Pursuing therapy for the first time (or maybe even the fifth time!) can be daunting. Whether you are looking to build insight, change behaviors, or improve relationships, congratulations for recognizing that need and for taking this sometimes scary step in the right direction. Let me tell you a little bit about what to expect and […]
10
Sep
Sep
My life was changed when I learned mindfulness. Why? Consider this quote by Thich Nhat Hanh: “Mindfulness is the miracle by which we master and restore ourselves. Consider, for example: a magician who cuts his body into many parts and places each part in a different region—hands in the south, arms in the east, legs […]
10
Sep
Sep
You may have noticed that when you are sad, you feel less energy, or when you are excited, your heart races. It’s not just you; it is true that your emotions can affect not just your mind but also your body. In fact, your emotions are supposed to activate your body. That is why emotions […]
10
Sep
Sep
In addition to the cognitive behavioral therapy you are probably doing with your counselor or psychologist, there are several things you can do in between sessions to promote positive emotions and reduce the impact of negative emotions. Techniques for managing your emotions: 1. Get enough sleep. Sleep is not just something that is nice to have; […]
10
Sep
Sep
Values are our personal principles about what is good and right in the world and what is important to us. Research indicates that when our values motivate our actions, we are more likely to experience a well-formed sense of self, greater life satisfaction, and reduced psychological distress. Yet, we often get to a point in […]
10
Sep
Sep
Have you ever had a “love-hate” relationship? Of course you have… like you love your partner even though she may often nag you to help out, and you love your father even though it’s annoying how much he repeats himself. That’s because two apparently contradictory things can both be true at the same time. We […]
10
Sep
Sep
The vast majority of my clients go through life with a lens of shame. Maybe it’s an obvious shame, like if you cheated on a partner and can’t forgive yourself. Maybe it’s a very deep, hidden shame that you aren’t even aware of until you’ve been in therapy for a long time, like some perceived […]
03
Sep
Sep
Most people underestimate the impact of neurotransmitters on their mental health. This is particularly true if you have a condition that causes a deficiency or irregularity of a neurotransmitter. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in feelings of pleasure and joy, and when you don’t have enough of it (as in ADHD), you probably […]
03
Sep
Sep
Research has shown that neurodivergent (ND) individuals, particularly those with ADHD, are more likely to be justice sensitive. The term “justice sensitivity” refers to heightened awareness and concern for justice, fairness, equity, and inclusion, and some might extend it to heightened awareness and concern for misunderstandings and illogical or antisocial behaviors. If that sounds like […]
03
Sep
Sep
One of the most common complaints I get from my “Twice Exceptional” (2e) clients is worry about their interfering metacognition. Metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes. Metacognitive skills include self-awareness, cognitive regulation, and reflection. In neurodivergent (ND) individuals, metacognitive abilities can vary. Research suggests that it is less pronounced […]