Enlightened Ways Therapy

11/13/2025

Men face unique challenges when it comes to mental health. Too often, stigma and societal expectations keep men from reaching out for help — but taking care of your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness.

🧠 Here’s how we can support men’s mental health:

-Start conversations: Ask the men in your life how they’re really doing and listen without judgment.

-Normalize therapy: Encourage therapy as a healthy, proactive tool — not a last resort.

-Check in regularly: Even small messages or calls can remind someone they’re not alone.

-Promote healthy outlets: Exercise, hobbies, community groups, and mindfulness can all help manage stress.

-Model openness: Men seeing other men talk about emotions helps break the cycle of silence.

Let’s change the narrative — mental health matters for everyone.

11/06/2025

In the world of mental health, therapy should feel like a place where you can show up exactly as you are. For many neurodivergent people—those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other forms of neurological difference—that hasn’t always been the case.

Neuroaffirming care is changing that. It’s a growing movement in therapy that recognizes neurological differences as natural variations of the human brain, not as problems to fix. This guide explains what neuroaffirming therapy means, why it matters, and how to find care that truly supports you.

Read more at: https://www.enlightenedwaystherapy.com/blog/a-clients-guide-to-neuroaffirming-therapy

11/05/2025

November brings an opportunity to honor and uplift Indigenous voices during Native American Heritage Month. To highlight the profound contributions that Native American scholars and clinicians have made to the field of psychology, here are a few important Native American figures to know about:

Carolyn Lewis Attneave (Delaware Tribe)-a pioneering psychologist who developed network-therapy approaches that honored family and community connections and was among the first Native American women to earn a PhD in psychology.

Marigold Linton (Morongo Band of Cahuilla Mission Indians)- the first Native American in the U.S. to earn a doctorate in psychology (1964), whose research in long‐term memory and advocacy for Indigenous students advanced both science and equity.

Logan Wright Jr. (Osage Nation)- often called the father of pediatric psychology, who became the first American Indian to serve as president of the American Psychological Association (APA) and helped shape practices that integrate psychological and medical care for children.

These trailblazers remind us how Indigenous perspectives — emphasizing holistic health, community connection, cultural strengths, and healing from generational trauma — enrich and broaden the field of psychology.

When we honor the past and invest in the future, we support a more inclusive and culturally responsive field of psychology that reflects all of us.

11/01/2025

Happy Halloween from Enlightened Ways Therapy! Here’s to making your mental health (and your life) a little less scary one session at a time. 👻

10/29/2025

To allow people the dignity of their pain means to honor someone’s emotional experience without trying to minimize, fix, or rush it. It recognizes that pain is a deeply human response to loss, disappointment, or struggle — and that each person deserves the space to feel and express it in their own way. When we rush to make someone feel better or tell them to “look on the bright side,” we may unintentionally take away their right to fully process what they’re going through. Allowing the dignity of pain means sitting with compassion, listening without judgment, and trusting that healing happens when people are allowed to be where they are.

10/27/2025

Halloween can be exciting (and overwhelming) for many children. From sensory overload to social pressures, it’s important to keep your child’s emotional and physical comfort in mind throughout the festivities.

Here are a few things to be aware of:

🕯️ Sensory Sensitivity: Costumes, crowds, and loud noises can be uncomfortable. Let your child choose what feels best to wear or when to take breaks.

🍬 Sugar & Stimulation: Too many treats and late-night activities can lead to meltdowns or anxiety. Set gentle limits ahead of time.

🎭 Social Pressure: Not every child enjoys dressing up or going door-to-door. Validate their feelings and offer alternative ways to join the fun.

🏠 Safety & Routine: Keep familiar routines where possible and talk through what to expect so your child feels prepared and secure.

Halloween is about joy, creativity, and connection — not perfection. Meeting your child where they are helps make the night enjoyable for everyone.

10/22/2025

October is LGBTQ+ History Month

This month recognizes the vital contributions, struggles, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history. From the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, to landmark achievements such as the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (2011) and the legalization of same-sex marriage (2015), LGBTQ+ history reflects a powerful journey toward equality and inclusion.

Honoring this history reminds us that progress is ongoing. Advocacy continues to be essential in creating safe, affirming, and equitable spaces for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Here are meaningful ways to continue supporting LGBTQ+ visibility and rights:

🌈 Learn about LGBTQ+ history and contemporary issues.
🤝 Support local and national LGBTQ+ organizations.
🗣️ Use your voice to challenge discrimination and promote inclusion.
💬 Create environments where everyone feels seen, respected, and valued.

10/12/2025

October is ADHD Awareness Month

ADHD isn’t just about distraction or restlessness — it’s a difference in how the brain manages attention, motivation, and emotional regulation.

Here are a few key facts to know:
✨ ADHD affects both children and adults — many people aren’t diagnosed until later in life.
✨ It’s not caused by laziness or lack of discipline — it’s a neurodevelopmental difference.
✨ Symptoms can look different in everyone — some may struggle with focus, others with impulsivity, time management, or emotional regulation.
✨ With understanding, support, and the right tools, people with ADHD can thrive in work, school, and relationships.

Let’s use this month to replace stereotypes with understanding and compassion 💛

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day — a reminder that mental health matters every single day. Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body.

If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some ways to support healing and connection:

If it’s you:

-Reach out — talk to someone you trust.

-Take one small step toward care (a walk, journaling, therapy, rest).

-Remember: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If it’s someone you know:

-Listen without judgment or trying to “fix” things.

-Check in regularly, even with a simple “thinking of you.”

-Encourage professional help if needed.

-Remind them they’re not alone.

You don’t have to have all the answers. Just showing up makes a difference. Let’s keep the conversation going and help make mental health care a priority for all. 💚

10/09/2025

10/06/2025

Emotional strength isn’t about being happy all the time; it’s about learning to feel and make sense of whatever shows up. By helping kids understand that every emotion has value and purpose, we give them the tools to build resilience, self-awareness, and genuine emotional strength. Here are some strategies to work on building emotional strength with kids:

1. Validate their feelings.

Let kids know it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or scared. Validation helps them feel seen and teaches that emotions aren’t “bad.”

2. Model healthy coping.

Show how you handle frustration or disappointment calmly. Kids learn resilience by watching how adults manage emotions.

3. Encourage problem-solving.

Instead of fixing every issue, ask questions like, “What do you think we could try?” This builds confidence and emotional independence.

4. Foster connection and safety.

A secure relationship with a trusted adult gives kids a stable base from which to explore, make mistakes, and grow.

5. Teach emotional language.

Help them name what they feel (“I’m frustrated,” “I feel nervous”). Labeling emotions gives kids a sense of control over their inner world.

6. Celebrate effort, not just success.

Praise persistence and courage rather than just outcomes. This helps kids see challenges as opportunities to grow.

7. Encourage mindfulness and reflection.

Simple breathing, journaling, or body awareness activities can help kids notice and regulate their emotions.

10/01/2025

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, you don’t have to go through it alone.

👉 If it’s you: Your safety comes first. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or a domestic violence hotline for confidential support. Make a safety plan and remember—it’s not your fault.

👉 If it’s someone you know: Believe them. Listen without judgment. Offer support and resources rather than pressure. Respect their choices while reminding them they deserve to be safe.

📞 If you or someone you love needs immediate help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.

Together, we can break the silence, raise awareness, and stand against abuse.