Loving Differently, Just Like Everyone Else: Embracing Neurodiverse Relationships
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Loving Differently, Just Like Everyone Else: Embracing Neurodiverse Relationships

Navigating a neurodiverse relationship, where one or both partners' brains process the world uniquely (e.g., with ADHD, autism, or sensory differences), isn't about carrying "extra baggage," but rather about working with a different user manual. Like all couples, neurodiverse partners must intentionally learn to meet each other's needs, communicate effectively, and be mindful of individual differences; however, societal myths often unfairly stigmatize these connections. In reality, neurodivergent individuals bring profound loyalty, depth, honesty, creativity, and empathy to relationships, where love and connection may manifest in less traditional ways—such as shared interests, direct communication, or tailored gestures of care—proving that these relationships are not only viable but can be wonderfully authentic and deeply rewarding.

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Love, Laundry & ADHD: Navigating Relationships with a Busy Brain
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Love, Laundry & ADHD: Navigating Relationships with a Busy Brain

Navigating relationships when one or both partners have ADHD is a unique journey shaped by a brain that craves novelty and spontaneity, impacting everything from communication to intimacy and daily chores. While ADHD can manifest as challenges like forgotten plans, inattention, or emotional dysregulation, these behaviors stem from differences in brain wiring, not a lack of love. Instead, understanding ADHD in relationships can unlock a dynamic filled with playfulness, creativity, deep empathy, and fierce loyalty, revealing a love that is often more intense and unfiltered, yet capable of profound connection with the right support, patience, and clear communication.

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Love on the Spectrum: Autism and Relationships 
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Love on the Spectrum: Autism and Relationships 

Relationships involving autistic individuals are characterized by authentic connections and genuine love, though their expression may differ from neurotypical norms. People on the spectrum experience love and desire connection just like anyone else, often demonstrating traits like direct communication, unique love languages focused on actions, and deep loyalty once trust is established. Challenges can arise from masking behaviors, sensory sensitivities impacting physical comfort, and communication styles that benefit from clarity and directness. However, by embracing these neurodivergent ways of relating, respecting boundaries, and fostering clear communication, relationships can thrive with refreshingly honest, sincere, and profound connections, proving that different ways of loving are not deficient but simply beautiful.

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Making Life Manageable with Sensory Processing Disorder: Finding Balance Amid the Overwhelm
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Making Life Manageable with Sensory Processing Disorder: Finding Balance Amid the Overwhelm

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) significantly impacts how the brain manages everyday sensory information, often leading to overwhelming experiences with sights, sounds, textures, and smells. As a form of neurodiversity, SPD means an individual's brain processes sensory input uniquely, highlighting that it's a different way of experiencing the world, not a flaw. While common triggers like loud noises or certain textures can make daily life challenging and lead to avoidance or isolation, effective support through Occupational Therapy, particularly Sensory Integration Therapy, and neurodiversity-affirming mental health counseling can help individuals develop crucial coping strategies, fostering emotional resilience and making life with SPD manageable, comfortable, and fulfilling at any age.

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Living with Tourette Syndrome
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Living with Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome, a neurological condition characterized by involuntary motor and vocal tics, is often misunderstood and misrepresented, but living with it can be manageable and even meaningful. Falling under the neurodiversity umbrella, Tourette's, like ADHD or autism, is viewed as a natural variation in brain function rather than a disorder. While tics vary and can feel like an uncontrollable build-up of pressure, therapy—especially neurodiversity-affirming approaches like CBIT—can offer a vital lifeline, focusing on understanding, emotional resilience, and coping in a world not always built for neurodivergent brains. It's crucial to remember that individuals with Tourette's are not seeking attention, and that understanding, rather than judgment or attempts to "stop" tics, is paramount to fostering acceptance and a supportive environment.

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Hi, I’m Katie — I’m a therapist, and I have dyslexia.
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Hi, I’m Katie — I’m a therapist, and I have dyslexia.

As a therapist with dyslexia, I've navigated life feeling "different," shaped by an invisible force that influences how I think, feel, and learn. Despite misconceptions and hurtful comments throughout my schooling, my dyslexia isn't a deficit; it's an intrinsic part of who I am and how I connect with others. This journey has given me a deep appreciation for the unique ways our brains work and a profound empathy for anyone who feels misunderstood or unheard because their brain processes information differently. This article aims to clarify that dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyspraxia are not "disorders," but rather learning differences—types of neurodiversity that simply mean traditional systems aren't always built with these brains in mind, highlighting the critical need for awareness, compassion, and understanding.

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Navigate a Neurotypical World: The Power of Neurodiversity Therapy
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Navigate a Neurotypical World: The Power of Neurodiversity Therapy

If you've ever felt like your brain operates on a different wavelength, as if the world wasn't quite designed with you in mind, know that you're not alone in this experience, which can include navigating a society that often feels overwhelming or exhausting; neurodivergence encompasses various ways brains process information differently from the "neurotypical," including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more, and while it can impact daily life through sensory sensitivities or organizational challenges, it also often fosters strengths like adaptability and creative problem-solving, highlighting that it's not a deficit but a different way of thinking and thriving, and seeking professional support, such as neurodivergent therapy, can provide clarity and validation, helping you understand and work with your unique brain rather than against it.

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Unlock Your Brain: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding ADHD
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Unlock Your Brain: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding ADHD

Have you ever felt like your brain operates differently, perhaps with frequent distractions or difficulty focusing? You're not alone, and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) could be a factor, representing a way your brain processes information uniquely, often involving challenges with focus, organization, and impulse control, though this isn't inherently negative but simply how your brain is wired.

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Mental Health Self-Care: Practical Tips for Reducing Anxiety & Depression
Emerald Aueyong, MS, AMFT, APCC Emerald Aueyong, MS, AMFT, APCC

Mental Health Self-Care: Practical Tips for Reducing Anxiety & Depression

Mental self-care is crucial for maintaining mental health and well-being, involving daily check-ins with your emotions, reducing anxiety and stress, and seeking support when needed. Prioritizing mental health can lead to improved clarity, focus, presence, and overall quality of life, benefiting not only yourself but also your ability to support others. This article offers creative suggestions for engaging in mental self-care, ranging from brief mindfulness techniques like mindful eating and grounding exercises to practices like meditation, guided yoga, slowing down, mental stimulation, and unplugging from technology, emphasizing that these are not one-size-fits-all approaches and encouraging readers to explore what works best for their individual needs.

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Could I Be On the Spectrum? Understanding and Supporting Autism Spectrum Disorder in Therapy
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Could I Be On the Spectrum? Understanding and Supporting Autism Spectrum Disorder in Therapy

If you've ever wondered if you might be on the autism spectrum, you're not alone, as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a wide and unique range of experiences, strengths, and challenges for each individual; being on the spectrum means experiencing autism in your own way, where what it looks like for one person can be very different from another, with some finding social interactions tricky while others excel in areas like math or art, reflecting the diverse abilities, traits, and challenges and highlighting that autism is not a "one-size-fits-all" experience.

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Rogerian Person-Centered Therapy: Self-Acceptance is the Path to Healing
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Rogerian Person-Centered Therapy: Self-Acceptance is the Path to Healing

Rogerian Person-Centered Therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, emphasizes the inherent capacity of individuals to grow and heal through self-exploration within a supportive, non-judgmental environment. This humanistic approach prioritizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence, fostering a therapeutic relationship where clients can freely explore their thoughts and feelings. Rather than directing solutions, the therapist acts as a facilitator, empowering individuals to develop self-awareness, build self-acceptance, and ultimately, navigate their own path toward personal fulfillment and psychological well-being.

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Self-Care As a Means for Sustainability: Five Journal Prompts For Introspection
Emerald Aueyong, MS, AMFT, APCC Emerald Aueyong, MS, AMFT, APCC

Self-Care As a Means for Sustainability: Five Journal Prompts For Introspection

In an era where "self-care" is a ubiquitous buzzword, often diluted by its widespread use in advertising and social media, its fundamental importance has never been more critical, especially for adults navigating the complexities of their 20s and 30s. This article delves into the true meaning of self-care, defining it as the proactive identification and fulfillment of personal needs through advocacy, empowerment, and prioritization, emphasizing the crucial mind-body connection. By providing a structured approach, including a self-assessment and reflective journal prompts, it aims to guide readers in understanding their baseline, recognizing the short-term and long-term benefits of self-care, and addressing common barriers to its practice.

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Through Trauma-Informed and Focused Therapy: Moving Forward, Not Backward
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Through Trauma-Informed and Focused Therapy: Moving Forward, Not Backward

The word "trauma" itself can trigger anxiety or avoidance, which is entirely understandable given the complexity and delicacy of healing from such experiences; therefore, finding a therapist who understands how to approach trauma with care is crucial, ensuring a safe and supportive environment where you don't feel overwhelmed. Trauma's impact extends beyond the initial event, manifesting in various ways like anxiety, avoidance, relationship struggles, distressing memories, and unexplained physical symptoms, highlighting the importance of trauma-informed and trauma-focused therapy to help individuals move forward at their own pace.

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Internal Family Systems (IFS): A Journey to Understanding Your Inner World
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

Internal Family Systems (IFS): A Journey to Understanding Your Inner World

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a unique and compassionate approach to healing, viewing the psyche as a family of distinct "parts" rather than a monolithic entity. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS posits that these parts—such as the wounded "exiles," protective "managers," and impulsive "firefighters"—hold valuable roles and deserve understanding, not condemnation. By guiding individuals to connect with their core "Self," characterized by qualities like compassion, calm, and clarity, IFS facilitates inner harmony and healing. It encourages self-leadership, enabling individuals to navigate emotional challenges and cultivate healthier relationships by fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance of their internal landscape.

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The Science of Love: How the Gottman Method Strengthens Relationships
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

The Science of Love: How the Gottman Method Strengthens Relationships

The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to couples therapy that focuses on building and strengthening the "Sound Relationship House," a metaphor for a healthy relationship. It emphasizes creating shared meaning, fostering fondness and admiration, turning towards bids for connection, managing conflict constructively, supporting each other's dreams, and building a strong foundation of friendship. Gottman therapy involves assessment through questionnaires and interviews, followed by interventions designed to improve communication, increase intimacy, and enhance conflict resolution skills. It provides couples with practical tools and strategies to navigate challenges, deepen their bond, and create a more fulfilling and lasting partnership.

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The Power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Practical Solutions for Better Mental Health and Stronger Relationships
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

The Power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Practical Solutions for Better Mental Health and Stronger Relationships

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, problem-focused therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mental health challenges and relationship difficulties. CBT emphasizes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, teaching skills to challenge distorted thinking, manage difficult emotions, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. It's a collaborative approach where therapists and clients work together to set goals, explore specific problems, and practice new skills in real-life situations. CBT is effective for a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship problems, offering concrete tools and strategies for achieving lasting improvements in mental well-being and building stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

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From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Harnessing Your Emotions with Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) 
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Harnessing Your Emotions with Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) 

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals and couples understand, process, and transform their emotions to foster healing and growth. EFT emphasizes that emotions are central to well-being and relationships, guiding us like an internal GPS. It's effective for various issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship struggles, by helping individuals recognize, understand, and reshape their emotional experiences, and by helping couples identify negative cycles, explore underlying emotions, and build stronger connections. While it may feel intense and requires time, EFT offers a structured process for developing emotional resilience and deepening self-compassion, ultimately leading to lasting improvements in mental health and relationships.

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Building Confidence Does Not Lead to Arrogance: Debunking the Myths and Building Self-Esteem
Corinne Eisenhardt Corinne Eisenhardt

Building Confidence Does Not Lead to Arrogance: Debunking the Myths and Building Self-Esteem

This article challenges common misconceptions about confidence, arguing that it's not about arrogance or avoiding mistakes, but rather about self-acceptance, resilience, and authentic connection. It debunks myths that equate confidence with arrogance, increased errors, or blindness to flaws, emphasizing that true confidence, often cultivated through therapy, fosters empathy and a willingness to learn and grow. The article highlights the positive impact of confidence on various life areas, including work (leading to greater opportunities and job satisfaction), relationships (promoting healthier dynamics and deeper connections), and overall well-being (encouraging healthy habits and reducing stress). It concludes by offering practical strategies for building confidence, such as focusing on strengths, embracing imperfections, practicing self-compassion, setting realistic goals, challenging negative self-talk, and seeking supportive relationships, emphasizing that confidence is a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth.

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What to Expect In Your First Therapy Session
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

What to Expect In Your First Therapy Session

This article provides a guide to what to expect in a first therapy session at Angel City Therapy. It covers the general structure, which usually includes introductions and housekeeping, getting to know the client, exploring their goals, and discussing next steps. The article emphasizes that the first session is primarily about building a comfortable connection and establishing a foundation for the therapeutic relationship. It addresses common anxieties by explaining that Angel City Therapy therapists are trained to guide the conversation, that it's okay to feel awkward or unsure what to say, and that there's no pressure to have everything figured out. The article also touches on what therapists might ask, the possibility of crying or receiving a diagnosis in the first session, and why therapy can feel challenging at first. Ultimately, it aims to demystify the process and encourage those considering therapy at Angel City Therapy to take the first step, emphasizing that it's a significant act of self-care and a beginning to a journey of healing and growth.

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What to Expect During Your Free Phone Consultation Call
Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC Katie Olney, MA, LPC (IL), APCC (CA), NCC

What to Expect During Your Free Phone Consultation Call

This article is a guide to free phone consultations with Angel City Therapy. It aims to ease anxieties around the process by debunking common myths. During the call, the Wellness Team will inquire about your reasons for seeking therapy, ask clarifying questions, and then suggest a therapist based on your needs. You'll have the opportunity to ask your own questions about their experience, rates, and session format. The call concludes with the option to schedule a session with a recommended therapist, with no pressure to commit. The article emphasizes that this consultation is about finding the right fit and encourages potential clients to take the first step toward therapy.

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