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Mental Health

Does it matter if your therapist looks like you?

When engaging with minority populations in therapy, emphasizing the significance of building a
therapeutic bond, embodying cultural humility, and employing a multicultural perspective is
crucial. This work can be undermined when the therapist is white. An overwhelming majority of therapists are white women, specifically. Though all therapists are taught to be multiculturally competent, the simple fact of not sharing a culture can be daunting. Clients may feel that they cannot share and end up leaving treatment. How can therapists of all cultures ensure cultural competency to aid them when their client is of a different culture?

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Identity and First-Generation Asian Americans

Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing groups in the United States, often carrying the title of “model minority”, and the pressure to assimilate quickly into American society. Being an immigrant assimilating to American culture and lifestyle is not easy. Not only do many immigrants experience grief when leaving their countries, but they may also experience a feeling of exclusion due to lack of community and racial disparities. To embrace their culture completely means exclusion in their new home, but complete assimilation can lead to feelings of dissociation and confusion. Here, we will explore protective factors when learning how to balance these two worlds as an Asian American.

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Why Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy Matters

In the world that is constantly facing several different disasters and complexities, finding the right therapist can be akin to discovering a guiding light in the midst of darkness. However, for individuals who are neurodivergent, this journey can be fraught with additional challenges. Neurodivergence encompasses a spectrum of neurological differences, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. These differences shape the way individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. Therefore, it becomes paramount for those seeking therapy to find a therapist who not only acknowledges but also validates their neurodivergent identity.

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Using Grief Counseling to Navigate Loss with Teens.

Losing a loved one can be an incredibly challenging experience, especially for teenagers who are already navigating the complexities of adolescence. Grief can manifest in various ways for teens, impacting their emotional well-being, relationships, and overall mental health. In such times of distress, seeking support through grief counseling can provide invaluable assistance in processing emotions, coping with loss, and rebuilding a sense of normalcy.

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What’s the link between GAD and Neurodivergence?

This article defines Generalized Anxiety and Neurodivergence and explores the links between the two. My personal experience (Cassandra Carter) working with the neurodivergent population has led me to have a lot of thoughts on the subject. I have seen clients who have struggled to be validated in their pursuit of neurodivergent diagnosis or who are confused about the link between comorbid disorders and neurodivergence. My specialty is working with clients who are going through big life transitions. Having comorbid generalized anxiety, neurodivergence, and going through changes can feel excruciating.

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BIPOC Neurodiversity and Mental Health

Being a woman of color and neurodivergent, whether autistic or living with ADHD, presents a unique set of challenges that are often compounded by societal biases and systemic barriers. The journey towards understanding one’s neurodivergence, seeking diagnosis, and accessing appropriate support can be a daunting one, but it’s a journey worth taking to better understand oneself and thrive in a world that doesn’t always accommodate differences.

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