A Neurodiversity-Affirmative Approach to Thinking About Autism
For the past thirty to forty years, the medical model and psychological disorder lenses dominated the conversation about autism. Now, autistic voices are being heard. The neurodiversity perspective has grown in recognition and popularity. Neurodiversity-affirmative therapists are showing up, and they are tailoring their therapeutic approaches. This is similar to therapists who Learn More
10 Ways to Stop Being Your Worst Critic
Everyone faces criticism at times. Obviously, this is not a fun experience. Especially if the person criticizing you is someone you love. And, for many people, they are actually the harshest critic they’ll ever face. Their internal monologue can be relentlessly self-critical. Thankfully, there are ways to stop being your own worst Learn More
Why You Should Let Your Kids Fail and How to Do it Right
It can be really, really tough to watch your children struggle. As they move into their teens and early twenties, they are making more important decisions for themselves. This is both gratifying and terrifying for parents. What if they fail? But let’s be clear. Failure is not an “if” concept. Everyone has Learn More
Need to Calm the Storm?– 3 Steps for “Sitting” with Your Painful Emotions
When you feel upset, it’s only natural to try to feel better as quickly as possible. After all, fleeing from pain is what human beings do — whether it’s in the form of a saber-toothed tiger or an anxiety-provoking situation. Unsurprisingly, most of us ignore, dismiss, or bottle up our painful emotions. Learn More
7 Ways to Handle FOMO (the Fear of Missing Out)
Technology can be a powerful, useful, and productive tool. And our smartphones, in particular, enable us to connect with others in an unprecedented way. Unfortunately, though scrolling through social media can be fun, it can also become a dysfunctional coping mechanism related to underlying issues. Your phone, iPad, or computer can leave Learn More
10 Ways to Calm Your Anxiety Without Medication
Often times, when a client with anxiety first starts working with me, they wonder if they need to see a psychiatrist right away for medication. Many fear needing to have to take a pill for the rest of their lives in order to calm their anxiety. Thankfully, though medication can sometimes be Learn More
How to Effectively Advocate for Yourself at Work
Navigating the workplace of a full-time job can be challenging for anyone. There are so many moving parts, it can sometimes feel like an ever-changing obstacle course. For autistic adults, that obstacle course usually involves, well… a lot more obstacles. A major factor in succeeding at work, autistic or not, is to Learn More
How to Let Go of Anxiety and Start Adulting Like a Boss
Anxiety is a notorious and very common roadblock. It can cramp anyone’s style, regardless of who you are. When it comes to the general task of being a functional and productive adult, anxiety can be like throwing a wrench into a finely tuned machine. Everything just comes to a grinding halt. Adulting Learn More
How to Help Your Emerging Adult Child Be More Realistic About Their Future
Emerging adulthood is a time of transition. As a child, you possess a sense of optimism– the world is your oyster. Infinite possibilities lie ahead of you, and it’s possible to attain whichever one you set your heart on. Upon entering adulthood, you begin to blend that child-like optimism with hard-earned pragmatism. Learn More
Finding Your Passion-Driven Career Path When You Have An Anxiety Disorder
When an anxiety disorder affects so much of your thinking and way of being in the world, decision-making can be deeply affected. Allowing your passions to take the wheel of your career can seem too risky. It may even seem impossible. Learn More
Executive Functioning Tips for College Students with ADHD
Even under the most ideal circumstances, college is a time of challenges. In college, students juggle competing responsibilities and activities, handle stressful transitions, and face independently managing themselves for the first time. Not to mention, managing a newly open and less structured schedule requires some serious executive functioning skills. And for students Learn More
How to Survive and Thrive as an Autistic Adult in a Neurotypical World
It’s not easy being an autistic adult in a neurotypical world. Existing in and navigating a world that isn’t made for you is exhausting. Even mundane activities like grocery shopping can become overwhelming chaos. Without a healthy perspective, a reserve of survival skills, and a dedicated support system, trying to survive the Learn More
Get Your Teen to Talk to You
Did you know that teens who talk to their parents about their daily activities and discuss their inner thoughts and feelings are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and have lower levels of anxiety and depression? Yup! That’s a big benefit to trying to get your teen to talk to you! Learn More
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome can sneak up on you at any point in your career, but I’ve found that young people in the workforce tend to struggle with this the most. Even the most talented, competent workers can feel like they don’t belong or are less qualified than their peers. Thankfully, these self-defeating beliefs Learn More
Stress Reduction Tool: Safe Place Visualization
The “Safe Place Visualization” exercise is a powerful stress-reduction technique. When feeling stressed and overwhelmed, you can use this to soothe and calm yourself. It’s most effective when you’re really able to immerse yourself without any distractions, so be sure to do this in a quiet place where you can focus Learn More
Parenting Your College Freshman
Parenting a college freshman feels like walking a tightrope. You want to stay close with them and ensure they feel supported. But you also want them to start learning how to be a responsible adult and become more independent. And what makes it harder is that you aren’t there anymore. You can’t Learn More
How to Find the Right Therapist for You
Living in a big city like Los Angeles has its perks. One of which is that there’s an abundance of psychologists and therapists to choose from. However, that can also make the process of finding the right therapist a little overwhelming. How do you know who’s the right mental health professional for Learn More
Using a Weighted Pros and Cons List to Make Good Decisions
Oftentimes, if you struggle with anxiety, you become paralyzed when it comes to making decisions. Instead of taking action, you get stuck in a loop, thinking and overthinking what to do. I created a technique called “weighted pros and cons list” to help my clients get unstuck and making decisions. Watch to Learn More
Don’t Forget to Enjoy Your Teen or Emerging Adult
Just a friendly reminder to all the parents of teens and emerging adults out there… Don’t forget to enjoy your kids! Don’t make all of your interactions about reminders and serious discussions about the future. Balance it by spending enjoyable quality time with them and celebrating what they’re doing right! At the Learn More
What to do When Your College Kid Texts You Too Much
We often focus a lot on parents needing to learn to let go when their kid goes off to college. But what do you do when it’s your college kid that seems to be struggling to let go? They may be texting and calling 10-20 times a day. I talk about two Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions about FERPA
Chances are, you’ve spoken to your teen’s teachers or school administrator at least once. More likely, you’ve probably communicated with your teen’s school numerous times over the years. You’re used to being in the loop. That’s why so many parents are shocked when they learn that they have no access to your Learn More
7 Ways to Encourage Your Teen to Go to Therapy
Parents often ask me how they can convince their teenager or emerging adult to go to therapy. Before broaching the idea with your child, first reflect on if it’s necessary to convince them to attend therapy. If the answer is yes, here are seven tips that may help you get your child’s Learn More
Giving Reminders, Without Ruining Your Relationship with Your Child
Too often, parents’ reminders to their teens and emerging adults are met with eye rolls, exasperated sighs, and frustration. If you keep these five things in mind, you’re more likely to keep your positive relationship with your child intact… even while giving those necessary reminders! Learn More
Teaching Medication Management to Your College-Bound Teen
For college-bound kids who take medication, medication management is of paramount importance. All too often I’ve seen college students struggle because they inconsistently take their medications or run out of their meds. Instead of hoping that your college-bound child will know how to manage their medication when they land on campus, intentionally Learn More