About
Meet Kara
​​​Hi there. I’m Kara Winlaw, a registered occupational therapist based in Greater Vancouver, BC. For over a decade, I’ve worked in community mental health and social service settings, supporting adults with ADHD to navigate the ups and downs of daily life. Whether you're looking to strengthen time management skills, manage emotions, handle challenges at work, school, or home, or just keep up with daily responsibilities, I'm here to offer practical support. ​​​
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I hold a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy and have extensive training in executive functioning, mental health, vocational rehabilitation, and evidence-based strategies for daily living. My passion lies in helping individuals create personalized systems that work with their unique brains, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
You’re Not Alone — I’m Walking This Path Too
Beyond my professional credentials, I'm also a fellow ADHDer. I know firsthand the unique blend of creativity, chaos, insight, and intensity that comes with a differently wired brain. I also understand how overwhelming ADHD can feel without the right support, and the courage it takes to seek help.
My lived experience offers an understanding beyond textbooks. It's insight born from navigating daily challenges, learning through trial and error, and discovering what truly works. I don't just understand ADHD from a clinical lens; I live it every day. I can relate to feeling stuck, lost, and frustrated because I've been there myself. This personal journey shapes every tool, approach, and conversation I offer.
W​​​hile everyone's ADHD experience is unique, my own helps me create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can show up as you are, speak openly about your challenges, and start building meaningful change at your own pace.
Why I Started Unmuddle ADHD
I founded Unmuddle ADHD to address a critical gap in adult ADHD care: the need for comprehensive, evidence-based support that extends beyond medication and speaks directly to the challenges of daily life. I repeatedly observed adults with ADHD overwhelmed by everyday demands, unsure where to turn for help beyond pharmaceuticals. Experiencing the system from both sides, as a clinician and someone living with ADHD, deepened my awareness of what was missing. It became clear that a different kind of support was needed.​​
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I recognized the necessity for adult ADHD services to move beyond neurobiology to directly address the real-world impact of ADHD on daily functioning, routines, and overall well-being. These services should be designed to honour each person’s unique journey and lived experience, allowing them to shape support around what matters most in their lives.
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Occupational therapy, with its emphasis on daily function and commitment to client-centered care, provides a practical and empowering framework for ADHD support. It transforms insight into meaningful action, equipping adults with sustainable strategies tailored to their needs, goals and values. Unmuddle ADHD was created to deliver precisely this kind of holistic, practical, and individualized support, guiding individuals toward greater clarity, consistency, and meaningful change in their everyday lives.
How I Work
My approach is holistic and client-centered, meaning I see you as a whole person and tailor support to fit your unique needs and life circumstances. We work together, integrating your insights and goals with evidence-based interventions like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I believe growth happens when we feel safe, understood, and accepted—not pushed to be someone we're not. You're the expert in your life; my role is to collaborate with you to build on your strengths and find practical tools that fit your experience. ADHD doesn't mean you're broken, it simply means your brain processes the world differently. I offer neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally safe care that welcomes all identities and fosters a space where you feel seen and respected just as you are. ​​
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Managing ADHD takes commitment, and active participation is expected, including homework and practice between sessions. However, you're not doing this alone—I provide compassionate, flexible support adapted to your pace and challenges, guiding you every step of the way. My goal is to help you gain the tools and confidence to flourish on your own terms.​
The Person Behind the Occupational Therapist
Outside of work, I’m someone who thrives on curiosity, humour, and honest conversations. You’ll usually find me outdoors—walking forest trails or relaxing by the water. Nature is where I feel most grounded. I love exploring new places and ideas, whether through travel or meaningful connection with others. As a parent, I have learned how much it helps to stay flexible, keep a sense of humor, and go easy on myself when things get hectic. I've never fit the mold—and today, that's something I deeply value about myself.