Supporting. . .
anxiety
Anxiety can be a regular, yet uncomfortable, part of life. In fact, almost everyone experiences anxiety to some degree. However, those with anxiety disorders may experience persistent fearfulness, avoidance, panic attacks, stomachaches, pain, or excessive shyness most days about a variety of different things. For instance, home life, school, work, friendships, self-image, and more may be reasons someone feels anxious. Often times, it helps for individuals (and their caregivers, if applicable) to learn how implement various techniques individualized for the client to ease symptoms of anxiety that may negatively be impacting one's life.​ It should be noted that all people are unique, and this may require some investigating to determine what strategies work best for them.
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Depression
Individuals may experience depression under a variety of circumstances; and can be due to one's health, life changes, grief/loss, family history, traumatic event(s), or their environment. Depression may occur when the individual faces persistent sadness that occurs all day, every day, for a prolonged period of time. Some symptoms of depression include overall sadness, crying, helplessness or hopelessness, decreased interest in activities, low energy, low self-esteem, irritability or anger, difficulties sleeping, self-harm, or suicidal ideation. Therapy can be beneficial in managing and understanding depression. At times, it may be beneficial for your therapist to work closely with the family or other medical professionals working with the client to optimize therapeutic benefits.
Social navigation
Neurodivergent individuals may experience differences in social navigation due to various neurotypes such as autism, pragmatic language difficulties, developmental delays, social anxiety, ADHD, etc. These life experiences along with co-existing neurodivergence can make it challenging for a person to navigate various social environments in which neurotypicality is the "norm." As such, some individuals seek support in learning ways to navigate a neurotypical world while being neurodivergent. Rather than viewing neurodivergent communication styles as deficient, it is important to acknowledge that neurotypical groups may experience misunderstandings when interacting with neurodivergent groups. This phnomenon is called the Double Empathy Problem. There is importance in having a mutual understanding and empathy for differences in social interactions.
NeurodiveRGENCE
"Neurodiversity" is a combination of the words, "neuro" (brain) and "diversity" (differences), thus roughly translating to "brain differences!" In other words, all brains are different. There is a large variation of neurocognitive functioning across all individuals. Neurodivergence is the term for when someone's brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently than the majority group. For example, individuals diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, OCD, TBIs, epilepsy, synesthesia, and for those with learning differences. Individuals who are neurodivergent can experience anxiety, depression, or social stressors due to being misunderstood by the world around them. It may be helpful to attend therapy to process emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, help to understand how emotions impact the mind/body, receive assistance in navigating social scenarios, learn about activities of daily living and self-care, identify safety concerns, and to receive affirmative care related to their overall life experiences.
bullying & self - esteem
In a world where the internet and social media is prominent, teens have access to a lot of information! While this can sometimes be beneficial in keeping in touch with their friends, it can also be detrimental to their wellbeing, depending on how they use the internet. Sharing one's life and being vulnerable on social media may lead to bullying via social media, which can lead to bullying in-person. Bullying can occur outside of the internet as well in the school and community settings. Sometimes, children and teens may not feel comfortable coming to their parents or teachers to ask for help. Long-term bullying can also impact one's self-esteem and how they view themselves. Therapy can address these issues and help teens understand how the internet and media may be influencing their self-perception.
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
It is exceptionally important that LGBTQIA individuals feel supported by their parents, family, counselors, and peers so that they can be their true, authentic self. Additionally, adolescence is a time where individuals explore their gender or sexual identities. As such, it is important for individuals to experience a safe, unconditionally supportive space that offers them validation and affirmation in the context of therapy and beyond.
Mood variations
Variations in mood include mood-related disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. It can be helpful to find an approach that is tailored to your unique needs, focusing on building resilience, improving emotional regulation, and cultivating a sense of well-being. Facing persistent mood challenges or situational difficulties can be difficult to navigate alone. Therapeutically, it can help to feel you are being provided with compassion and support for these mood variations.
Parenting
Parents often find themselves having to navigate the unique challenges of raising children in a complicated society - especially if their child is neurodivergent, has mood-related struggles, or disabilities of any kind. It can be helpful to find ways to understand and connect with your child, identify your family values, increase resilience, and cultivate a nurturing environment for the whole family. Parenting support can be helpful if you're looking for strategies for daily challenges or if you are needing deeper emotional support to improve your overall wellbeing. Additionally, if you are a neurodivergent parent, you understand the unique challenges your child faces on a personal level! Affirming therapy can help empower you with strategies that honor your family’s strengths and needs.
Therapy for therapists
Being a therapist comes with its own unique set of challenges - especially when it comes to maintaining work/life balance! It can help to have a confidential space to explore your own emotional needs, professional stressors, and personal growth. For neurodivergent therapists, finding support that recognizes and honors your unique experiences, while helping you navigate your professional and personal life with greater resilience and self-compassion can be a huge relief!
pathological demand avoidance
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile on the autism spectrum where individuals experience intense mental and physiological anxiety around demands or expectations, even for tasks they may usually enjoy. Therapy can provide PDA-ers a low-demand, compassionate, understanding space to explore the root of their responses, develop self-advocacy tools, and learn strategies to manage demand-related anxiety in a way that honors their unique needs and preferences.
Masking
Masking is the process of hiding or suppressing one’s natural behaviors or traits to fit in socially, often at a significant personal cost for neurodivergent individuals living in a world that wasn't made for them. Over time, masking can lead to feelings of disconnection, anxiety, and exhaustion. Affirming therapy helps clients explore what it means to embrace their true selves without fear of judgment, work on strategies to unmask comfortably, and build confidence in being authentic in their relationships and daily life.
Autistic burnout
Autistic burnout is a state of intense physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that can result from prolonged social demands, masking, and sensory overload. It can be debilitating, affecting all areas of life. Affirming therapy offers a supportive and affirming environment where clients can understand, process, and recover from burnout. To reduce burnout in the future, it can help individuals to identify triggers, build sustainable self-care routines, create and uphold boundaries, self-advocate, engage in special interests, and create accommodations that reduce future stress.