Neurodivergent occupational therapist Nikki Smit is reshaping the way we think about stress, emotions, and wellbeing.
For many of us, stress, burnout, and overwhelming emotions can feel like an insurmountable wall. Whether it’s the pressure of juggling work, personal life, or the weight of personal struggles, those moments when the mind and body seem to shut down can leave us feeling powerless. But what if we could rethink these experiences? What if, instead of fighting to stay calm or suppress emotions, we embraced them as essential signals for growth? This is the heart of Nikki Smit’s work, helping people understand their bodies and minds and guiding them toward a healthier relationship with themselves.
Nikki Smit is not your typical therapist. As a neurodivergent occupational therapist, educator, and speaker with over 15 years of experience, her approach is a refreshing departure from traditional methods. She works with individuals, families, and organizations, providing insight into the complex ways our nervous systems react to stress, emotions, and life’s demands.
Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: wellbeing isn’t about eliminating distress or always staying calm; it’s about building the capacity to stay present, no matter what emotional storm may come. Her mission? To help people understand why they feel overwhelmed, shut down, or push through at their own expense, and how they can move through those moments with greater steadiness, choice, and self-compassion.
A Journey of Understanding and Empathy
Nikki’s journey into this field is rooted in her own experiences as a neurodivergent individual. She recognizes firsthand the complexities of navigating a world that doesn’t always make space for differences. As an occupational therapist, she has always sought to understand the deeper reasons behind behavior and emotional responses. It’s not just about what’s happening in someone’s mind, Nikki also focuses on the impact of sensory input, relationships, environments, and past experiences.
The breakthrough in her work came when she realized that many of the challenges people face are not signs of weakness or failure. Instead, they are meaningful messages from the nervous system that can help us better understand ourselves and how to approach distress in healthier ways. For Nikki, it’s all about tuning into the body’s signals and responding with care rather than judgment.
Her approach is grounded in deep respect for difference and dignity. She does not view distress as something to be fixed or eliminated but as an opportunity for growth and connection. Whether she’s working with a parent, a child, a creative professional, or a high-pressure leader, Nikki provides a compassionate, non-judgmental space where individuals can understand their emotional responses and find ways to regain a sense of control.
Breaking the Stigma Around Sensitivity
One of the key aspects of Nikki’s work is her advocacy for neurodivergent individuals and those who are often labeled as “too sensitive.” In a world that prizes productivity and emotional restraint, these labels can be damaging. Nikki emphasizes that sensitivity and emotional depth are not weaknesses, they are integral parts of what makes us human.
Her work often challenges the belief that we must push through emotional overwhelm or “toughen up” to succeed. Instead, she offers an alternative path: one that values support, safety, and pacing, where individuals are encouraged to meet themselves where they are, with curiosity and compassion.
This approach resonates not only with neurodivergent adults but also with parents, educators, and professionals in high-pressure environments. Through her speaking engagements and writing, Nikki spreads the message that emotional and nervous system health are key to navigating life in a sustainable and humane way.
The Power of Sensory and Environmental Awareness
What sets Nikki apart from others in her field is her holistic perspective. She doesn’t just focus on thoughts and behaviors but looks at how sensory input, relationships, and environments shape our responses. For instance, a child struggling in school may not just be reacting to academic pressure; the sensory demands of the classroom, lighting, noise levels, or even the physical environment, can contribute significantly to their emotional overwhelm.
Nikki works with clients to identify and adjust these sensory and environmental triggers, helping them create spaces and routines that nurture emotional health. By understanding the unique ways individuals respond to sensory information, she helps them make informed decisions that empower them to feel more grounded and in control.
A Steady, Compassionate Voice for Mental Health
Nikki’s impact extends far beyond her individual clients. As a sought-after speaker and educator, she uses her platform to raise awareness around mental health and wellbeing. Her talks on stress, emotional capacity, and nervous system health are powerful, offering both practical tools and a shift in perspective that helps individuals and organizations build healthier, more resilient environments.
Through her writing and online presence, Nikki is helping to change the conversation around mental health, moving away from the idea of “fixing” people and instead focusing on supporting individuals in ways that honor their unique experiences. Her voice is a steady, compassionate presence in a world that often prioritizes productivity over personal wellbeing.
Embracing Wellbeing with Curiosity and Care
Nikki’s approach is not about offering quick fixes or easy answers. It’s about fostering a deeper understanding of what’s happening in our bodies and minds when we experience overwhelm, stress, or emotional flooding. By encouraging people to approach their feelings with curiosity rather than judgment, Nikki empowers them to build resilience and make choices that support their long-term wellbeing.
Through her work, Nikki invites us to reframe our relationship with sensitivity, emotions, and stress. These aspects of our human experience are not signs of weakness, they are part of what makes us whole. By understanding how to navigate them with care, support, and respect, we can create a more compassionate, connected, and resilient way of being.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
If you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or simply looking for a more compassionate way to navigate life’s demands, Nikki Smit’s work offers a thoughtful, grounded approach that can help you find your way. Through her sessions, speaking engagements, and resources, Nikki provides the tools and insights to help you understand your responses to stress, emotion, and everyday demands.
Visit Nikki’s website today to explore her services, workshops, and online resources, and begin your journey toward a more compassionate and steady approach to life’s challenges.
