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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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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 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…
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Navigating Life After Divorce: How to Heal and Move Forward
Divorce can be one of life’s most challenging experiences, leaving you feeling lost, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future. However, many people find that with time, patience, and the right strategies, they can rebuild their lives and emerge stronger than before. I want to emphasize the importance of professional guidance, maintaining a healthy environment for children, prioritizing mental health, and embracing self-care. 6 Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Life After Divorce Here are some essential guidelines for managing life after divorce: 1. Choose the Right Attorney One of the first steps in navigating divorce is finding a good attorney. Your lawyer will play a crucial role in guiding you through…
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Pain Reprocessing Therapy: How to Train the Brain to Unlearn Pain
If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain for what feels like forever, you’ve probably heard it all: “Have you tried yoga?” “Maybe it’s your diet.” “It’s just stress!” Meanwhile, you’re over here thinking, If one more person tells me to meditate, I might just scream. Chronic pain can be exhausting, frustrating, and downright demoralizing. But what if I told you that your brain might be tricking you into feeling pain—even when there’s no real injury or ongoing damage? Enter Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), a science-backed approach that helps retrain your brain to unlearn pain. Sounds wild, right? Stick with me. Your Brain: The Ultimate Drama Queen Our brains are incredible.…
