Category: Blog

Fighting with your partner is exhausting, both physically and emotionally. A big blow-up will leave each of you feeling drained.

But life doesn’t stop when you have a fight with your partner. There’s still work to do, tasks to get done, and more. That’s why when you reconcile after a fight you both need to make it count. Otherwise, resentment may linger and build until it spills over into the next argument.

That’s not sustainable for any relationship. Let alone building a foundation of love, understanding, and compassion.

Here are some ideas on how to make it count when you reconcile after a fight.

Take Time to Regroup

Before you and your partner even sit down to reconcile, take time to regroup. Remember that fighting uses up a lot of energy. You both need to be in the right headspace in order to reconcile.

Also, there is the physical energy required to be present and engaged with the conversation. So, take some time to pause. Agree on when it would be appropriate to come back together. Then, separate yourselves and get centered.

Regrouping may mean that one of you takes a brisk walk while the other takes a shower. Whatever works for you individually. The idea is that you refocus your attention away from the fight and back on taking care of yourselves.

Set a Time Limit

Next, when you do come back together, set a time limit on the discussion. It can be easy to get lost in thought about what happened or the state of your relationship currently. However, this also makes it really easy to get off track and lose focus.

By setting a time limit, you are both better able to direct your attention to the topic you need to discuss. It could be thirty minutes or an hour. However, any longer, and you’ll likely both start to lose focus.

Avoid Blaming Each Other

If, at any point in the conversation, you start to blame one another, beware! This approach only leads to wasted time and energy.

One person starts blaming the other for what happened. Then, the other partner retaliates with their own accusations. Next thing you know the situation is spiraling out of control and the moment has been lost.

If you notice that this is about to occur, hit the brakes! Take some time to breathe, then get back on track with the discussion.

Own Up to Your Actions

To reconcile quickly, it helps to own up to what you said or did during the fight. For example, if you said things that you regret, take responsibility. Tell your partner what you did and that it was wrong to do so.

One of the reasons why fights and relationship conflict drag out is because neither partner is willing to own up to their actions. However, when you do, it greatly helps with closing that gap and moving forward together from the conflict.

Apologize, Apologize, Apologize

You would be amazed at how many couples never apologize to one another. Apologizing is very powerful. It sends the message to your partner that you recognize what you did and that it negatively impacted them.

Really, both partners ought to apologize. Even if it was clear that one partner was “in the wrong,” it takes two people to have a relationship conflict. That means there is room for each partner to apologize for allowing the fight to occur.

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By following the aforementioned tips, you and your partner can learn to resolve a fight for good. At first, it still might take a while for the conflict to be worked out. However, with practice, you and your partner will be able to take care of these issues much faster.

If you continue to struggle with fighting, consider getting additional help from a therapist. I would be pleased to give you more information on my therapeutic approaches. Please, don’t hesitate to call / text us 256-686-9195.

You feel stress every day of your life.

It’s with you in the morning when you get out of bed. During the day it lies just underneath the surface, just waiting to rise up. Even unwinding in the evening can seem impossible.

Therapy, though, can help with decreasing your stress in life. But how can that be possible?

At most, you probably get one hour a week of therapy with the counselor in their office. How can that even be remotely effective in dealing with stress?

Here’s how you can decrease your stress with the help of therapy.

Talking to a Professional

First and foremost, it’s important to consider the value of talking to somebody about your stress. It’s such a simple act, yet talking is incredibly valuable when coping with constant tension. However, to be the most effective, it’s necessary to talk to the right person.

You’ve probably experienced this issue in your own life. When you were stressed you turned to a loved one—a parent or family member or a best friend. These are good resources when you need support. Yet, not everyone has the emotional tools or even maturity to listen effectively. Thus, your experience has been “hit-or-miss.”

With a therapist, on the other hand, you will have someone who is a professional listener. That’s their job—to build a relationship with you, to listen, and let you feel heard.

Identifying Stress Triggers

You know that you are constantly feeling stressed, but you might not know the reasons why. In therapy, you and the counselor will work together to identify the causes of stress.

For example, perhaps it stems from:

• Issues at work
• Problems at home
• Financial problems
• Your health
• Facing big life changes
• Burdens from your past

Sometimes you might have an idea what is causing the stress, but you haven’t yet made the connection between stress and how it affects you. Therapy can help you make identify and explore the link.

Learning Better Ways to Cope with Stress

Another way that therapy will help with decreasing stress is that it’s a chance to learn new and better ways to cope. But what can you possibly learn in a one-hour therapy session? It turns out, quite a lot!

For example:

• Breathing exercises
• Mindfulness techniques
• Perspective-building skills
• Crisis management for stress

Think of your visit with the therapist less as a “visit” and more like “training.” That hour gives you an opportunity to hone in and focus on developing new skills that you can put into practice every day.

Receiving Specialized Stress Management Help

Some therapists provide specialized help, such as therapy dog services. Therapy dogs are comforting, attentive, and playful. They are specifically trained animals who know how to be calm when interacting with clients.

Even if you are not a dog person by inclination, you can still receive the benefit of interacting with a therapy dog.

Keep in mind too that studies have shown that key stress markers, such as cortisol levels and blood pressure, go down when you are interacting with an animal. If your therapist doesn’t provide therapy dog services, they might be able to refer you to a program that utilizes dogs or other support animals (such as equine therapy).

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It’s important to keep in mind that everyone experiences stress to one degree or another. However, when stress begins to interfere with the quality of your life, then it’s time to get help.

Therapy is a great resource for getting things off your chest, learning new skills, and accessing tools that will really help. If you’re interested in learning how to better cope with your stress, please feel free to call / text us 256-686-9195.

Humans are social animals. We’re wired to be together. Cooperation and fellowship are hallmarks of our character at the biological level. While recent social distancing guidelines and calls for self-quarantine may keep us physically safe, they can take an obvious toll on our mental health.

The term “chronic loneliness” has often been used when discussing the mental state of our nation’s elderly. Feelings of isolation have long been documented when health or age prevent us from traveling freely.

The world may better understand the plight of its elderly as COVID-19 keeps us similarly barred from leaving home. But that doesn’t mean that “help” or a feeling of “togetherness” can’t be found.

Luminous Counseling knows the difficulties of the moment. Through scheduled teletherapy sessions, Luminous Counseling invites you to rise to the occasion and get the help you need and deserve.

Isolation can feel like an illness all its own, but for those struggling with depression, trauma, or addiction, it can feed the same cycles of behavior and neglect. Understanding isolation begins with knowing the symptoms.

Unwanted Feelings of Self-Doubt

Being together in group isn’t just about having fun. Gatherings also help to reassure us of our value to those who we cherish in life.

It’s only natural, then, that we would struggle to properly value ourselves when removed from those who give us comfort. Worse still, feelings of self-doubt or of diminished self-worth can feed existing tendencies. Those suffering from depression may feel more alone and less valuable. Addictions may intensify or return. Patterns of behavior may seem too daunting to combat.

Luminous Counseling specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which empowers patients to take active control over their feelings and assert more positive behavioral responses. Through teletherapy, patients can learn how to change negative responses to unwanted feelings into positive action.

Exhaustion

Reaching out has never been more important than at the present moment. Even so, if you find the prospect of a phone call or video chat too daunting to consider, you may be suffering from social exhaustion at a time when you need connection most.

Not everyone is comfortable with digital communication, but if you find yourself with an even stronger aversion than usual to the idea of reaching out, you may be caught in an isolation loop.

Feelings of isolation can discourage us from seeking the very cure we require. Starting with a teletherapy session can open the door to asking for help or even just calling an acquaintance or family member.

If left unrecognized, isolation can snowball into something more major.

An Unshakable Feeling of Loneliness

Perhaps the most insidious symptom of isolation is its refusal to be dispelled. Isolation only strengthens with inactivity. If you’re feeling isolated no matter who you’re with, who you’re talking to, or what you’re doing, you may need to reach out most of all.

Just a Call Away

Luminous Counseling offers flexible scheduling and expert assistance in these times of dire need. By making our services available through teletherapy sessions, help is only a phone call away.

No one knows how long these times will last and putting off the help you need may only worsen your symptoms. Be safe. Wash your hands. Reach out to those who can help you feel human. Call 256-686-9195 today.

Understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be complicated and difficult.

Many seek to find what was the exact cause of their autism. They may look for answers in places that are irrational or based on emotion.

The reality is that science doesn’t have a clear-cut answer as to what causes autism. However, we do know where to look for when it comes to better understanding the potential for developing autism.

And if someone is diagnosed with ASD (usually in childhood), there are many intervention and treatment strategies available.

Looking to Genetics

The best way to know about the potential for an autism spectrum disorder is by looking at your family tree. Genetics does play a significant role in how likely one might be born with ASD.

Some example in particular include:

• Having a parent or immediate biological family member who also has an autism spectrum disorder
• A genetic mutation or disorder such as fragile-X syndrome which can cause a variety of developmental issues
• Being born to parents who were older (some say perhaps older than 35)

It is still not known why these genetic issues occur. However, genetics is the best place to look when considering whether or not someone might have autism.

Other Potential Factors for Autism

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is some research investigating whether autism spectrum disorders might be caused by other factors.

For example:

• Environmental pollution
• Viral infections
• Complications during pregnancy

Still, it’s important to note that aside from inherited genetic traits there is still no known cause for autism spectrum disorders.

The Controversy with ASD and Vaccines

In recent years, there has been speculation about whether childhood vaccines might cause autism. It’s very important to realize that this has been completely debunked in the scientific literature. Vaccines do not cause autism!

This speculation began in the late 1990s when a paper was published in the Lancet. In that paper, the authors attributed the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) to potentially being the cause of children developing autism. The study was deeply flawed, and follow-up research discounted the study.

In 2010, the Lancet issued a retraction. Additionally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has published a statement explaining clearly that vaccines are not the cause of autism.

What to Do about an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis

For most people, an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis occurs during childhood. Parents who know that they have a history of ASD in their family tree should be on the lookout for potential signs in their children.

For example:

• Rocking back and forth constantly and other repetitious movements
• Sensitive to loud noises, being touched, and other sensory issues
• Has trouble making eye-contact
• Being a very picky eater
• Coordination issues
• Performing rituals or being attached to routines
• Struggling with change

Again, the Mayo Clinic advises certain benchmarks to be aware of for childhood development. For instance, if by six months a newborn doesn’t respond to their parent by smiling or has a happy expression on their face, that could be a problem. Or if by nine months, they are not mimicking your facial expressions or sounds. Moreover, if by the time they are 16 months, your child is not saying individual words, that too could be a sign something is wrong.

It’s important, though, to get a diagnosis from a clinician and not get too wrapped up in assumptions.

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Researchers still don’t know why exactly autism spectrum disorders occur. However, it’s important to remember that just because someone has an autism spectrum disorder that doesn’t mean they can’t live a full and productive life. This is especially true if a diagnosis is made early and intervention measures are taken.

And if you have a child who has ASD, there are many resources and treatments available. If you are considering professional counseling for both your child and yourself, please contact us, we would be happy to provide information on our approach.

There are many confusing terms when it comes to therapy. Certainly, psychological testing is one of them. The words sound technical and obscure.

How can one “test” one’s psyche anyways?

The answer isn’t as complex as it might appear to be. At the same time, there is also more detail involved than you may realize.

In the end, psychological testing can be a very beneficial tool, for both the therapist and you. It allows you to better understand what’s going on for you and informs what would be the best approach to treatment.

Here’s what you need to know about psychological testing.

What Is Psychological Testing?

As mentioned at the outset, psychological testing is a tool that can be useful for both the client and the therapist. There’s not just one kind of psychological testing. Rather, there are many different types of tests and assessments.

A few of these include:

• IQ tests – to determine mental capabilities and intelligence
• Alcohol or drug addiction testing – important for an addiction diagnosis
• Psychosexual evaluations – often required for court proceedings
• ADHD testing – can be useful for getting help in school
• Autism spectrum disorder – also important for accessing school resources and other related services

All these tests and assessments are used to help with forming a diagnosis for a particular psychological condition. For example, if your child is struggling in school, there are tests they can take which can help you (their parent), their therapist, teachers, and counselors determine if your child has a learning disability.

Can’t the Therapist Just Tell Something Is Wrong?

Sort of. Actually, mental health professionals often will notice when someone is displaying certain traits or behaviors. This is more than simply a gut feeling. Rather, it is an informed intuition based on both years of clinical experience and training.

However, that isn’t enough to form a clinical diagnosis. Instead, a scientific tool is needed to assess whether there’s really something going on. That’s where psychological testing comes in.

Do I Really Need Testing?

Good question! On the one hand, there is the concept that “knowledge is power.” That is, the more information or data that you have available, the better capable you are of making a decision. And when it comes to your mental health, you want to have all the information available so you can make choices that are appropriate for you.

However, oftentimes, there are also other factors at play that require psychological testing. For example:

• The courts, especially if there has been a crime committed
• Insurance companies may not pay for treatment without a diagnosis
• Getting necessary support services at school

All of these are valid reasons why you might need to have psychological testing.

How Are Psychological Tests Administered?

That depends on the type of test you are taking. For example, some tests require that you answer questions from a booklet. That’s very similar to how you completed standardized tests in school. With other tests, you are asked questions by a test administrator, who then takes note of your answers. And in yet other tests, you might be asked to solve certain types of problems or puzzles. These can be useful for determining problem-solving skills and critical thinking ability.

Psychological testing isn’t meant to put a label on you. Instead, the goal of testing is to better understand the problem that you are facing. Then, appropriate services and treatment can be utilized to address the issue. Thus, testing helps you and your therapist to focus on what’s really going on. That way, you can get the help you actually need.

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If you would like more information about psychological testing, I invite you to contact us if you have any questions or if you have need to get tested for specific reasons.

Discerning the signs of addiction for anybody isn’t easy. Oftentimes things are misinterpreted for what they really are. Or behaviors are ignored or explained away.

When it comes to a family member or loved one, identifying addiction symptoms is even more difficult.

Perhaps you don’t want to consider that your family member has an addiction. Yet, you also know them the best. In both your heart and your gut, you know that something is wrong.

But is it actually an addiction?

Here’s how you can identify symptoms of drug or alcohol addiction in a family member.

Taking Unnecessary Risks

One addiction symptom is when someone takes unnecessary risks. This doesn’t mean just because your loved one decides to take up skydiving that they have a drug or alcohol problem. Rather, it’s risky behaviors that creep into everyday life that are more of an issue.

For example:

• Drunk driving
• Getting into physical fights
• Being arrested
• Participating in risky sexual behavior

What’s important to keep in mind is what’s typical for your loved one. If these are not typical occurrences, and yet you’ve noticed that they have been happening over the course of six months, that could be a warning sign.

Things Suddenly Disappear

For some reason, you can’t find that antique watch that your grandfather left you. It usually sits on that dresser, but now it’s missing. What happened?

If you have been noticing valuable things are suddenly not where they are supposed to be, watch out. Oftentimes, addicts will steal from their loved ones in order to fuel their habit. This could mean they may take valuable items to sell. Or it might mean taking your cash, bank cards, or credit cards from your wallet.

The tragic thing about addiction is that it causes people to do things that they wouldn’t typically do. That’s because the need to fuel the addiction takes over.

Sudden Job Loss

Your loved one comes home one evening to report that they were fired today. They then go on a rant, talking about how their boss is an “idiot.” And they may use strong language to describe how they believe the situation is ridiculous.

But is it?

Addiction can greatly distort reality. It can also cause addicts to try to blame away problems that are really their fault. If you know that, in the past, your loved one was a good and steady worker but now is struggling, it could mean they may have a bigger issue.

Personality Changes

As you’ve already seen, addiction can cause someone who typically presents themselves in one way to act in a completely different way. This probably means that their personality has also shifted.

In the past, they were kind and understanding towards you—now they are quick to lash back. They were once very attentive to their children and their needs. Yet, now, the kids don’t even seem to register as a blip on their radar screens anymore.

Being Gone at Odd Hours

It wasn’t a big problem at first. Your loved one came home late one night (no big deal!). But now they seem to be coming home late all the time.

Worse even, they are going out at odd hours too. In the past, they used to keep a regular schedule. Yet, now, that no longer seems to be the case. It may be because of an alcohol or drug addiction.

Knowing Them Best

Perhaps none of these issues, on their own, warrants great concern. But what if several of them were happening at the same time?

The thing is, you know your loved one the best. This does give you an advantage in picking up changes in behavior. However, the problem is that sometimes it takes a while to fully realize what’s going on. That’s because addicts will do their best to “fake it” as long as possible.

Thus, if you have a suspicion something’s up, you need to listen to your gut feeling.

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Knowing that your loved one has an addiction can be heartbreaking. Yet, that doesn’t mean that you should bury your head in the sand either. Keep an eye out for the above-mentioned warning signs. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a therapist who understands addiction issues and treatment.

If you would like to know more about our approach to addiction therapy, please contact us.

The news of a diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for a child can be devastating for any parent.

Most likely, you’ll have many questions and concerns. What will life be like for my child as they get older? How will they function as a teen and an adult? Will they be able to live as a full a life as possible? What should be our next step?

Although finding out early in life that your child has ASD can be distressing, it is also helpful. That’s because, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), research has shown that early diagnosis and treatment has great benefits when they become adults.

Here’s how early diagnosis and intervention can benefit your adolescent or adult child if they have ASD.

Addressing the Problem Early-On

If your child has been diagnosed with ASD within the first 36 months of birth (3 years), early intervention will be of great help for their development for such skills as:

• Learning to talk and communicate
• Developing physical skills to walk and be more independent
• Addressing language delays

Why are these interventions so useful at so young an age?

The answer is that the brain is not a static organ. It’s actually quite flexible and adaptable. Thus, by receiving services as early as possible, your child’s brain will have a greater chance of coping with ASD as they get older. That could mean the difference between being able to better communicate with other people (especially you!) or not having those skills at all.

Potential Issues

One potential issue that your adolescent or adult child may face is medical concerns. Children with ASD can also suffer from health problems such as sleep issues, epilepsy, gastrointestinal problems, etc.

Another possible problem that you need to be aware of as your child grows up is that people with ASD are also more susceptible to developing a mental health problem. For instance, depression or anxiety. Early diagnosis and intervention will be useful for minimizing those issues.

Therapeutic Intervention

Among the interventions that your child will benefit from, therapy will be just one of many useful tools.

Through therapeutic intervention, they will be able to learn how to better manage their behaviors and express their needs. Moreover, a specialized therapist can help with getting your child assistance with their education so that they can learn and succeed in school. And your child will also benefit from occupational therapy where they can life skills to help them be as independent as possible.

These interventions will give your child the best chance for navigating and understanding the world later in life as an adult.

Helpful for You

Along with having benefits for your child, early diagnosis and treatment can be helpful for you as a parent.

For example, you can learn better ways to communicate with your child. Or you can understand how to best address behavior issues. This can really be helpful for those moments when you feel overwhelmed and don’t know what to do.

Also, being able to access support networks will be critical so that can give your child the love and care they deserve.

Family Support

It’s not just your adolescent or adult child, nor even just you, that will need help navigating and understanding ASD—the whole family needs help.

ASD is a diagnosis that affects everyone in a family. Sometimes stress levels are high because you’re not just handling issues related to your child but dealing with everything else in life too. That’s why it’s helpful that you participate in individual therapy and that everyone in your home engages in family therapy too. You want to support your child, but you also need support for yourself.

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If your child has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, there is hope. With early diagnosis, intervention, and support, they have the potential to lead as productive and independent a life as they possibly can as an adult. And along the way, you and your family will need help too.

If you’re looking for professional support for yourself and your family, please contact us or learn more about ourcounseling services.

You love your partner. You really do, from the bottom of your heart.

However, there are times when your partner, well… annoys you.

That can be very hard to admit. Nobody likes to say that there are things that their partner does that irritate them.

Yet, in just about every relationship each partner has certain traits that can drive the other up the wall. Snoring is certainly up there on the list. As is chewing your food with your mouth open. Or maybe it’s speaking before thinking.

These annoyances can cause you to have some very negative emotions. Obviously, you wouldn’t want these feelings to linger or drive a wedge between you. So what can you do?

Here are some ideas for how you can keep negative emotions in check when your partner annoys you.

Watch Your Facial Expressions

You might say that you’re not annoyed with your partner, but your facial expressions say something completely different. And your partner knows it.

Most people don’t always recognize how their facial expression are communicating their true feelings. However, if you are trying to manage your negative emotions, this is an important first area to address.

Not that you shouldn’t hide your true feelings behind a mask. That isn’t productive. Yet, the eye-rolling isn’t helpful either. If you’re not sure what your “tells” are, ask your partner. Their response might surprise you.

Then, contemplate how you can still own your emotions without them coming out negatively through your facial expressions.

Consider Why You Are Having These Feelings

Next, think about why you are having these feelings in the first place. That’s not easy to do, as it can reveal some aspects of yourself that you might not want to admit.

However, understanding your motivations for your annoyance is very important. It will allow you to separate what’s truly important from what’s not.

For instance, if you are annoyed that your partner doesn’t follow through with promises, that is certainly a crucial issue that needs to be resolved. But if it’s about how they laugh or even speak, that might be an indicator you need to shift your perspective a little to not be so critical.

Recognize How Annoyance Can Lead to Anger

Something else to consider is how annoyance, without being addressed, will lead to anger. This often occurs when you experience annoyance about your partner’s behavior over time. Yet, you never have any kind of discussion with them about those behaviors. Rather, you hold your feelings in.

Everyone has a breaking point. Often those feelings spill out at the most inopportune time. And, sadly, it often happens in a way that damages the relationship, not strengthens it. Usually, it’s in the form of anger. That’s because you feel that you can’t take it anymore.

Acknowledge Feeling Annoyed and Communicate

The better solution is to acknowledge what you are feeling, both to yourself and your partner. You are entitled to have your feelings, including annoyance. But what you do with those feelings does have ramifications for both you and your partner.

The best way to deal with feeling annoyed is to talk to your partner about what you are struggling with. Ask for their help. They can do this by first listening to you. Then, together, you can decide where to go from there.

It might be that all you need is to vent and get your feelings out in the open. Or you and your partner can collaborate with finding a workable solution.

Get Professional Help for When Your Partner Annoys You

Sometimes you need professional help when dealing with these types of relationship issues. A therapist who is trained in relationship therapy can help you manage your emotions.

Maybe you’re not ready to tell your partner about your feelings, but a therapist could be the next best option. To start with, they can help you sort out why you are annoyed with your partner. Then, with your partner, you can both work with the therapist to find practical solutions to remedy the situation.

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Everyone gets annoyed occasionally, including with their partner. What’s important is knowing how to manage that annoyance so that you don’t get overwhelmed with negative emotions. If you think you may need professional help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us 256-686-9195.

One of the central issues for someone with autism is that they struggle when it comes to communication and social interaction.

Things that for neuro-typical people come easily are very hard for those on the autism spectrum.

For instance, a job interview involves talking face-to-face with a potential employer. There might be some chit chat or pleasantries that are said before the interview starts. Then, you must “read the room” to get a feel for how the interview is going.

Talk about stressful!

And that doesn’t include getting to the interview location, checking in, and other social interactions that need to take place.

Knowing the common issues related to communication and social interaction can help you prepare and navigate these situations successfully. Consider using some of the following concerns.

Eye Contact

One of the traits associated with autism is a dislike for eye contact. In the western world, eye contact is considered a very important trait when it comes to communication and social interaction. It’s a way of knowing that the person to whom you are speaking is engaged, participating in the conversation, and listening to you.

Yet, for those with autism, eye contact is very hard to maintain. Research is discovering that the reason might be a neurotransmitter imbalance that causes people with autism to experience distress when looking someone in the eye or viewing their face. However, to someone who doesn’t realize this, this behavior seems off-putting or even rude.

Body Language

Another important skill related to social interaction and communication is body language. All humans display body language. Gesturing with your hands is one example. Also, how you position your body in relation to another person.

Knowing how to interpret body language is critical for understanding the true meaning that someone is trying to convey. For example, a person can say “I’m okay.” Yet, if they have a stooped posture, a sad expression, and are looking down or away into the distance, those signs could indicate something totally different.

It’s not that people with autism are not caring. Rather, they don’t have the ability to read this hidden language that comes intuitively to neuro-typical people.

Physical Touch

People with autism also struggle when it comes to being touched. Receiving a hug can be particularly distressful. What would happen if a person with autism was hugged unexpectedly? That could be a very stressful experience for that person.

This might be because individuals with autism have lower levels of response in certain areas of the brain that allow neuro-typical people to perceive others in their surroundings. In fact, research has found that there is a connection between one’s ability to process touch with social capacity. What this means for those with autism is that they do not necessarily have the ability to link social touch with positivity.

Having “No Filter”

If you’ve ever talked to someone with autism, then you know that they don’t have a “filter.” They will say what comes to mind, and they don’t hold back. Their intent isn’t to be mean or hurtful. Rather, they simply don’t realize that there is a social consequence to what they are saying.

It’s interesting because neuro-typical people will know how to “put on appearances” or to tell white lies so as not to appear rude. But people with autism don’t have that skill.

Preferring to Be Alone

It’s no wonder that people with autism typically prefer to be alone. There’s less stress involved, and it’s easier to have control over one’s environment.

Again, this can come off as being antisocial, especially for adults. It can also create problems when it comes to finding and maintaining a job. The workplace is fraught with unwritten social rules that an autistic person can find confusing or not even recognize at all.

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Autism does make it difficult for people with the disorder to navigate a world that’s fundamentally not designed for them. If you or someone you know is struggling with these situations, consider utilizing individual therapy specifically designed to help those with autism. Feel free to contact us to find out more.

If just thinking of the holidays brings with it stress and anxiety, you’re not alone. Many people struggle during this time, whether they are pursuing therapy or not.

However, this season can often be the worst time of year to either get started with therapy or to even just book an appointment for your standard therapy time. Schedules get thrown out of whack and attention shifts towards purchasing gifts and preparing holiday meals. Plus, you have to make time for parties, school events for the kids, and so much more.

That’s why you might want to consider online therapy this year. It’s a useful tool that can help provide the support you need during the holiday season.

Here are five reasons why you may want to give it some thought.

1. Staying Connected While Away

If your holiday plans include travel away from home, then an online therapy appointment might help. This way, you still stay connected with your therapist and continue your scheduled meeting time instead of having to skip a week or two.

For some, a break in therapy sessions can cause problems to build up, creating more stress. Instead, you can maintain your flow, so-to-speak, and stay on track with your therapeutic progress.

2. Not Having to Sacrifice a Big Part of Your Day

Granted, an in-person therapy appointment doesn’t take long—perhaps between 45 minutes to an hour. However, it’s the time getting to and back home from the appointment that can add up.

During the holidays time is precious. Many things are competing for your attention. Unfortunately, not all of these are beneficial for your mental health. In fact, the demands placed on you might even be too much. This added pressure may cause you to sacrifice your regular therapy appointment because you believe you don’t have the time.

With online therapy, you can have your appointment in the comfort of your home. Or you could get your appointment in during your lunch break. That way you don’t feel like you have to give up more time in your already busy schedule.

3. Getting Support When You Need It

Online therapy is useful in that you can benefit from therapy when you need it most. For instance, if you are struggling with anxiety, most likely the holidays can be a stressful time for you.

However, if you are participating in an online therapy program that offers real-time connection, this could be really useful. When you start to feel the anxiety build, you can start contacting the online service and get the support you need. Having that professional support at the right moment could mean the difference between keeping anxiety in check or letting it overwhelm you.

4. Not Having to Explain Yourself

Even if you are staying at home for the holidays, explaining to others that you need to step out for therapy can be embarrassing. You don’t want to have to face lots of questions from visiting family members.

With online therapy, you don’t have to explain yourself at all. You can even be messaging with the therapist with others present. However, it would be best if you could find some seclusion to have more privacy. And if the service you are working with offers 24-hour support, you could do your messaging early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s quieter.

5. Using Your Preferred Way to Communicate

For many, including younger generations, communicating by using online tools has become the norm. It makes sense that they would use online therapy as well.

If you feel more comfortable participating in online therapy, by all means, go for it! As long as you are getting your needs met, therapy online can be a great way to get the support you need during the holidays.

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Whether you are worried about the effects of the holidays on your mental health or just want to maintain consistency for your treatment schedule, online therapy might be a good option. Remember that your mental health should take priority, no matter what time of year it is.

Please, contact us if you’d like more information about my online therapy services.