My Expertise

About Dr. Kathy Marshack

Meet Dr. Kathy Marshack, Licensed Psychologist, Author, Creator, and NeuroDivergent Relationships Specialist

Equipping you with the tools you need to find relief from the chaos of NeuroDivergent relationships.

Dr. Kathy Marshack is a licensed Psychologist who specializes in helping clients in Complex Relationships, which can include:

  • “Asperger Syndrome” or High Functioning Autism
  • Codependency
  • High Conflict Divorce
  • Empathy Dysfunction
  • Entrepreneurial Couples
  • Ex-Pats (Life Abroad)

Her credentials include a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Doctorate in Psychology. She is also certified in specific clinical techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Ericksonian Hypnosis, and Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET).

While Dr. Kathy believes there is so much value found in her education, training, and experience, what truly sets her apart is her lived experience.

She can relate personally to every single one of the Complex Relationship bullet points listed above. She was raised by a High Functioning Autistic mother and an alcoholic father, and her eldest daughter is on the Autism Spectrum. She has been an entrepreneur for many years, and she, too, underwent a hostile divorce from an ASD spouse, experiencing parental alienation as a result.

Despite her suffering, she learned to take a different approach. She learned to build resilience and to use what she knew as a Psychologist to reshape the outcome. She counted on the principle that Michelle Obama champions, “When they go low, we go high.”

This is what she calls “Radiant Empathy.”

Life isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. But by teaching Radiant Empathy, Dr. Kathy hopes you will learn to use your mistakes as feedback to refashion your life for greater healing, love, and happiness.

Dr. Kathy Marshack

Dr. Kathy’s Credentials

Education

Bachelor of Science in Psychology: With high honors, Portland State University

Master of Social Work: University of Hawaii

Ph.D. in Psychology: The Fielding Institute

  • Certified Practitioner: Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP)
  • Ericksonian Hypnosis
  • Thought Field Therapy
  • Level 2 NET (NeuroEmotionalTechnique) Practitioner

Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy including:

  • Entrepreneurial Couples
  • Dual Career Couples
  • Asperger/NT Couples
  • Adoption Families
  • Codependency

Licenses and Associations

Licenses:

  • Psychologist, Oregon and Washington
  • Social Worker, Oregon

Professional Credentials:

  • Diplomate of the American Board of Psychological Specialties.
  • Diplomate of the International Academy of Behavioral Medicine, Counseling and Psychotherapy.
  • Diplomate of the National Institute of Sports, Division of Psychologists.

Memberships:

  • American College of Forensic Examiners
  • American Psychological Association
  • National Association of Sports Psychologists
  • Oregon Psychological Association
  • Washington Psychological Association

Dr. Kathy’s Areas of Expertise

NeuroDivergent Relationship Dynamics

Guiding NeuroTypical individuals and couples through the complex collision of the ASD/NT worlds, providing the ground-breaking tools to reclaim sanity and communication.

Empathy Dysfunction (EmD)

Identifying, naming, and healing the damage caused by Empathy Dysfunction, including manipulation, gaslighting, and sociopathic dynamics, to protect your mental and emotional well-being.

High Conflict Divorce & Parental Alienation

Providing expert guidance and resilience strategies through the emotional and legal trauma of High Conflict Divorce and the devastating consequences of Parental Alienation.

Codependency & The “Fixer’s” Trap

Breaking the cycle of Codependency and the “fixer’s hypocrisy,” empowering the NeuroTypical partner to stop being the exhausted martyr and become the Empathic Alpha Woman.

The Radiant Empathy Framework

Teaching the tools (Empathy Triad, 7-Step Interface Protocol) to transform suffering into strength, ensuring your response to hardship reflects the solution.

Entrepreneurial & Ex-Pat Couples

Supporting couples who navigate the unique intensity of mixing marriage with business (Entrepreneurial) or managing the isolation and high-stress of living life abroad (Ex-Pats).

Dr. Kathy’s Books

Anniversary Edition: Life With a Partner or Spouse With Asperger Syndrome: Going Over the Edge?

Fifteen years ago with the first edition of ‘Going Over the Edge?’ Dr. Marshack brought clarity and hope to these complex NeuroDivergent relationships. Today the Anniversary Edition of ‘Going Over the Edge?’ is an updated and even more transformative guide, offering brand new insights and tools to navigate the confounding relationships of NeuroTypicals and NeuroDiverse individuals.

Empathy is More Than Words

Discover unique tools in this book like the Empathy Triad, showcasing the interplay of Empathy, Context, and Conversation; and the 7-Step Interface Protocol, a key to understanding both NeuroTypical and NeuroDiverse perspectives.

Out of Mind – Out of Sight

Explore the complexities of co-parenting with an “Asperger” partner in this insightful guide. Dr. Marshack provides science-backed solutions and practical techniques to revive your relationships and reclaim personal freedom.

When Empathy Fails

Delve into the depths of handling individuals with EmD, offering invaluable insights on standing up for yourself and shielding against emotional manipulation and harm. Learn practical strategies to safeguard your well-being in challenging interactions.

“Asperger Syndrome” & Relationships: Everything You Need to Survive a Neuro-Divergent Life

Explore a comprehensive guide crafted by Dr. Marshack, combining personal insights and professional expertise to unravel the mysteries of life on the Autism Spectrum. This resource provides answers and reassurance for navigating relationships with neuro-divergent individuals.

Entrepreneurial Couples

Dive into the insight that shows how to assess each area of your life and offers tips and twelve different exercises for brainstorming, creating contingency plans, achieving flexibility, and developing a successful life and business plan with your partner.

Discover More of Dr. Kathy’s Resources

Listen to the Podcast

Discover the Radiant Empathy Game

Read the Books

Check out the Courses + Communities

Browse the Blog Posts

Schedule a Talk to the Author Call