Neurodiversity
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As we approach what I like to refer to as the second chapter of 2024 (i.e., the month of February), many of us who began the year with the goal of becoming the healthiest version of ourselves may have encountered setbacks or paused along the journey. However, with the new month comes an opportunity to evaluate and reflect on the benefits of these goals. Today, I want to delve into the benefits of exercise. While the topic isn’t new to most of us, many may not fully appreciate

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in stress, anxiety, and the pursuit of what we don't have. However, taking a moment to reflect on what we are thankful for can have a profound impact on our mental well-being. In this blog, we'll explore the concept of gratitude and how practicing it can enhance your mental health. What is Gratitude? Gratitude is the practice of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of our lives. It involves a

As the new year begins, many of us feel inspired to reflect on the past year and create opportunities for growth and expansion. In 2024, I encourage you to consider intention setting instead of traditional New Year's Resolutions. Intentions provide room for flexibility, authenticity, and sustainable personal growth. Often, we tend to abandon our resolutions in January, burdened by perceived failure or pressure to achieve, which can lead to feelings of shame, criticism, and do

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

Many of us are already aware of the research-backed benefits of spending time outdoors on our physical and mental well-being. It should come as no surprise, then, that gardening offers a multitude of advantages for our mental health. While gardening was once primarily associated with older generations, its popularity is on the rise for a very good reason. 1. Cultivating Acceptance: Gardening provides a wonderful opportunity to practice acceptance, a key aspect of managing an

Therapy carries a multitude of meanings for different individuals. For some, it's a transformative journey, while for others, it's a path toward improving their quality of life. Some seek therapy as a consistent outlet for sharing their thoughts and feelings. These varying perspectives are entirely valid, and it's normal for individuals to enter therapy with diverse expectations. These expectations can also evolve, sometimes even within the first few weeks. This is why I emph

As leaves adopt their autumnal hues, and nights grow chillier, we're reminded that fall has arrived. Soon enough, the holiday season will be upon us—a time filled with joy, the warmth of loved ones, and cherished traditions. Yet, for many, especially the neurodivergent, the holidays can pose unique challenges. Here are some holiday tips for the neurodivergent to help you navigate the festive season with ease: 1. Plan Your Schedule Early: Before November and December roll aro

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 the past decade, the body positivity movement has paved the way for alternative perspectives on body image to take center stage. Among these, body acceptance, fat acceptance, and body neutrality have emerged as powerful notions. Anne Poirier beautifully defines Body Neutrality as the art of "Not supporting the hatred of our vessel (our physical structure) or the love and adoration of our vessel." Poirier invites us to appreciate our bodies and their functions through neutr

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

Welcome to the final installment of our self-care series on holistic self-care! In our previous post, we delved into the first four pillars: mental, emotional, physical, and environmental self-care. Let's take a quick look back to refresh our memory: Mental: This pillar focuses on cultivating a healthy mindset through stress reduction, skill development, and nurturing knowledge and creativity. Emotional: Here, we explored the art of cultivating self-compassion, developing e

Traveling abroad offers an opportunity to explore new cultures, meet new people, and make lifelong memories. However, for those managing mental health issues, it can pose unique challenges. Here's how to ensure your mental health doesn't get left at the departure gate. 1. Plan Ahead - Before you travel, research mental health resources available at your destination. This could include locating therapists or counseling centers, psychiatric services, and understanding what ment

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

Self-care has garnered significant attention in recent years, often leading to the misconception that it involves indulging in candles, face masks with cucumbers on your eyes, and binge-watching the latest Netflix series. While these activities may be part of self-care, it is crucial to recognize that "Demystifying Self-Care" reveals a much more comprehensive concept than what your #Selfcaresunday feed might portray. Let's debunk some of the misconceptions surrounding self-ca

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