. They equipped me with practical techniques tailored to my daily struggles, fostering resilience and self-awareness. I've learned that healing isn't about being "fixed"—it's about growing stronger and more capable of facing life's challenges. Thanks to Cheryl, I now possess the tools to tackle each day with confidence. I am immensely thankful for their support and the transformative journey they guided me through.
-Mandi she/her Canada
Cheryl has been amazing in helping me tap into my own energy and really get the most out of our sessions. What's really cool about them is how they make everything super inclusive and easy to get into. They've gone out of their way to make sure everything we do fits what I can do and where I'm at, creating this super welcoming vibe that makes it easy to just be myself and open up.
They've got this knack for making you feel seen and heard. No matter what we're working on, I never feel judged or out of place. Cheryl's makes sure you're comfortable and uses strategies that are actually doable for me. It's been a game-changer, honestly. Having their support and knowing they're always there to guide me, but in a way that feels more like a partnership, has been huge for my personal growth. I'm really thankful for how they've helped me and made this journey so much more manageable and meaningful.
-Erin they/she Canada
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