Neurodiversity
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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

Shame and guilt are intense, complex emotions that we all experience at different times. They can be deeply uncomfortable, yet they serve essential roles in our moral and social development. It's crucial, though, to understand them and learn healthy ways to cope when they become overwhelming. Understanding Shame and Guilt: Shame and guilt are both self-conscious emotions, but they are distinctly different. Guilt is a feeling that arises when we believe we have done something

As the sun shines brightly and the temperatures rise, summer beckons us to embrace its warmth and vibrant energy. While this season offers ample opportunities for relaxation and adventure, it's important not to neglect our mental well-being amidst the excitement. In this blog, we'll explore some valuable strategies and practices to help you stay mentally healthy over the summer months, enabling you to make the most of this beautiful season. 1. Embrace the power of nature: One

Friendships are an essential aspect of our lives, providing us with support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Just like any other relationship, friendships require effort and nurturing to remain healthy and fulfilling. Whether you're looking to strengthen existing friendships or cultivate new ones, implementing strategies for maintaining healthy friend relationships is crucial. In this blog, we will explore effective strategies that can help you foster and sustain mea

The mind is an excellent tool for planning and problem-solving, but it's not so great at settling down and connecting with the here and now. For most people, the mind is swirling with thoughts, getting pulled in a million different directions—planning for the future, contemplating the past, getting caught up in narratives, or bouncing between what seems like a million tasks. Needless to say, these behaviors can result in considerable stress and anxiety, and cause you to miss