Kayden Costello (he/him), LCSWA
OCD, Neurodivergence, Trauma, & Gender-Affirming Therapy for College Students in Greensboro, North Carolina
Hi, I’m glad you’re here.
If your mind feels loud, overwhelming, or stuck—like you can’t turn off intrusive thoughts, like you’re constantly second-guessing yourself, or like you’re carrying experiences that still feel heavy in your body—you’re not alone. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much,” or like you have to explain or defend who you are, therapy can be a place where you don’t have to do that anymore.
I work with college students and young adults navigating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), neurodivergence, trauma, and identity exploration around sexual orientation and gender. Whether you’re dealing with compulsions, burnout, identity questions, or the impact of past experiences, my goal is to help you feel more grounded, more clear, and more like yourself.
Over time, many of my clients begin to feel less controlled by their thoughts, more confident in their identity, and more able to move through life without constant fear, shame, or self-doubt. Therapy isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about helping you feel more at home in yourself.
How I Help
For OCD, I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard, research-supported approach. I completed intensive ERP training through our IOP partner, Greater Hope Center for OCD, and I help clients gradually break out of intrusive thought patterns and compulsive cycles so they can experience more freedom and peace of mind.
For trauma, I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to support your brain and body in processing distressing experiences. This can help reduce emotional intensity, increase a sense of safety, and rebuild trust in yourself.
For identity exploration, I provide gender-affirming therapy grounded in respect, curiosity, and validation. Whether you’re questioning, exploring, or already know who you are, therapy can be a space where you feel supported without pressure or judgment.
My Approach to Therapy
I don’t believe you need to be “fixed,” because you are not broken. My role is to create a collaborative, affirming space where you can:
- Understand and manage OCD through ERP
- Heal from trauma using EMDR and trauma-informed care
- Explore gender identity and find support for gender dysphoria
- Develop strategies for navigating neurodivergent challenges
- Strengthen self-acceptance, relationships, and boundaries
I bring a grounded, relational, and down-to-earth approach to therapy. While I use evidence-based techniques, I also value humor, creativity, and authentic connection as part of the healing process. You are safe to bring your full self into our work — your history, culture, and community all belong here.
Who I Work With
- Individuals managing OCD or intrusive thoughts
- LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse clients seeking gender-affirming support
- Neurodivergent adults and students exploring identity and executive functioning challenges
- Clients healing from trauma through EMDR
- College students navigating independence, academics, and self-discovery
- Adults from military families (Military BRATS) adjusting to transitions and instability
About Me
I’m a transgender man (he/him), neurodivergent, and an animal lover with a cat named Tofu.
I know what it feels like to live in a mind that doesn’t always feel easy to be in. I also understand what it’s like to move through systems that don’t always make space for who you are.
I approach therapy with humility and awareness of the broader systems we’re all navigating—stigma, inequity, and social stressors. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, respected, and supported as you figure out what your life looks like on your own terms.
Let’s Work Together
Therapy isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about creating a space to be real, be supported, and move toward the life you want. If you’re ready to begin your journey toward healing and authenticity, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
See My Availability & Schedule Now!
