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Supporting Teen Girls with Level 1 Autism in a Challenging World
In a world that often expects conformity, teen girls with Level 1 Autism are navigating a uniquely complex path—one filled with hidden challenges, unspoken anxiety, and the pressure to “fit in” at the expense of their well-being. While many may appear to be coping or even thriving externally, the truth is that these girls are often masking their struggles to avoid standing out. Underneath this mask, many are battling social exhaustion, sensory overload, emotional dysregulation, and intense anxiety that can quietly derail their mental health. The Silent Struggles of Teen Girls with Level 1 Autism Level 1 Autism—sometimes referred to as “high-functioning autism”—includes individuals who do not need substantial support…
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Life Transitions: 5 Ways to Rediscover Yourself in Times of Change
I’ll never forget the moment I transitioned into a new role in my career in 2018. For so long, I had been responsible for others—leading a team, guiding a program, carrying the weight of decisions and outcomes. And then, one day, I found myself in a position where my responsibility was only to myself and the people I served. It was a shift I didn’t fully anticipate. At first, it felt like a loss—an identity I had built for so long was no longer there. I had spent almost 5 years shaping the direction of others, and now, I had more time to breathe, more space to think. It felt…
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What Is the Connection Between Sleep and Mental Health?
In our pursuit of mental wellness, we often prioritize therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, yet we frequently overlook a cornerstone of mental health: sleep. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can have profound effects on our psychological well-being, impacting mood, cognitive performance, and overall mental health. Understanding the importance of sleep and recognizing lesser-known sleep disorders can pave the way to a healthier mind. The Importance of Sleep According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function optimally. Lack of sleep can lead to anxiety, irritability, and a decreased ability to manage stress. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can exacerbate conditions such as depression…
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How to Find Yourself: 3 Ways to Reclaim What Makes You Happy
There are lots of reasons why we may have lost ourselves: grief, trauma, parenthood, co-dependency, etc. This is why some of the most common goals I hear from my clients are “I want to find myself again,” “I want to figure out who I am,” and “I want to find what makes me happy.” It’s such an uneasy feeling not to feel connected to who you are, so let’s talk about ways to re-establish that connection. 3 Ways to Help You Find Yourself Again 1. Time Alone It can be difficult to hear our own inner voice when there is so much stimulus happening around us. Take time to be…
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10 Important Things to Know Before Starting Couples Therapy
Navigating the complexities of marriage can be challenging, and starting therapy is a proactive step that many couples consider. Whether you’re facing specific issues or just want to strengthen your relationship, therapy can be beneficial. So, let’s explore ten important things to know before beginning couples therapy: Starting Couples Therapy? 10 Key Facts Every Couple Should Know 1. It’s Never Too Early to Seek Help Many couples think therapy is only for times of crisis, but this isn’t true. It’s beneficial to seek therapy even when things seem relatively stable. Early intervention can help you develop better communication skills, address minor issues before they become major conflicts, and enhance your…
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How to Set Boundaries with Family and Protect Your Peace
The holidays can be a reminder for grief, a breeding ground for disappointment, and a healthy reminder of why we don’t see our extended family every day. These moments have made some of my clients realize that they want to change their boundaries with some of their family, or change their relationships with them. Here we’ll cover some tips on how to do that if you are in a similar situation. But first, let’s explore what setting boundaries means. What Setting Boundaries With Family Means? There can be some confusion about what setting boundaries really means. Your boundaries are about you and what behavior you will and will not tolerate;…
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How Do I Make Friends as an Adult?
This is a question I have been asked by so many of my clients: “How can I make friends as an adult?” As a society, we are lonelier than ever, and so many of us feel like we don’t even know where to start to try and change that. I hear this from young adults who have entered the workforce and don’t know how to connect with people outside of a school environment. I hear this from stay-at-home moms who feel isolated and like they only have their partner. And also from older adults who realize they don’t have anyone to talk to now that their kids are out of…
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3 Simple Shifts to Redefine Fear in 2025
The other day, my teenage daughter insisted on a Walmart run because our fridge was basically empty. I wasn’t in the mood to go inside, so I let her shop while I took a much-needed moment to myself. As I sat scrolling through social media reels, I stumbled upon a story that captured my attention—a woman named Wiebke Lühmann had spent the last year biking all the way from Germany to the tip of Cape Town in South Africa. Having traveled to Africa myself, I immediately thought, Wow, that is one huge undertaking. The continent is so vast and diverse—it’s not exactly a walk in the park. My second thought…
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3 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month! What does that mean? April used to be referred to as Autism Awareness Month. But as the years went on, the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) community felt that plenty of people were “aware” of ASD and that what the country really needed was Autism Acceptance. I recently saw a quote that said: “Awareness means you know I’m here; Acceptance means you are happy to see me.” I think that is a great way to differentiate what this means. So how can we be more accepting in how we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month? Autism Acceptance Month: 3 Ways to Celebrate and Show Support 1. Learn More…
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How Is Talking to a Therapist Different From Talking to a Friend?
This is one of the questions I get asked most frequently as a therapist: Why would I see a professional when I have my best friend with whom I can talk about my problems? What can a therapist do for me that I don’t get from venting to my spouse? I have even heard, “My dog is my therapist.” What’s the point in going to see a therapist? There are distinct differences in speaking to a professional and speaking to someone you know personally. Talking to a therapist should look very different from talking to a friend, so let’s get into those differences. 5 Key Differences Between Talking to a…
