Part 2:  What’s Good about Tech Use by our Neurodivergent Kids?   As a follow-up to our last blog post (Part 1: New Technology Guidelines for Kids), I want to share both sides of the debate about limiting vs. managing screens for our kids.  As a play therapist and child/teen therapist of 25 years, I, too, uphold Haidt’s suggestions to bolster good development among kids.  It’s great when parents can offer kids the opportunity for group play rather than solo screen usage, supportive communities rather than social isolation, dumbphones rather than smartphones (for as lo ..read more

  Part 1:  New Technology Guidelines for Kids  I’m writing about a hot topic for parents–how to handle technology for children with neurodivergence. After listening to Hanna Rosin’s Radio Atlantic story, Smartphone Kids are Not OK, I wanted to delve into the content in this area further for two reasons—-1) I, too, have a son with Autism, as does Hanna Rosin. Many typical tech guidelines aren’t practical with my uniquely wired son. (https://www.theatlantic.com/podcasts/archive/2024/03/smartphone-anxious-generation-mental-health/677817/). 2) I have also worked with hundreds of fa ..read more

“Don’t be surprised if you feel big things – or even start crying. When we stretch our hips lots of stuff tends to come up, because hips hold a lot of our emotional memory.” Now, as an actor and yoga instructor, I’ve heard a lot of wacky things over the years. I remember hearing this statement for the first time in acting school and I dismissed it. How can the body “hold” emotions? What does that even mean? Ridiculous. Well, dear reader, I was wrong.  While our minds perceive the world around us through thinking and analyzing, our bodies perceive the world through our five senses – sight ..read more

  Lately, a rash of coaching commentary on parenting approaches has emerged.  It can be challenging for parents to know what to rely on for their parenting approaches, especially for their neurodivergent children.  I want to share some basic information about parenting styles and add information I reviewed about Low-Demand parenting.    As a Parenting Specialist, I have read hundreds of parenting books and worked with thousands of parents, especially those of neurodivergent children or youth who need mental health services. In sum, Authoritative Parenting still seems ..read more

Stress is a ubiquitous part of life, something that we all experience in varying degrees and forms. Typically, when we think of stress, we envision the negative effects it can have on our mental and physical well-being. In my work as a psychotherapist, I work with clients who have experienced either acute or chronic stress. The resulting symptoms (anxiety, depression, dread, hopelessness, insomnia, difficulty focusing, low self-esteem, relational conflict, somatic complaints and conditions) are interfering with their wellbeing.  But what if I told you that not all stress is bad? In fact ..read more

Our thoughts and emotions can hold immense power over us, and that’s often what brings my clients into therapy. No matter how smart or skilled or successful we are, we are all susceptible to getting overwhelmed. Whether it is a loss, a life transition, a looming challenge or deadline, or just a pile-up of daily tasks, we can reach points where things feel out of control. In these moments, it can feel like our emotions are the absolute truth, dictating our reality and skewing our perception.  Enter the simple but powerful phrase to help break out of feeling stuck: “Real but not true.” I d ..read more

The concept of acceptance comes up all the time in therapy because it is a powerful part of the healing process. When we’re suffering, the thought of practicing acceptance can feel really elusive or even aggravating to think about it.  I’ve worked with clients who have had some pretty negative reactions to the word “acceptance.” I get it because I’ve felt that way at times too. How could we possibly accept our anxiety or depression or trauma? And why would we want to do that- aren’t we in therapy to get rid of these feelings?! Even worse- wouldn’t acceptance mean giving up, or maybe even ..read more

With Valentine’s Day approaching, it feels like the perfect time to write about love! While this day is traditionally associated with romantic love, as a therapist I reflect on love more broadly as an internal resource of compassion, affection, joy, kindness, and goodwill that can be directed outwardly or felt within.  Often love shows up in therapy when we are exploring pain or shame because there is a wound involving a loss of or a longing for love. Other times, love comes up as we explore relationships with self and others, and love is present in that connection.  One way that he ..read more

Neurodivergence and brain diversity have been my professional passions, guiding my work for the past 10-plus years. However, my passions in these areas took a personal turn this year when I was diagnosed with ADHD. This late diagnosis was eye-opening, finally allowing me to understand the unique workings of my brain. Embracing ADHD has allowed me to understand my brain and why I do things the way I do them. I’ve learned to love and appreciate my ADHD brain for its curiosity, creativity, and resilience. It’s a story of acceptance, growth, and finding strength in what makes me unique!  Wha ..read more

The holiday season can mean festive cheer and close family gatherings but it can also mean stress, overwhelm, or grief. It often prompts a whirlwind of emotions that can take us on a rollercoaster ride and leave us questioning where our time off went. In the midst of the holiday chaos, let’s explore some practical tips to cultivate mindfulness and help you become a more present version of yourself.  Mindful Moments in the Chaos: Engage Your Senses: While immersed in the holiday preparations, take a moment to pause and engage your senses. Feel the softness of your t-shirt, watch the flic ..read more