Neurodiversity
Blog Articles

Many neurodivergent adults describe an emotional experience that feels intense, sudden, and deeply tied to relationships. A small comment can land like criticism. A quiet pause in a conversation can feel like disapproval. Even imagining that someone might be upset can send the nervous system into alarm. If any of this resonates, you are not alone. These experiences often fall under the umbrella of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, sometimes shortened to RSD. Understanding Emotio

Have you ever felt a strong reaction to criticism or perceived rejection? For some folks, these feelings can be particularly intense and overwhelming. This experience is known as Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), which can be common among neurodivergent individuals, especially for those with ADHD. Understanding and managing Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria can make a significant difference in how you navigate these emotions. Let’s explore what RSD is and learn effective ways

Searching for a new job can be overwhelming. Whether you’re transitioning careers or re-entering the workforce, managing job search related stress and anxiety, and avoiding burnout is essential for your mental well-being. While the process can be challenging, there are ways to protect your mental health and maintain balance during this journey. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s completely normal to feel anxious or frustrated. Instead of suppressing these emotions, take time to

Loneliness has become a pressing issue in American society, with profound implications for both mental and physical health. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated feelings of isolation, making it crucial to actively combat loneliness and foster connections. Below are five practical ways to address loneliness and build meaningful relationships: Initiate Communication: Take the first step by reaching out to loved ones through calls, texts, or visits. Rekindle old friends

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where Strategies for Body Negative Talk take center stage? You might hear phrases like, "Oh, I wish I could eat that…but I’m being good today," or "Those pants look amazing on you! I could never wear those–they wouldn’t look good on me." Such comments can create discomfort or awkwardness, especially depending on your relationship with the person. Often, these exchanges occur among women or those who identify as femme. We've been

Exploring the Afrocentric Therapy perspective reveals a profound emphasis on placing historical experiences and their implications at the forefront of Black discourse. This perspective transcends mere acknowledgment of the pain and trauma inherent in navigating society as a Black individual; it also celebrates the strengths of Black communities, encompassing language, tradition, celebration, and community-building. In societies where dominant forces control narratives and tra

Welcome to Part 2 of our Imposter Syndrome series. In our previous blog post, we delved into Dr. Valerie Young's five imposter types: The Perfectionist, The Expert, The Natural Genius, The Soloist, and The Super-person. For a more comprehensive understanding of each type, please refer to Part 1 of our series titled "Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Feelings of 'I don't deserve to be here' and 'I'm a fraud.'" Early research suggested that imposter syndrome was linked to factors s

Goal-setting strategies are a fundamental aspect of therapy that captivates many. While each person's approach to setting goals may differ, the shared aim is always the same: therapist and client alike strive to achieve desired outcomes. Robust goal-setting at the onset of therapy establishes a framework and direction for a structured plan and agenda in the sessions that follow. As a therapist, my goal is to ensure that every client receives commensurate benefits from therapy

The holiday season can be a time of both joy and stress, particularly for members of the LGBTQ+ community who may not always find themselves in welcoming environments. This quick guide offers five valuable tips to help you make the most of the holidays, whether you're celebrating with your biological family, chosen family, or on your own. 1. Identify Your Support System : Reach out to trusted friends and loved ones who understand and appreciate your unique experiences. Let th

These are common thoughts associated with individuals grappling with overcoming imposter syndrome. Initially described by psychologists Suzanne Imes, PhD, and Pauline Rose Clance, PhD, in the 1970s, imposter phenomenon (often referred to as imposter syndrome) was originally thought to affect mainly women. However, research on the topic has revealed that men also experience the feelings associated with imposter syndrome. Although it is not recognized as a mental health disorde

The concept of "therapy" can be intimidating, eliciting feelings of worry and anxiety while also inspiring emotions of hope and excitement. The act of seeking therapy signifies that you have come to a pivotal moment in your life, a point where you're ready to evolve from the coping mechanisms of the past and embrace the development of a more resilient, empowered version of yourself. While the ultimate goal of therapy is progress, it's essential to recognize that this journey

In a society that often emphasizes self-reliance and fortitude, it's essential to view seeking support for mental health challenges through the lens of embracing strength in mental health support. Recognizing that reaching out for help is an act of resilience and courage can be a powerful way to break down the stigmas that sometimes surround it. In this blog, we'll explore the journey of seeking mental health support as a path of strength, growth, and self-empowerment. The St

As the warmth of summer gracefully transitions to the crisp embrace of fall, many of us are met with changes in energy, mood, and physical well-being. While the allure of autumn festivities — from apple cider donuts to cozy knit sweaters — captivates our hearts, it's not uncommon for some to grapple with what's termed "Autumn Anxiety." Understanding Autumn Anxiety: Researchers note that symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can surface as early as late August. This on

As the school year kicks off and many people face increasing workloads and responsibilities, it's easy for positive habits to fall by the wayside and for less productive ones to take hold. Habit tracking benefits offer a helpful tool to combat this shift. A habit tracker lets you record behaviors you're aiming to modify or maintain, helping you stay on track with your goals. Humans, unsurprisingly, aren’t the best at objectively reporting our own actions. We might think we're

For individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the emotional landscape can often feel like a rollercoaster ride, with emotions surging, shifting, and rising with an intensity that might be perplexing to those without the condition. This heightened emotional experience is a common thread that runs through the lives of many with ADHD, and it can have profound effects on various aspects of their lives. Research has unveiled a fascinating connection between

Navigating the start of a new school year often brings children and adolescents back to early care and education programs, schools, or new programs. It's a time of significant change, with new routines, faces, and sometimes nerves, not only for children but also for parents and caregivers. While the return to school might not pose a challenge for everyone, there are several ways that parents and caregivers can support their children through this transition. 1. Reconnecting wi

Welcome to Part 2 of our self-care mini-series. If you're new to the discussion, let's quickly revisit Part 1, where we delved into common misconceptions about self-care, a topic that's increasingly gaining popularity. Here's a recap of the myths we dispelled: Self-care is selfish: Untrue. Self-care will solve all my problems: Incorrect. Self-care is merely relaxing: Misleading. Self-care is something you earn: False. Self-care consumes too much time: Definitely not. For a mo

In a world that bombards us with diets, meal plans, and conflicting nutrition advice, finding a sustainable and nourishing approach to eating can feel overwhelming. Enter intuitive eating—an empowering philosophy that encourages us to listen to our bodies, trust our instincts, and cultivate a healthy relationship with food. In this blog, we'll delve into the principles of intuitive eating and explore how this mindful approach can revolutionize our attitudes toward food and pr

Somehow, I find myself falling into TikTok rabbit holes on the subject of Gentle Parenting and Self-Compassion. I find this quite ironic as I'm not currently raising young children, and my usual TikTok habits include scrolling through therapist tok, neurodiverse tok, along with a blend of rescue animal, LGBTQ+, and baking content. The algorithm has grown well-accustomed to me, but recently it's been insistent that gentle parenting merits a place on my 'for you' page. Before w

Mental and physical health are intrinsically linked, a fact that is now widely recognized. Recent research demonstrates that the concept of Integrative Wellness underscores how certain physical conditions can impact mental wellbeing and vice versa. Comprehending this connection is a crucial step towards mitigating the likelihood of co-existing conditions and supporting those who already live with physical or mental illnesses. Addressing both physical and mental health can ind