How Clinicians can Embrace The Neurodiversity Paradigm in Practice: A Conversation with The Dorm’s Sam Jaffe, LMSW
Caron Starobin, LCSW-C, shares a recent conversation with Sam Jaffe, LMSW, of The Dorm. They talked about the Neurodiversity Paradigm as a foundation for neurodiversity-affirming care, why clinicians need to address their own ableism and why supporting a client’s family also supports the client.
Toxic Positivity: When ‘Good Vibes Only’ Goes Bad
Not every situation needs a silver lining or 'good vibes only.' Sometimes, life just sucks, and that’s okay. This blog explores why toxic positivity invalidates real emotions, the power of gratitude and dialectics, and how embracing the messy, full spectrum of feelings is where real healing begins.
Holiday-ing and Other Challenges: A How-To Guide
Starobin Counseling’s Executive Assistant isn’t a therapist, but she’s been there & done that as a parent in a neurodivergent family. Read Robin’s Holidaying and Other Challenges: A How-To Guide for a reminder that this feels hard because it IS hard…and tiny steps might make it a tiny bit easier.
Cherishing Each Other: Neurodiversity-minded Relational Living
When neurodiverse relationships run into tough times, partners want empathy…but sometimes they’re so busy blaming they don’t realize empathy is a two way street. Relational Life Therapy helps couples see the Double Empathy Problem in their relationship and steers them towards relational living.
Think It’s 2024? Your Brain Begs to Differ.
Imagine using a smartphone that’s never been updated. It would be slow, buggy and frustrating. That’s your brain, stuck in survival mode. It treats minor stressors like life-or-death threats. This blog explains how your ancient wiring causes modern anxiety and how to get that mental "update."
Break the Cycle of Parenting Burnout
Parenting burnout is a common challenge. Sacrificing what you (and your relationship) need in order to be a “good parent” can feel necessary in these unprecedented times. LCMFT Rikia Ancar offers practical strategies you can use to reduce burnout and increase harmony at home.
The “Wall of Awful”: Why Starting “Simple” Tasks Isn’t So Simple After All
Struggling to start tasks, even ones that seem simple? Wondering why common tips like “chunking” your tasks don’t actually help get you moving? Find out how to break free from task paralysis by navigating the emotions that come with it.
Mindfulness Part II: Psychological Flexibility- Your Mind Can Be as Flexible as a Yoga Guru
Ever feel like life’s storms are too much to handle? Stress at work, relationship woes, and endless DMV traffic--sound familiar? Discover how psychological flexibility, powered by mindfulness, can help you bend without breaking and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy offers a path to get there.
How to Survive Vacation: Travel Tips for Neurodivergent Adults
Traveling can be an amazing experience, but can also bring anxiety and discomfort to neurodivergent travelers. Find out how to manage the challenges of travel so your vacation ends up being a relaxing experience, rather than a stressful one.
PACE —Your Parent-Child Conversations to Lower Stress and Build Connection
Having a stressful conversation with an emotionally flooded child can intimidate even the most confident parent. Find out how incorporating Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy (PACE) into your conversations can open the way for increased connection and trust.