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Entering into a new relationship can be both exciting and nerve wracking. However, it is also a crucial time to create healthy, strong boundaries right out the gate to set your relationship on a course to thrive and succeed. Setting boundaries early in a relationship is important, it is much easier to do this at the beginning while you're both learning how to navigate your new dynamic together rather than waiting too long and having more difficulty breaking established habits and routines. At this time, you may be thinking why exactly healthy boundaries need to be implemented at this stage of a relationship? After all, things are all rainbows and butterflies right now. This is the perfect time to dive in and set boundaries while you're both eager to fulfill each other's needs and respect each other's requests. But how do you go about setting healthy boundaries in a new relationship if things are already going well? This blog will talk about some essential boundaries a healthy new relationship should have and how to go about implementing them. First and foremost, you need to be able to communicate openly and honestly with your partner in order for your relationship to work effectively and to set healthy boundaries. This is a skill I work with couples on every day. Therapy is a great tool to learn how to communicate better with your partner. For now, remember to advocate for your wants and needs, use “I Statements” to minimize blame and criticism, and listen reflectively when your partner communicates to you. Once communication is practiced and worked on, boundaries can begin to be implemented. Some suggestions of healthy and effective relationship boundaries to set with your new partner are as follows: Self-Advocate: One of the most important boundaries you can implement into your new relationship is the freedom to communicate your wants, needs, thoughts, and opinions to your partner. Don't be afraid to say no. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Be clear, advocate for yourself and the things you like and don't like and don't question your right to speak up. This is going to help you to feel supported, respected, and fulfilled in your new relationship. Set a Comfortable Pace: Always remember to take things at a pace that you are comfortable with. You can take things as slow as you feel you may need, this is also your right! Don’t rush into things before you are ready, especially if you are doing so because you think it's what your partner wants. If you're making decisions for your partner vs yourself, this sets you on a path to resentment later in the relationship, and essentially your own unhappiness. If your new partner respects you and your boundaries, they will be comfortable meeting you at the speed you are comfortable with. Discuss Expectations: Make sure you are being clear about your expectations for your relationship. In every relationship, we have things we want and things we are striving for. For example, maybe you are looking for marriage or children. These are important aspects to discuss with your partner if things are getting to a serious stage. You want to know if the things you know you want and are important to you are compatible with your partner’s expectations of a relationship. If not, this isn't always a deal breaker if you don't want it to be. It opens things up for discussion on compromise, learning each other's inner goals and desires, and exploring compatibility on a deeper level. Explore Intimacy: Sex is a big deal in a lot of relationships. My biggest suggestion to explore intimacy together is discussing some of your sexual boundaries, wants, needs, thoughts, and areas of uncomfortability with each other. The best and mutually beneficial intimate relationships happen when both partners are open with each other about their stance on sex and intimacy. The more you know and understand about each other in this department, the easier it is to have a positive intimate connection where both partners feel respected. Intimacy doesn't always mean sex though. Intimacy is also emotional connection and non-sexual physical touch. Being able to identify you and your partner's love languages can be a useful tool in helping each other to understand how and why you want to receive love and intimacy the way you do. You can take the quiz and learn more about the love languages here. Share Details Freely: As you feel more comfortable, don't hold back from opening up about personal details, information, and dynamics about you and your life that you maybe didn't get to disclose in the “dating phase” with your new partner. You want to make sure the person you are engaging in a new relationship with is open to accepting and able to fit in with who you are and everything that comes with that. As always, you can do this at your own pace, but it’s important for your partner to know the things that make you, you! Family details, background, political beliefs, friendships, work schedules, obligations, interests, hobbies, and more are all on the table when it comes to the “getting to know” someone aspect of a relationship. Whenever you feel ready, get to sharing! The more you know about each other, the more you'll be able to determine your compatibility. If you and your partner are struggling to set healthy boundaries, starting couples therapy early can be an excellent resource to set your new relationship up for success and happiness. Call me today at 954-391-5305 to discuss how therapy may be an option to help. We have a big, brand new, beautiful office located in Plantation, Florida that can accommodate all your relationship needs. Virtual therapy is also an awesome option for couples with busy and conflicting schedules. For more information about my approach or my services, visit my bio here. I look forward to hearing from you!

Anxiety comes in many forms and is described in many ways. Regardless of how your anxiety shows up, those who struggle with anxiety can all agree that it is an uncomfortable feeling and can significantly impact your day-to-day life. Anxiety is most commonly described as excessive worry that one cannot control. This excessive worry can be triggered by past traumas, current stressors, or concerns about the future. Completely eliminating anxiety is unrealistic for most but managing it so that it doesn’t become consuming is a goal for many. Learning how to manage your anxiety can help improve your day-to-day functioning and help you feel like you have more control over your life and your emotions. Before getting into helpful ways to manage your anxiety, let’s first look at the different ways that anxiety can show up. As mentioned above, anxiety can show up in many forms and the lists below are just a few common examples. Some examples of physical anxiety: Shortness of breath Chest pains Trouble sleeping Shaking/sweating Upset stomach Some examples of emotional anxiety: Panic attacks Fatigue Paranoia Irritability Isolation If you are someone who is aware of their anxiety, these symptoms are not news to you. However, if you are unsure of what you’re experiencing, referring to the symptoms above may help you to make sense of your patterns. It is always recommended to reach out to a mental health therapist and/or medical professional if you are having questions about the symptoms you are experiencing. Often anxiety can worsen and become crippling if not acknowledged and managed in healthy ways. Below are some helpful tools to implement to decrease the likelihood of your anxiety consuming you. Breathing Exercises: Breathing is an extremely powerful tool when it comes to managing anxiety. Not only does it help with the physical symptoms but focusing on your breath can be a powerful way to distract your mind from the excessive worry that it is creating. Equal Breathing – this exercise allows you to focus on your inhale and exhale for the same amount of time. This exercise can be done either sitting or lying down, whatever is more comfortable for you. It is also recommended that you close your eyes to eliminate distractions while breathing. The goal is to inhale slowly for 4-6 seconds, hold briefly, then exhale slowly for 4-6 seconds. Repeat this cycle until you feel your heart rate decreasing. Exhale Focus Breathing – this exercise is aimed to focus more on your exhaling. This exercise can be done sitting, standing, or lying down. Focusing on the exhale is a helpful way to decrease anxiety, but it is also encouraged throughout the day to stay grounded and assist with calmness. The goal is to exhale for longer than you inhale, with a recommendation of inhaling for 4 seconds, holding briefly, and then slowly exhaling for 6 seconds. Guided Meditation Breathing – this exercise produces calmness and grounding. Guided meditation walks you through different breath exercises and allows you to focus solely on following the guide, therefore eliminating the focus your mind has on your anxiety. There are many YouTube videos and phone apps that provide this tool, just search “guided meditation breathing” into the search box. Journaling People often underestimate the power of writing when it comes to your mental health. Keeping a journal that you record in daily can help you become more aware of your feelings, process these feelings, and lessen anxiety associated with these feelings. Journaling practices are a healthy way to recognize triggers for your anxiety and therefore become more aware of how to manage these triggers in the future. Ideas for journal entries can include: Feelings experienced throughout the day and what triggered these feelings Goals for the following day Positive affirmations It is also important to know that there doesn’t need to be a specific outline or template when it comes to journaling. Sometimes just writing whatever comes to mind can be a healthy release and a healthy outlet for processing your emotions. Physical Activity Physical exercise can positively impact many areas of life, mental health being one of these. Not only is it healthy for your body, but it is also healthy for your mind. Physical activity releases endorphins which can help ease your mind and your sense of calmness. Exercise is also a good way to push yourself, therefore causing the mind to focus on that instead of the anxiety you are feeling. Exerting yourself physically is a great way to release negative emotions and feel a sense of accomplishment afterwards. Engaging in a physical activity is a helpful coping skill to manage anxiety when you feel it increasing but it is also encouraged to incorporate into your regular routine to decrease the frequency of the anxiety showing up. Physical exercise doesn’t have to mean engaging in anything too intense. Some easy, yet helpful options include: Taking a 20 minute walk Signing up for a yoga or exercise class Taking a bike ride in an environment that is calming (beach, park, etc.) Reframe Your Thinking Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used in therapy to help individuals learn the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A big part of CBT is reframing your negative thought patterns. Often, negative thoughts or stress about the future can cause an increase in anxiety. Being able to reframe your thinking and change your perspective on the anxiety producing situation can be a game changer. The mind is a powerful place, and if you put effort into taking a more positive outlook on situations, it can significantly reduce anxiety and assist with managing it in the future. The more you practice reframing, the easier it becomes to implement in the moment when you are experiencing an anxiety producing thought. Below is a helpful chart to use to practice reframing your negative thoughts. Speak Directly to Your Anxiety Often, when someone is experiencing anxiety, they try to convince themselves otherwise or blame it on something else. Without realizing it, this often gives the anxiety more fuel and causes it to increase. Although it may seem like a foreign idea, speaking directly to your anxiety and acknowledging its presence gives it less power and helps to decrease the level of anxiety you are experiencing at that moment. Getting into a pattern of speaking directly to your anxiety is great for managing symptoms and feeling as though you have more control in the situation. Some helpful go to lines to say to yourself include: I am experiencing anxiety, I am aware of what I am feeling, it will not last. This feeling of anxiety will pass, and I can make a conscious effort to not fuel it. I have the ability to take control of my anxiety and not allow it to consume me. These are just a few examples, but it’s best to practice and find out what works best for you. There is also no perfect script for this practice, and sometimes just saying whatever comes to mind, while being mindful of speaking directly to the anxiety itself, is helpful. There is no exact handbook to managing anxiety, as everyone’s symptoms and responses are different, but putting in effort to figure out which strategies work for you is a good place to start. With work and practice, you can help to decrease how consuming your anxiety is and stop it from negatively impacting your day-to-day tasks. Having tools in your pocket to use when needed also helps to provide a sense of preparedness, which aids in the effort to give your anxiety less power. If you need additional support or strategies to manage anxiety, depression, or other challenges, I invite you to contact me for your complimentary consultation at 954-391-5305. I provide counseling for adults at our beautiful new office in Plantation, Florida and across the state for those who reside in Florida. For more information about myself and my services, click here. I look forward to speaking with you!

Every day there is someone out there who tries to break an unhealthy habit. Every year, people sit down to make a New Year’s resolution to stop doing something that is harmful to them. That might be you reading this, wondering “why can’t I just stop?” As someone who stopped smoking years ago, I understand how difficult it is to break a habit that has become deeply ingrained. You may have already attempted to stop on your own, but you just keep finding yourself going back to the pack of soothing skinny cigarettes or, nowadays, flavorful vapes. If you are reading this far, I would like to reassure you that there is a big part of you that wants to break this unhealthy habit. You are well aware of the benefits of quitting smoking. You have read the statistics and know the risks of what can happen if you continue. Maybe you have already experienced some of the unhealthy consequences of smoking, but you still struggle to stop. Before I introduce you to the “Clean-Break” - a 4-week program to help you stop smoking through hypnosis/hypnotherapy, I would like to clarify a myth regarding smoking: smoking does not relax you! Yes, you read that right. Nicotine is a stimulant and the more you smoke it, the more anxiety you will experience. Whether this is news to you, or you already knew it, I know you want to stop, so you can feel healthier, stronger, and free. Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. The Clean-Break Program developed by Wellness Institute is a 4-week program that will help you stop smoking through learning to focus. This program uses Heart Centered Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy to help you break the unhealthy habit of smoking so you can live a healthier, happier, and free life. The first thing that you need to start this program is willingness. To step into a new freedom and happiness, you need to be willing to do what it takes to keep showing up for you. When you are consistent on the little basic mundane things that are easy to quit, you will experience real freedom and happiness. That is why this program has daily homework and steps. Throughout the 4 weeks of us working together, you will have daily/weekly homework assignments. You will be expected to do the “work” every day prior to the next session in order to get the best results from our work together. Here’s an overview of the 4 weeks to stopping smoking: WEEK 1: During the first week, we will explore your relationship with smoking so you can learn to recognize your triggers that lead you to smoke. We will work on developing new healthier coping strategies that you can use as we work towards decreasing smoking. During our first week, I’ll teach you a specific technique called FOCUS that will give you instant relaxation to ease any stress or anxiety. You will also decide your “quit date” so we can work together towards that goal. WEEK 2: During the second week, you will work on extinguishing the smoking desire and creating a toolbox of healthier coping strategies to use when you get stressed or anxious. During this phase, you will be taught anchors that you will be able to utilize on your own later. Anchors help you increase conscious awareness to current emotions and are connected to positive emotional events which will improve your tolerance to stressful situations. You will FOCUS on the benefits you have identified for quitting. WEEK 3: During the third week, you will continue to focus on the benefits of smoking and will continue learning the positive reasons you decided to quit. You will learn how to extinguish the urge. You will start experiencing more energy and will feel excited to know that you are taking control of your life as you learn how to “extinguish the urge” for a cigarette. WEEK 4: During week four, we will explore the importance of making healthy choices and how to sustain healthier patterns moving forward. Your body will love you when you respect it in return. You will feel energized and empowered as you make changes that have a meaningful impact in your life. You will be in a continuous state of rewarding yourself with healthy choices and continue to use the tools learned thought this process for permanent change If you are willing to let go of ideas and beliefs that do not support and nurture you, then you are ready to continue this journey. Like I said at the beginning of this blog, all you need is willingness. If you’re ready to find out how hypnosis/hypnotherapy can help you stop unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or vaping, contact me for your complimentary phone consultation at 954-391-5305. I provide counseling and hypnosis/hypnotherapy at our beautiful Coral Springs office and via online therapy through our secure telehealth platform across the state of Florida. For more information about myself or my services, click here. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Moms are master multitaskers. We wear 100 hats and are constantly balancing the mental, physical and emotional load of caring for households and small babies. All moms have a lot on their plate, whether they are home full time, or working full time, or a combination of both. Regardless of what our day to day looks like, we need to support each other, because it ain’t easy! I have been reflecting a lot recently about what makes balancing work and motherhood so taxing. For each of us, it's probably a little bit different. I find that the transition from work-mode to mom-mode is particularly hard for me and for a lot of moms. The constant switching of hats can feel relentless. However, I notice that the days I am able to exercise more mindfulness and intentionality in that transition, the more I am able to enjoy the time with my kids. Going from the demands of work to then the emotional demands of mothering, is difficult to do seamlessly. Here are some things that have helped: Give uninterrupted time to your kids before starting a task: As a working mom, I know how overwhelming it can be to get home after a long day and immediately take in all that is out of order, and all that needs to get done. It is easy to get sucked in and to just start cleaning up or getting things ready for the next day. However, I have noticed that if I am able to give my kids my full undivided attention for 20-30 minutes, it meets their need for connection and they are more likely to not interrupt as much while I try to get necessary things done. The days I am able to remember this, make the rest of the afternoon go much more smoothly. Remember, even “negative” behavior are bids for connection, so give them that first before they even have a chance to ask you for it. Their interruptions are simply bids to connect. Expect interruptions: I know for me, something I grapple with the most is being interrupted a million times while trying to complete one simple task, and usually not an enjoyable one… like, loading and unloading the dishwasher. The amount of times I have to stop and soothe a crying baby, or answer one of my toddles 100 questions, or help my husband find something (lol), but really. It’s beyond frustrating and an annoying task now becomes almost impossible to complete in a normal amount of time. If I expect to be interrupted, however, I notice that I am much more calm and patient in the way I respond. As opposed to having the expectation that I can complete the task without anyone needing something. Schedule self care breaks frequently: “You can’t pour from an empty cup. This is my motherhood mantra.” As moms, we are constantly giving and giving. If you’re a working mom, you are giving of yourself all day at work, and in the afternoon, your second full time job begins. Please make time for yourself, and for the you that exists outside of being a mom or a professional. I promise that if you pay attention to her, and meet her needs, she will be a better wife, mother, and employee. Prioritize her. Have a ritual that allows you to leave work at work: Be intentional about exiting work mode. In between work and home, give yourself time to adjust. This is a big one. Having that separation is so important. Whether it’s taking an extra few minutes in the car and giving yourself time to unwind, or having a calming ritual on your drive home (feel good podcast, chat with an uplifting friend) or physically shutting off communication from work when you get in the car. Whatever it looks like for you, make a conscious effort to make a distinction between work and home, and give yourself a moment to make the adjustment. Even an extra few minutes to sit in peace can help you prepare for the next part of your day. Check your self talk: Don’t forget to be kind to yourself. If on the way home you are telling yourself things like “I'm too tired to deal with this” (been there) or “I don’t have any patience left to handle anything else today” (been there), then that is how you will show up. On the contrary, if you tell yourself that you’ve got this, that you’re doing your best, and that you are capable, then that’s how you’re going to show up. The way we talk to ourselves matters. If you’re struggling with motherhood as a stay at home mom or working mom or both, I’m here for you. I’d be happy to chat with you to discuss how I can help you find the balance you’re looking for. Give me a call for your complimentary consultation at 954-391-5305 today. I offer counseling in our beautiful office located in Plantation Florida and online via our secure telehealth platform for those who live in Florida. For more information about myself and my approach to therapy, click here. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Have you heard the exciting news!? We officially opened our 3rd office located in the heart of Plantation, Florida. Yay! We are grateful to have the opportunity of helping the Plantation community and surrounding areas (Davie, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Southwest Ranches, and Sunrise, FL). It has been quite the journey opening a new counseling and psychology group practice in Plantation with many unexpected delays and challenges over the past year and a half. However, it will be worth all of the hard work now that we’re able to do what we love most by helping more people live happier, healthier, and more fulfilled lives. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this new office space and am proud of how it’s all come together! It’s a very similar spa-like vibe like our other offices in Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs, but has some unique design elements as well. In the new Plantation office, we have 8 total therapy rooms and each one has a unique calming, serene vibe. Our chic, yet casually sophisticated office provides the perfect environment for healing and transformation. Each room has a unique design incorporating calming colors, music, waterfalls, and aromatherapy helping people to feel more relaxed when coming to therapy. When people come to our offices, we want them to feel a sense of calm and relaxation from the design elements and at the same time, inspired and empowered to move forward toward their goals and dreams. While the office was under construction, we worked just as hard building our “dream team” with amazing clinicians who have a wealth of experience and expertise in the mental health field. Each one of our clinicians absolutely LOVES what they do and they specialize in different areas so we can help people across the lifespan. For more information about our Plantation team, click here. If you want to see more pictures of our office, check out our website or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. We’ll be throwing a big grand opening party in early 2023 so stay tuned for all the exciting things to come. In the meantime, happy holidays!

One of the things I love about couples therapy is that no two couples are alike. One unique difficulty facing some couples is their spouse’s neurodiversity, including the exhibition of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). It is estimated that the divorce rate among an ADHD couple is as much as twice that in the general population. Elements of ADHD that can impact a couple include: Hyperactivity and impulsiveness Being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings Being unable to concentrate on tasks Excessive physical movement Excessive talking Being unable to wait their turn Acting without thinking Interrupting conversations Sensitivity to rejection, criticism Sensory overload that can lead one to shut down or explode Executive functioning difficulty (flexible thinking, task completion, working memory, self-control) Perpetual Difference in a Couple Could Be Brain Wiring In Gottman couples therapy, we learn that approximately 69% of what couples argue about is due to “perpetual differences,” differences stemming from each client’s unique perspective of life based on family of origin, life experiences, culture, preferences and the like. In the ADHD couple, one perpetual difference arises from how each person’s brain works. Some clients with ADHD are on medication and some are managing symptoms without it, with varying degrees of success and failure. Even the issue of medication can create rifts between the couple. Although ADHD may be undiagnosed, more times than not in my practice, the neurodiverse spouse struggled prior to the marriage, perhaps in childhood at school, or as a teen with peers, or as an adult in the workplace. The non-ADHD spouse may be generally aware of their earlier struggles, but sometimes not fully. They may not understand how deeply the difficulties of neurodiversity run and how much frustration, shame, failure and labeling their spouse has experienced, all of which can impact whether a spouse is prone to contest, “turn away” and defend themselves when their spouse logs a complaint. What was once considered to be the creative, spontaneous side of the ADHD partner may now be considered to be impulsive, inconsiderate and downright intentional. Inattentiveness to the non-ADHD spouse and missed or miscommunication are key themes. While the ADHD spouse may exhibit wonderful traits of enthusiasm and perform well in crisis situations, any inability to provide stability in average daily activities, such as cleaning up, following through on tasks or coming home at a scheduled time can undermine the gifts they bring to the table. How Conflict Looks inside the ADHD Couple Indeed, these neurodiverse couples present unique challenges. The spouse without symptoms often complains that conflicts and challenges in married life (be it finances, substance use, parenting or household chores) are never resolved; in fact, one client described the syndrome as “stacking cards.” There is a sense that the communications around problem solving goes in one ear of the ADHD partner and out the other. The non-ADHD partner, struggling with ways to pick up the loose pieces, may assume the role of parent and interpret actions of the ADHD partner as willfully refusing to cooperate. This, in turn, can lead to negative sentiments that increase the likelihood of conflict and discolor the couple’s prospects for harmony. One struggling wife saw her husband’s talkative, spontaneous nature as aggressive and rude, interpreting his actions as stealing the stage in social situations. It’s easy to understand how any spouse could grow tired and agitated by the ADHD spouse’s suggestions that they did not mean to forget to pay the mortgage or mow the lawn; or that they did their best to stop and pick up the holiday order, but got caught up in another task and arrived just after the store had closed. Disappointments and unfinished business may spur Gottman’s Four Horsemen of the Couple Apocalypse (criticism, defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling) to blaze trails through the relationship. This can be crippling to the couple, especially since the ADHD brain tends to perform best and be most motivated where reward is present, including praise and adulation, or what the Gottman Sound Relationship House model calls Fondness & Affection. Exploring Resources and Adjunctive Therapy for the Couple Understanding the role of ADD or ADHD in the marriage is critical to reducing conflict and preserving connectedness in the couple, and thus dually important in the assessment stage of couples therapy. When I observe the possibility of neurodiversity issues, I explore it further with each spouse individually, and may recommend a medical or psychiatric consult to the affected client. I let the spouse know that there are counselors and coaches who specialize in ADHD and executive functioning, which may prove helpful as adjunctive individual therapy while the couple explores marital issues in couples therapy. I find it helpful to give the couple resources that can help normalize the situation for each spouse and externalize what might otherwise sound like harsh labels or deficits. While there are a myriad of helpful books and online help, a few I recommend are ADDitude magazine, The Couple’s Guide to Thriving with ADHD by Melissa Orlov (who discusses her own ADHD couple challenges) and Nancie Kholenberger, LMFT and ADHD & Us: A Couple’s Guide to Loving and Living with Adult ADHD. Here are a few tips to help prevent missed or misunderstood communications for couples with ADHD: A large whiteboard to notate chores, events, deadlines, family tasks, vacations, and the like. What I also like about a whiteboard is that it externalizes expectations that otherwise may become sources of conflict. No more “I thought you said X.” It can also serve as a physical cue that too much is being scheduled which could lead to sensory overload. Finally, the couple can leave warm love messages to each other or write inspiring quotes on the board, helping to remind each partner to keep an open perspective when times are challenging. A daily “check in” before leaving and upon returning from work. Given the ADHD spouse’s difficulty with working memory or distractedness, a short review of the day’s plan, followed with some affection (Gottman recommends a 6-second kiss) can positively reinforce what the couple wants to accomplish. Time-outs and cue words for taking a time out. Tempers can fly quickly, particularly if the ADHD spouse is sensitive to input and has difficulty regulating emotions. Cue words for a time out can be devised by the couple. One couple calls out the name of each spouse’s mother; another uses the word watermelon. Something such as “911” might also work. ADHD & Us recommends “Your brakes might be failing you,” since executive functions are not as strong in the ADHD partner and may lead to impulsive or destructive actions if the brakes aren’t applied. Executive function coaching for ADHD partners. Many such coaches suffer from ADHD themselves and provide helpful mentoring for the day-to-day functioning of the family. Finally, emotion regulation skill-building for the couple can also be helpful. I provide a 12-week course in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills training that focuses on mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness. Learning to validate and not invalidate (and how to recover from invalidation) are quintessential for an ADHD couple. For more information on the skills group, go to https://theintegraltherapist.com/skills-training. Neurodiversity provides great benefits to the world and individuals with ADHD can be lovable, exciting, creatives who are often known to go out of their way to make people happy and who can come up with out-of-the-box solutions for life challenges. ADHD challenges need not doom a relationship, and can instead be managed with insight, education, and support such as counseling. Research finds most couples wait years too long to address marital issues, so if you find neurodiverse issues are standing in the way of your marital happiness, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you and your partner need more support with ADHD or additional challenges, I invite you to contact me for your complimentary phone consultation at 954-391-5305. I offer counseling at our beautiful office located in Plantation, Florida and across the state of Florida via online counseling. I look forward to speaking with you!

What is Social Anxiety? Many parents consider shyness and social anxiety as one and the same. However, social anxiety is more complex than general shyness. Social anxiety is a form of anxiety that heightens emotions in kids when they are involved in social situations. It’s an intense fear that can impact a child’s daily relationships and functioning levels. Social Anxiety Symptoms in Kids: Showing overall poor social skills (e.g., lack of eye contact, closed body language, etc.) Withdrawn or reserved in group situations Challenging time meeting new friends Avoiding social situations Difficulty expressing needs and wants Difficulty engaging in conversations Anxiety leading up to social situations Low self-confidence and self-esteem Social anxiety can manifest itself in many ways including the following physical symptoms: Stomach aches Blushing Shortness of breath Nausea Sweating more than usual Trembling How to support your child with social anxiety: 1. Don’t allow your child to avoid the situation For example, if your child is scared to go on a school field trip, compromise with them. If you are able to attend as a chaperone, it will allow your child to have a safe person present while still attending the event. Try taking small steps toward attending a full social event. For example, if a school dance is three hours long, compromise and have them go for one hour. By taking small steps and mastering smaller social situations, it empowers them and builds confidence that encourages them to be more comfortable in similar situations. Celebrate each win with your child. This provides positive encouragement and acknowledgment of the progress they have made. 2. Creating a safe space Many children will remain quiet about their social anxiety due to embarrassment and fear of letting their family down. Try opening lines of communication with your child to promote an environment that welcomes them to share their thoughts, feelings and emotions in a safe space. 3. Challenge anxiety with therapeutic support It is helpful to bring in an outside perspective with an expert therapist who specializes in working with kids and anxiety. During therapy, different techniques will be utilized, such as role playing. Role playing is a tool used to play out different scenarios of a given situation. The therapist is able to model different outcomes that run through the child’s mind. Therapists can offer coaching for parents and families to help them find effective strategies and solutions. Therapists assist families in creating a safe space to openly share their fears, concerns, hopes, and perspectives. 4. Reinforce positive behaviors, not negative ones. Avoiding social situations is a negative behavior, which is a direct result of overwhelming anxiety. Reinforcing those thoughts will only perpetuate the behaviors. Involve the adults in the child’s life, so everyone is aware of the importance of reinforcing positive behaviors. Track positive behavior to reward and monitor progress. 5. Relaxation Techniques Mindfulness techniques can be taught in therapy but can also be started in the home to help manage social anxiety. Meditating before a social situation helps lower anxiety. Breathing techniques can also lower anxiety levels. 6. Physical exercise and movement Movement is good for both our physical and mental health. Movement helps release neurotransmitters that assist in improving our stress response. Going on a walk with your child a few hours before a social activity could help them feel more relaxed going into the situation. Social anxiety does not need to limit your child’s daily life. Building confidence and empowering a child are the steps to promote fearless social engagement…… If your family is looking for additional strategies to better manage social anxiety so your child can feel confident and fearless in social situations, please contact me for a complimentary consultation at 954-391-5305. I provide counseling for children, teens, adults, and families in Plantation, Florida, as well as online, through our secure telehealth platform for those who reside in Florida. I look forward to working with you. For more information about my services, click here.

The holidays can be a wonderful time filled with joy, happiness, family, and friends. But it also has a way to bring stress and anxiety to a lot of people for many reasons. Navigating through the holidays with your in-laws can be a factor that can trigger uncomfortable yet unavoidable situations. Families naturally develop their own beliefs, traditions, roles, and cultural norms. Some of these norms are generational or may be new, but nonetheless they are present. Marriage almost always involves consolidating families and when this happens it can be accompanied by some stress to try and honor your own values and traditions while adapting to new ones that marriage may bring when families are unified. As a marriage and family therapist, I’ve prepared a few tips and tricks to help you and your partner work through any challenges that may arise during the holidays when interacting with your in-laws. Most of the following tips to put into practice fall under the topic of preparation and planning. This is essential in getting ready for the holidays with your partner to handle any twists and turns that might come your way. You want to make sure you are both fully prepared and have a plan in place to deal with as much as you can to feel confident going into this holiday season. Open Communication: This should be a given, but it is even more important during the holidays to deal with in-laws. Make sure you are communicating about all emotions that may be arising as you prepare for these events. If you are scared, nervous, or uncomfortable, help your partner out by having them listen to where these feelings may be coming from to level the playing field of understanding and empathy. You can't support your partner or feel supported yourself if they don't know how you feel. Be sure to use “I statements” and be aware to avoid criticism or blaming language when talking about your feelings. By doing this, you are helping your partner to focus on YOUR feelings without the need to defend their family or themselves. Use a soft start up approach and be conscious of your verbal language choice and non-verbal language approach. Remember, communication is KEY and without it we are all driving blind. Have Realistic Expectations: This is another important part of preparing for holidays with your in-laws because it helps prepare you for situations that may have a high chance of arising. Process things with your partner that tend to come up with your in-laws. A good example would be something like political topics. Asking your partner how you can prepare to navigate these types of conversations if they arise can help you practice how to keep conversation light and low conflict. Practice makes perfect. Go over scenarios that may have been or could be points of contention so you feel fully ready to get through these moments. Have realistic expectations. Pretending things are “going to go great” is an optimistic outlook, however, combining optimism with preparedness is a better option to keep the holidays running smoothly. Set Boundaries: We should all have boundaries in our relationships. Setting specific boundaries for yourself during the holiday season can be a helpful tool in knowing what you are willing to deal with, compromise on, and where your lines are drawn in the sand. Discuss your non-negotiables with one another in order to help bail each other out of an uncomfortable situation if necessary. Have clear and specific ideas for how you and your partner want to spend the holidays and stick to those boundaries with each other. It can be helpful to communicate these plans and boundaries with your in-laws prior to the holidays as well so they know what to expect as well. Work As A Team: Possibly the most important tip I can give you and your partner to navigate the holidays with your in-laws is to be on the same team. Don't work against one another. Even if you disagree with some of your partner’s misgivings about your family, it is important to try and be as open and empathetic as possible about their feelings. Feelings are valid and at the end of the day your spouse is your teammate. It is completely common and normal to have a different point of view as your partner about your family, but try to practice empathy in these situations in order to develop a game plan that works to satisfy both of your needs this holiday season. Respect each other's feelings, communicate, and find a compromise together. Exit Plan: Have an exit plan in place before you are with your in-laws. If things aren't going well despite all of your efforts, have something prepared to remove yourselves from the situation without furthering any difficulties by being overtly rude. You are not forced to be in any situation that is uncomfortable or toxic. Create a plan with each other and simply send a text, come up with a code, or have a private discussion with one another to initiate the plan if you want to remove yourselves from the situation. At the end of the day, holidays should be about celebrating, happiness, and love. If you are not experiencing these things it is okay to set away and try to salvage your holiday with your partner and loved ones. You and your partner come first. If you and your partner are struggling with navigating the relationship with in-laws or having any stressors related to this matter with your partner during this holiday season, call me today at 954-391-5305 to discuss how therapy may be an option to help. We have a big, brand new, beautiful office located in Plantation, Florida that can accommodate all your relationship needs. Virtual therapy is also an awesome option for couples who are busy this time of year! I wish you all a happy, loving, stress free holiday season! For more information about my approach or my services, visit my bio here.

People with high self-esteem enjoy a sense of calmness while also being comfortable with taking risks. They speak about themselves in realistic yet self-supporting ways. They appear to be encircled by enjoyable friends and activities. People with low self-esteem, on the other hand, take too much risk or play it so safe that their life is starved of adventure. There’s an undercurrent of self-deprecation in most things they say. And there are often unmet longings for closer friendships and pleasurable activities. Have you ever seen the disappointment of someone who just finished building a beautiful sandcastle only to see it demolished by ocean waves? This is what self-criticism does to self-esteem. Most people hear some sort of criticism from and towards oneself occasionally. This helps keep us in check, making sure we act with diligence and compassion, and that we strive to do the best we can. However, excessive self-criticism can damage your emotional, physical, and social life - gradually causing life to shrink. Self-criticism often sounds like internal messages that remind you of your weaknesses. These messages can bring you down or cause internal agitation, depending on their content. Thoughts of deficiency can lower your mood and with it your energy level. Beliefs that cause you to worry about how you’re being perceived by others can cause anxiety. Either way, minor mistakes now turn into overwhelming examples of defectiveness, which can be exhausting for your body and mind. Plagued by dislike and low mood, you might start isolating, slowly disconnecting from people and activities you enjoy. Defeated and alone, you stop doing the things that provide you with feelings of enjoyment and emotional reward. This is problematic because left unattended, self-criticism perpetuates a cycle that can be difficult for you to break on your own. Self-criticism demolishes self-esteem. And the first step you can take towards improvement is to notice the critical messages you say to yourself. Please remember that this can change, and if your goal is to feel good about yourself, overcoming this difficulty is essential. In my counseling office, I’ve seen many people increase their awareness of the messages they say to themselves and with help, they learn to replace the negative messages with statements that support higher self-esteem. If you need additional support in overcoming negative self-talk, self-criticism, or low-self esteem, counseling can help! I invite you to contact me for your complimentary phone consultation at 954-391-5305 so we can discuss how I can help you live a more confident, peaceful, and fulfilling life. I provide counseling in our beautiful Fort Lauderdale office and online through our secure telehealth platform for those who reside in Florida. For more information about my approach to therapy or EMDR, click here. I look forward to speaking with you!

We all experience fluctuations in mood on a daily basis that are healthy and part of being human. From anxiety prior to an important meeting, to irritation sitting in traffic, followed by happiness having lunch with friends before feeling sad while reflecting on the end of a romantic relationship; these are all normal emotions to feel given the situation. While some individuals experience more severe and impairing fluctuations in mood in the form of Bipolar Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder, many people don’t but still want to develop strategies to manage their mood states more effectively. Maybe this means feeling your emotions less intensely or becoming less reactive to certain situations. Regardless of which category you fall in, there are several ways to manage your moods better aside from, or in addition to, psychiatric medication and therapy. Let’s take a look! Mood Charting: Mood charts essentially keep track of your daily mood states, with dates indicating when such moods start and stop with additional information regarding sleep, any medications/supplements taken, life stressors, and your menstrual cycle if you are female. I have worked with many clients who come in and say their mood drastically changes without any noticeable trigger. However, when we examine the days prior in more detail, we find out there is often a build up of emotions and a number of factors contributing to their mood that they initially believed were inconsequential. If you have been diagnosed with a major mood disorder (ie: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, etc.), catching the subtle changes in mood early on can help you know when to implement various coping skills to prevent a full mood episode from developing. Outside of a mood disorder, increasing your insight into the fluctuating emotions you experience throughout the day and common triggers can help you be more mindful and intentional with your behavior rather than reactionary. Here are a few of my favorite mood charts: Daily Mood Chart - Black Dog Institute Mood Charting Mood Fit (free app with options to upgrade) eMoods Bipolar Tracker (free app with options to upgrade) Schedules and Routines: Sticking to schedules and routines is paramount for those who have been diagnosed with a major mood disorder, as actively maintaining daily and nightly routines is one of the most effective strategies to maximize periods of emotional wellness. More extensive than mood charting, the Social Rhythm Metric is a chart that keeps track of your daily routines, such as when you eat, sleep, exercise, and socialize with corresponding mood ratings. Planning your regular daily activities at predictable times of the day as much as possible can help individuals stabilize their mood by discovering the impact of changes in routines, levels of socialization, and sleep-wake cycles on mood. The link below provides an example of the activities you would track according to the Social Rhythm Metric. Even outside of a diagnosable mood disorder, adhering to schedules and routines to a certain degree helps manage stress (which is often a trigger for mood shifts) by improving organization, time management, and feelings of control and predictability. Try using a planner or calendar system that breaks down each day into hours so you can schedule accordingly and make the most of the time you have each day. We all have been guilty of saying there’s not enough time in the day but an hour-by-hour scheduler helps us find those hidden pockets of time. Avoiding Alcohol and Drugs: At the risk of having you stop reading here thinking this is going to be another lecture for having a glass of wine or occasional joint, it would be remiss of me not to note the objective findings of substances on mood. Ultimately, the decision to use or not use is yours to make and I support my clients no matter which choice they make but part of my job is to ensure they are making the most informed decision they can, weighing all the pro’s and con’s. Research repeatedly shows the negative impact alcohol and drug use can have on mood stability, with some substances lowering mood right upon ingestion while others provide an initial boost in mood but are followed by lows the following day(s). If you are taking prescribed medication, alcohol and drugs can make your medication less effective and interrupt the consistency with which you take them, in turn exacerbating mood instability. With the rise of legalization of medical marijuana among states, many clients start questioning whether it is right for them. The answer is, it depends. Research is mixed regarding which mental health conditions benefit most but because medical marijuana centers list a wide variety of psychiatric conditions that could qualify for such use, many people develop a false sense of comfort in seeking out this treatment option without questioning the contraindications. One of my biggest qualms, some of the clinics my clients mention, take an overwhelmingly lax approach to assessing individuals, diagnosing appropriately, and exploring multiple treatment options before handing over a prescription. I fully support exploring alternative treatment options for mental health conditions aside from the traditional psychotropic medications commonly prescribed; however, just because a substance has been legalized, it does not mean it is good for you. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any mental health conditions and the American Psychiatric Association doesn’t recommend it, either. Bottom line, it is a complex issue and there are many factors to consider. Social Support: Social support is often instrumental in helping individuals through difficult times and the negative emotions they experience as a result. While people vary in their level of sociability, the experience of feeling heard, validated, supported, and valued is universal and has a notable impact on our mood. Our social support network is likely to be in flux throughout our lifetime given our own growth and development that influences the boundaries we set with others and qualities we come to expect in both ourselves and others within the relationship. It is not about quantity when it comes to social support, but quality, such as feeling good about yourself when you are with them and regularity of contact. Diet and Exercise: There is now no denying the connection between physical health and mental health, with more and more research showing their interplay. In her book, The Anatomy of Anxiety, Dr. Ellen Vora (a psychiatrist) notes the paradigm shift in viewing anxiety as a mental problem (e.g., our negative thoughts lead to physical symptoms) and more of a condition that starts in the body, as our stress response is activated and communicated to our brains. She argues that many experiences of anxiety today are actually the result of imbalances within our bodies, such as blood sugar crashes, sleep deprivation, and/or caffeine highs. Staying away from foods that irritate our gut (e.g., gluten, dairy, artificial sweeteners) and incorporating more foods that soothe it (e.g., bone broth, ghee, or fermented foods) can help reduce the inflammatory response in our body that in turn impacts regions of the brain involved in fear and threat detection, resulting in symptoms of anxiety. With regard to exercise, even small amounts of movement can noticeably reduce anxiety and improve overall energy levels. For those out of the exercise game, finding a regimen that feels good for you and can realistically fit into your schedule is possible when we challenge unrealistic expectations about running marathons or competing in Ironman. I highly recommend Dr. Vora’s book for more information on how adjustments to our diet and lifestyle can significantly decrease anxiety. If you’re struggling to manage your mood and would like to develop strategies to help achieve more balance with your emotions, or if you have questions about whether your mood states meet criteria for a mood disorder, contact us to schedule a session with Dr. Taylor Phillips. Dr. Phillips is a Licensed Psychologist located at our beautiful Coral Springs office who also provides online counseling across the state of Florida via our secure telehealth platform. Give us a call today at 954-391-5305 to schedule your complimentary consultation to see how Dr. Phillips can help you live your best life!

Have you experienced recent changes in your mood or notice your emotions seem to get the best of you? Do you have trouble concentrating or find you’re having a hard time accomplishing tasks that used to seem manageable? Maybe you’ve noticed difficulties getting along with others or that your problems seem to negatively affect relationships with friends, family, romantic relationships, and/or your job? Perhaps you have a child struggling with learning or behavior problems in school? Or maybe your adult child is having a hard time succeeding in college? Has your therapist or other health care provider suggested getting a psychological evaluation? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then psychological testing may be helpful. According to the American Psychological Association, a psychological evaluation is “The gathering and integration of data to evaluate a person’s behavior, abilities, and other characteristics, particularly for the purposes of making a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.” Similar to how a physician utilizes a variety of medical tests to properly diagnose a medical problem, a psychologist uses their own set of tests and assessments to help them make a diagnosis and develop recommendations to address the concerns. Psychologists are trained to assess individuals for different psychiatric problems such as: Depression Anxiety Disorders Bipolar Disorders Learning Disorders Substance abuse Autism spectrum disorder Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) However, psychologists can also utilize testing and assessments for non-psychiatric reasons such as: Gifted testing Employment testing Evaluations for court For special licenses such as a license to carry a firearm on the job For surgical patients such as Bariatric Surgery What are the steps involved in getting a Psychological Evaluation? There are several steps, all of which allow the psychologist to gather data about you or your loved one. The first step involves an initial interview to gather a description of the current concerns as well as a life history (e.g., pregnancy and early development, medical, psychological, academic and/or occupational, substance use, legal issues, and familial and social history, among others). The psychologist will then utilize a variety of other sources of data including behavioral observations, standardized tests, self-report measures, or other procedures to learn more about the individual. There are several formats of testing including oral, written, and computer-based. A standardized test is one that has been shown through research to accurately and consistently measure what it is intended to measure. There are a variety of standardized tests developed to address specific concerns such as intellectual functioning, academic functioning, attention and concentration, memory and learning, different types of processing (visual, auditory, or phonological), autism spectrum disorders, among others. A psychologist may also use personality tests that help you better understand different aspects of your personality including prominent traits and emotions, style of interactions with others, and ways of being in the world. Self-report measures are typically included in an evaluation and are completed by the client to share their perspective on different aspects of their life such as adaptive functioning, executive functioning, and social, emotional, or behavioral functioning. When a psychological evaluation is conducted with a child, the parents and teachers are often asked to complete these questionnaires to provide their perspectives. For evaluations with adults, when appropriate a spouse or parent may be asked to complete these questionnaires as well. Other ways of gathering data include reviewing past records (e.g., report cards, college transcripts, previous testing or evaluations), consultations with other health care providers (e.g., therapists or psychiatrists involved in the case), or consultation with others involved such as family, teachers, or other caregivers. In essence, the psychological evaluation is a concise collection of all the relevant history, and the test data is then interpreted and utilized in conjunction with the history to make a diagnosis. Now, you may wonder, “Is all of this necessary to make a diagnosis?” That’s a great question! When trying to narrow in on a diagnosis this thorough review can be incredibly helpful. Many symptoms overlap in mental health diagnoses; therefore, having a thorough evaluation can ensure a proper diagnosis. For instance, for a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), there must be symptoms related to inattention (e.g., distractibility, often losing things, makes careless mistakes, etc.) and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity (e.g., fidgets in the seat, acts as if drive by a motor, frequently interrupts others, has trouble standing in line, etc.). However, signs of inattention and distractibility can be symptoms of other mental health disorders. For example: Inattention and distractibility can also be common in anxiety. If you are anxious and constantly worrying about what’s happening tomorrow or worry about your health or loved ones, you may seem distracted and have trouble focusing on getting tasks done. Distractibility and difficulty concentrating can also be a symptom of depression. For children, these symptoms may indicate an undiagnosed learning issue or language disorder. If you don’t look at the complete picture it can be easily misdiagnosed. Therefore, for this reason, a psychological evaluation can provide an individual with a thorough picture of how they are functioning cognitively, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Testing also allows the psychologist to identify strengths that can be built on as well as opportunities for growth. The psychologist will develop a list of recommendations with all the steps that are suggested to help you be successful, find stability, get support, or anything else needed in response to why you sought testing initially. The final part of a psychological evaluation includes a feedback session with the psychologist when the evaluation has been completed. This is typically an educational and informative session where they review all the testing results, explain the diagnoses, and explore what steps to take next. Therefore, a psychological evaluation can be an incredibly helpful tool for gathering information needed to make a proper diagnosis. There is often a deeper understanding as to factors that may be contributing to current difficulties. And as I always tell my clients, I see the most valuable aspect of a psychological evaluation as what steps to take next. Having a comprehensive treatment plan and getting answers about where to go for help can make any challenge seem manageable. How long does it take to accomplish all of this? It truly depends on how the psychologist structures their sessions, your availability to come in for testing, and how much testing is needed. It can take anywhere from a month to several months. Considering the amount of data collected, it takes time to gather it all. Additionally, there are often multiple sessions scheduled to complete testing. Once testing is finished, it can take a psychologist several weeks to a month to score all testing, interpret the data, and write the report. While this might seem like a long time, it is similar to diagnosing complex medical issues. You often get sent for multiple tests such as bloodwork, x-rays, and maybe an MRI or other diagnostic test. Once your physician receives all the results is when they schedule a follow-up to review the findings and discuss treatments. So where do I start? The first step is to find a psychologist in your area who specializes in psychological testing and evaluations. Making that initial call can feel like a daunting task, but it will give you a chance to ask questions and ensure that an evaluation is right for you. If you’re ready to schedule a consultation for yourself or a loved one, Dr. Heather Kuhl specializes in psychological evaluations with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Kuhl is happy to answer any questions you may have about how testing could help you or your child. Call Dr. Kuhl today at (954) 391-5303 for your complimentary consultation.

What is Neurodiversity? The term neurodiversity is an approach to understanding differences in brain function and behavior patterns that are viewed as normal variations within the population. In other words, a variety of neurological conditions are viewed as the result of changes in the human brain. These differences are not viewed as weaknesses or problems in need of fixing, but rather a different way of interacting with the world. The neurodiversity movement actually started during the 90’s as a way to be more accepting and inclusive of all people with brain based differences. Advocates for the neurodiversity movement encourage the use of nonjudgmental language. Therefore, rather than suggesting people have deficits, disorders, or mental health problems, this approach simply views people as experiencing differences in the way they think, learn, and behave. A neurodivergent person is someone whose brain is wired differently, whereas a neurotypical person is someone whose brain functions in a similar way to most of their peers. When we think of a neurotypical person, they meet developmental milestones on time, think and process information similarly, socialize and interact with others in a typical manner, manage emotions just like their peers, and deal with changes in routines with little trouble. A neurodivergent person processes information in a different manner. This may include nuances in how they process sensory information (e.g., sights, smells, sounds, textures, movements), experience social interactions, and focus on areas of interest. Overall, this approach is less judgmental and looks at development across a spectrum, rather than viewing differences in development as right or wrong. What Are Some Examples of Neurodiversity? There are a variety of conditions that fall under the neurodiversity umbrella. These are typically conditions related to the brain and nervous system present since birth. Neurodiverse conditions include: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Specific Learning Disorders in reading, writing, or mathematics also known as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, or Dyscalculia. Tourette’s Syndrome However, there is some consideration to exploring other differences that also fall under this spectrum. Several of these conditions are listed below: Anxiety Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) While anxiety and OCD may not be present at birth, they can significantly affect how one experiences their world and affect how they think, feel, and behave. Therefore, conceptualizing these as neurodiverse conditions can significantly reduce shame and may motivate one to gain skills needed to function differently. How Do I Talk About Neurodiversity With Others? As previously mentioned, this approach uses inclusive and accommodating language. It is also important to understand that not everyone identifies in the same way. For instance, as part of my doctorate training, I was taught to use person-first language. Examples of person-first language include a “person with autism” or a “person with dyslexia.” However, recent research found that many people prefer identity-first language. Examples of identity-first language include an “autistic person” or a “dyslexic person.” Therefore, as with many things in life, there is nothing wrong with asking someone how they prefer to be addressed. Rather than making assumptions, getting direct feedback about a person’s preferred language falls directly in line with the neurodiversity movement - it reduces judgment and embraces acceptance. Why Is Neurodiversity So Important? The more we embrace neurodiversity as a culture, the sooner we can create an inclusive environment. While neurodivgerents may have difficulties in some areas (e.g., attention, emotional regulation, socialization), they often possess strengths which are essential to highlight and build upon. Several of these strengths include: Ability to focus intensely of topics of interests Phenomenal memory abilities Creative problem solving skills Ability to focus on the details High energy levels Capability to be exceptionally honest Extraordinary talents in particular areas such as art, math, and/or music In my work with families, I believe focusing on these strengths is critical. While these skills may come naturally, building on them is a great way to develop self-efficacy and self-esteem. On the other hand, I view other areas as opportunities to develop. By reframing “weaknesses” as “opportunities” to build upon, I believe it reduces shame and motivates clients and/or their families for change. Neurodiverse individuals may need to be taught things in different ways that are more in line with their innate abilities, or they may simply need accommodations in the academic or occupational setting to support success in these settings. What If I Suspect My Child Is Neurodiverse? An evaluation may be an important first step. By understanding your child’s developmental history, current strengths and concerns, and interpreting test data, I am able to provide a complete picture which may include a diagnosis and recommendations about what services need to be placed to help your child. This is important because your child likely already perceives that something is different. Especially as children grow, differences can become more evident and many children can interpret this as something is wrong with me. By gaining a true appreciation for your child’s strengths and skills in need of further development, this can shift a parent's perspective and may reduce stress at home. In addition, it may help your child to gain insight into themselves and their perspectives. Having a clear picture also makes it easier to know if your child may benefit from accommodations at school or additional support at home. I specialize in conducting psychological and developmental evaluations for a variety of neurodivergent conditions. I would love to chat with you further and answer any questions you may have to figure out if a psychological or developmental evaluation would be a good first step. I invite you to contact me for your complimentary consultation at 954-391-5305. I offer psychological evaluations and testing for children, teens, and adults in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, and Plantation, Florida. For more information about my approach, click here to read my bio.