New York Psychotherapy Collective Blog
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Unraveling the Misconceptions: Understanding Neurodivergence in ADHD and Autism
Unraveling the Misconceptions: Understanding Neurodivergence in ADHD and Autism
April 2nd is World Autism Day, and since we work with many adults with diverse diagnoses, we wanted to shed some light on neurodivergent conditions like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and how they’re commonly misunderstood. You probably know plenty of neurodivergent people and don’t even realize it, or maybe you’ll see some of your own traits in this blog! The term neurodivergent is an umbrella term that describes people who have different neurological abilities from those who are considered “typical” (though we don’t love that terminology since everyone’s brains are wildly different from one another!), which includes both ADHD and ASD. These conditions, though widely recognized, are often surrounded by misconceptions that can lead to stigma and alienation.
Setting Healthy Boundaries: What Self-Help Books Gloss Over and How To Stay on Track
Setting Healthy Boundaries: What Self-Help Books Gloss Over and How To Stay on Track
The art of setting boundaries is one that many struggle with, but is a necessary and fundamental life skill that leads to healthy assertiveness, self-confidence, agency, and a positive self-image. Before we can set boundaries, we must identify the behaviors we deem acceptable and those we do not, and make decisions from there that prioritize our well-being without harming others. Essentially, boundaries connect the space where our individuality ends and the realm of others begins. Mastering this skill empowers us to navigate interpersonal dynamics with clarity and ensures a healthy balance between our own personal needs and social interactions that involve others. The good news is that setting boundaries is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and honed. Even better, the techniques for boundary setting are quite straightforward once you know where to begin.
Mental Health Resources for Black History Month
Black History Month 2023 has arrived! We believe in the fundamental importance of engaging in anti-racist work and acknowledging and addressing the obstacles that members of the Black Community face daily and in their search for mental health care and support. We believe that therapy and medical care should be accessible to everyone and something that all people can feel comfortable and confident using to feel and live their best. It is our responsibility as socially just and anti-racist therapists to engage in work everyday to enhance our anti-racist practice, educate ourselves, and work to provide supportive therapeutic spaces and opportunities for everyone.
Am I Depressed? How to Recognize & Overcome Depression in Women
Let's get right to the point—research is finding 1 in every 3 adults in America is experiencing depression. The statistics are alarming but understandable in light of what has transpired in the world in the past two years. A lack of energy, increased anxiety, sadness, and overwhelm are feelings most of us have experienced since the start of the pandemic. They are also signs of depression. If you aren't feeling like yourself anymore or haven't in a long time, this article is for you.
10 Things You Can Do to Overcome Anxiety in 2022
The past two years have been filled with events and world circumstances that have pushed anxiety levels to the max. On top of that, we're all still facing the common obstacles and life situations that can cause anxiety, such as relationships, careers, and finances. If you're starting to feel like it's all too much and there seems to be no end in sight, we're here for you.
Home for the Holidays? 3 Tips to Use if You Have a Toxic Parent Relationship
Signs Your Parent Made A Toxic Environment For You Growing Up and How to Heal
We don’t have to relive the habits of our childhood on loop forever. We can rewrite those stories and reparent ourselves in adulthood to create healthier habits and boundaries with others.
How to Stop Catastrophizing & Why “Expecting the Worst and Hoping for the Best” Doesn't Help
How to Stop Catastrophizing
We often think that if we can “plan for the worst and hope for the best” then we will be both prepared for disappointment and pleasantly surprised by success. Unfortunately, what we fail to realize is how powerful our minds are, and that when we plan for the worst, we unconsciously create conditions for the worst to come true.
The Tragic Reality of Pregnancy and Infant Loss
T/W: miscarriage, infant loss
There are a lot of awareness days and months on the calendar that get a lot of attention. Most people know Black History Month is in February and Pride Month is in June. And it's important we continue to build awareness around these. But there are also lesser-known awareness days and months trying to bring attention to issues that many people are struggling with such as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
What Unexpected Gifts Did Quarantine Give Parents and Caregivers?
What Unexpected Gifts did Quarantine Give Parents and Caregivers?
Even though it wasn’t by design and during a tremendously difficult period, slowing down, spending more time with family, and doing projects benefitted families unexpectedly during quarantine.
Managing Your Children's Reactions to Unexpected Disappointments
Managing Your Children's Reactions to Unexpected Disappointments
Covid-19 has given all parents and caregivers a crash course in challenging conversations. Some of us feel that they weathered the storm better than others, but all parents and caregivers can agree that it never hurts to have more tools in the toolbox to deal with their children’s emotions.
"I'll Sleep When I'm Dead!" - Why Not Getting Enough Sleep Might Actually Accelerate that End Result
"I'll Sleep When I'm Dead!" - Why Not Getting Enough Sleep Might Actually Accelerate that End Result
Lack of quality sleep leads to a general slowing of alertness and inconsistent performance, especially in terms of attention, diligence, and focus. Sleep-deprived people are also more likely to get sick and to take longer to recover, leading to more days of missed work and a negative impact on work performance.
Stress Can Physically Change Our Brains, But We Can Treat and Prevent It!
Stress Can Physically Change Our Brains, But We Can Treat and Prevent It
When we experience stressful events, the amygdala (area of the brain focusing on emotional processing) sends an emergency signal to the hypothalamus (the brain command center) that says it’s time to pick the “fight or flight” response. The good news is that we don’t have to totally overhaul our lives in order to make positive changes. Small daily habits can improve brain health and keep us sharp.
How to Cope with Different Types of Stress in 2021
Our bodies are designed to do so much more than look cute in jeans!
That said, it’s totally normal to have feelings of self consciousness, embarrassment, shame, and guilt regarding their weight gain and changes to their outer appearance. Clients are stating they feel uncomfortable in their clothes, uncomfortable with their body shape and size, and fear for what others might say about their weight gain.
The Great Resignation: Whether You're Hiring or Seeking, How to Make Sure It's the Perfect Fit
The Great Resignation: Whether You're Hiring or Seeking, How to Make Sure It's the Perfect Fit
Whether you’re the hiring manager looking to fill roles after your workforce fled for a quieter life in the suburbs or a job-seeker who is ready to take a leap into something new, here are 3 strategies for each role to ensure you are both the perfect fit for one another.
So Your Office Went Fully Remote and You're an Extrovert
So Your Office Went Fully Remote and You're an Extrovert
How to survive working from home if you're an extrovert and your office went permanently remote. Like any unexpected changes, our default is to focus on the negative, but you may find that by reframing your mindset to focus on the positive aspects of working from home, you may end up finding yourself a lot happier than you anticipated.
WTF is a beach body? The beach is going to get whatever body I bring it!
WTF is a "bikini body" anyway?
Read on for 4 ways to let go of the pressure of having a bikini body and celebrate your own body this summer. Lean into your personality and what excites you to feel fun and confident in your bikini. We’ve spent too long away from our friends to let insecurities ruin our beach day now that we can finally have them again!