Posts

5 Take-Aways from the Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria Workshop

Image
#1.) There is a very large percentage of folks in the ADHD population who experience Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). And probably a lot of people in general. The most important thing I believe is to make it an exclusive feeling club where some don't feel like they are allowed to belong. If there is something that tugs your curiosity, it might be worth exploring... #2.) A lot of folks feel stuck with determining what rejection is "real" (validated) and what is "perceived" (a response that is considered out of prooportion by most people). The language can be confusing for feeling sane, acceptable, etc. The question came up, "Does it matter if rejection is real or perceived?" This could be a discussion in itself. I am moving outside of this binary to imagine impact of an experience and how to move from that forward. Looking at yourself from a fresh perspective of who you are and your needs to feel supported in growing and getting through this...

Survey Monkey Results about experiencing RSD...

Image
You will have to do a copy and paste of the link. Thank you for your efforts to be curious and learn. :) https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-TFafGC_2B1cbF6IDhfniZOMQ_3D_3D/#

Parents and kids working together to manage ADHD. Sharing my ideal morning self care plan. :)

Image
Hello! I am experimenting with posting here more...this morning I want to share some things that I do to assist my daily self care. I make a big smoothie with frozen wild blueberries, spirulina and whatever other items I have that sound yummy...both my child and I have ADHD, and I have gathered the info. somewhere that blueberries are beneficial for focus. We both have the smoothie as part of our breakfast and take our meds (during busier times, or when a routine is new or hard to maintain I set an alarm, I also am working on setting up the routine of filling the pill container weekly). We have created a routine that begins with smoothie and then following the steps to getting ready. I am available to prompt as needed, and I am also doing my routine as an ADHD parent of an ADHD child. We walk to school together with our pet dogs. This experience is regulating for both of us as we prepare to focus and do our best at our tasks ahead. Upon returning, is when I feel like I have c...

Meditation

Image
Chakra Journal Steps: 1. Meditation paired with journaling. After each chakra you will journal what you noted. Root Chakra: Sit or lie comfortably, closing your eyes. Imagine your body connecting and being nourished and held by the earth. Bring your attention to the space in your body that is near your tailbone. Take a couple of deep, full breaths. -The root chakra is often associated with basic needs such as sleep, eating, physical health, etc. -Reflect on how the past few days have been for you with meeting basic needs. Have you been able to get the sleep you need? Have you been drinking enough water? Have you been able to eat the foods you want to eat (i.e. desires to eat healthy or not skip meals, be balanced)…are there any excesses (sleeping too much, overeating, drinking alcohol or using other ways of self-medicating, etc.) or deficiencies (restricting yourself too much, not finding the time or focus to meet needs, etc.). Take a moment to journal about anything that stands out as...

Calm the nervous system.

Image
Practical Ways for Calming the nervous system.  Intentional Setting: Create a space that feels cozy to you, add comfy items like pillows, blankets, whatever you can think of with what you have on hand. Think about what matters to you (fairy lights, tea lights, incense, candles, or a nice smelling spritz or essential oils and reed diffuser. Have things that bring you to center here, oracle cards perhaps…This can be a refuge when you need a break.  Engage in an activity that brings your awareness to your physical body. Examples: Hot or cold showers, washing or splashing water on your face, or running water over wrists and noticing what it feels like. This can sometimes interrupt unproductive spinning out thoughts because you are shifting awareness.  Sensory soothing activity: When you have a warm load of laundry from the dryer, dump it out on top of you, and sometimes the combination of softness, warmth and weight can calm the nervous system.  Similarly weighted blankets, wei...

Practice Update.

Image
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change." -Carl Rogers, On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy. Six months into my therapist position at Intero, and as I reflect upon this burgeoning practice, although much remains the same, I have noticed ways I show up as a therapist have become more oriented towards Existential acceptance of mortality and death/loss in life, accepting change, loss, impermanance, limitation, freedom/responsibility and constructing meaning and alignment in life. From the decay emerges growth. I also have found myself relaxing more into my transpersonal background, an openness and affirming of transcendence, spirituality, synchronicity and decolonialized ways of healing. My clientele and learning has taken me deeper into research into the topic of neurodivergence particularly late diagnosed adults with, ADHD, AUHD, and ASD. I have a great interest currently in Rejection Sensitivity Dys...

I have joined Ellie Mental Health, accepting a wide array of insurances.

Image
I am excited to announce that beginning October 30, 2023, I will be working for Ellie Mental Health: https://elliementalhealth.com/ Ellie accepts a wide array of insurances. Please call this number to get on my calendar: 651-313-8080. Please note that I have accepted a position to also be trained as a psychedelic assisted psychotherapist. This is a hybrid position that also includes seeing clients through a more traditional talk therapy model. I am also capable and happy to facilitate art/creative therapies as well. I provide virtual services with Californians and Minnesotans, as well as in person sessions available for Minnesotans. My specialty clinic is called Intero: The office is located in Mendota Heights, MN.