Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder ARFID
ARFID :: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
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ARFID is not just "picky eating" it is a multifaceted eating disorder and neurodivergence characterized by severe food avoidance or restriction. Individuals with ARFID often exhibit a limited range of acceptable foods, rigid eating patterns, sensory sensitivities, and anxiety around mealtimes, which can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies and impaired physical health. ARFID doesn't primarily revolve around body image or weight concerns, although these can still coexist with ARFID.
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To understand ARFID through the lens of neurodiversity visit https://bit.ly/3K3rSjf or click Sprout 🔗 in bio
Los Angeles Fires
We extend our deepest gratitude to CAL FIRE and the Los Angeles Fire Department for their unwavering efforts in battling these devastating fires. The Neurodivergent Collective is located outside the affected areas in Southern California and remains safe. To our families, friends, colleagues, and the entire treatment community, we assure you that we are here to support you during this crisis. Please do not hesitate to contact us for support, we hold you in our hearts.
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To learn how to support Wildfire Response with the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region visit: https://rdcrss.org/421Wc8a or click Sprout 🔗 in bio
The Neurodivergent Collective
WHY CHOOSE THE NEURODIVERGENT COLLECTIVE?
▫️ Comprehensive Care: From evidence-based therapies to recreational activities, we offer a range of services tailored to address trauma, mood disorders, and the challenges of neurodivergence.
▫️ Expert Team: Our multidisciplinary team includes doctoral and master-level psychologists, therapists, occupational therapists, and executive functioning coaches passionate about neurodivergent-affirming care.
▫️ Innovative Programming: Group sessions include evidence-based modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Lifestyle Design, and Holographic Reprocessing alongside experiential opportunities like ocean therapy, music therapy, art therapy, yoga, and psychodrama.
▫️ Supportive Amenities: Clients enjoy the comforts of a private chef, massage therapy, and restorative weekend outings designed to recharge and inspire.
▫️ Community Connection: We believe in fostering belonging. Peer support, lunch groups, and strengths-based approaches help clients rediscover their sense of value and connection to others.
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Learn more about The Neurodivergent Collective programs at https://bit.ly/4gDQa2m or click Sprout 🔗 in bio
The Neurodivergent Collective 2024
Energized by our community, we look forward to making strides in the year ahead relentlessly championing personalized mental health care for ADHD and autistic adults. Here's to more compassion, more affirmation, and more growth in 2025. Happy New Year!
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To revisit our 2024 posts and interviews visit https://bit.ly/41WUHbg or click Sprout 🔗 in bio
"If you have a loved one who’s recently undergone mental health treatment, the holidays can be an opportunity to create a safe and affirming environment for them. Here are a few ways to show your support:
▫️ Respect Their Boundaries: Listen when they set limits on what they’re comfortable discussing, and avoid pressuring them for details about their treatment.
▫️Educate Yourself: Learn about neurodivergence and mental health to better understand their experiences. This can help you avoid unintentional invalidation or harmful comments.
▫️Celebrate Their Progress: Focus on their strengths and growth, and remind them that you’re proud of how far they’ve come.
▫️Be Patient and Compassionate: Recovery is a journey, and your loved one may still be navigating challenges. Offer empathy, not judgment." -Dr. Tony Meiners, PsyD :: Clinical Director
Complicated Grief
COMPLICATED GRIEF :: Complicated Grief, also known as Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), is a psychological condition that occurs in response to the loss of a loved one. It involves an intense and prolonged form of grief that goes beyond the expected period of mourning and can significantly impair a person's ability to function in their daily life. It's characterized by symptoms such as intense longing for the deceased, difficulty accepting the death, avoidance of reminders of the loss, emotional numbness, and an inability to find pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable.
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Neurodivergence, on the other hand, is a concept that recognizes and respects the wide variation in neurological functioning among individuals. It suggests that neurological differences, such as those associated with autism, ADHD, and other conditions, are a natural and valuable part of human diversity, rather than solely deficits to be fixed or eliminated.
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It's important to remember that each person's experience of grief and neurodivergence is unique. Tailoring support to an individual's needs, preferences, and neurological makeup is crucial for helping them navigate the complexities of both their grief and their neurodivergence. If you or someone you know is struggling with complicated grief, seeking support from mental health professionals experienced in working with both grief and neurodivergence is recommended.
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To learn more about Complicated Grief visit https://bit.ly/4frPPhB or click Sprout 🔗 in bio
Holiday Mental & Physical Health
HOLIDAY MENTAL & PHYSICAL HEALTH :: MICHAEL CHRISTIAN CILNIS,
MA, LPCC :: CLINICAL THERAPIST
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Read 'Navigating Family Boundaries During the Holidays' by Clinical Director Dr. Tony Meiners at https://bit.ly/41ZQiEH or click Sprout 🔗 in bio to learn more!
Diane Gould, LCSW
"People with PDA, regardless of age, require specific types of support, often more than what appears on the surface." -Diane Gould, LCSW
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To learn more about PDA read Diane's post 'Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, An Autistic Profile' at https://bit.ly/3DeqhqH or click Sprout 🔗 in bio
Michael Christian Cilnis, MA, LPCC
TEAM HIGHLIGHT :: MICHAEL CHRISTIAN CILNIS, MA, LPCC :: CLINICAL THERAPIST
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UNIVERSITIES + DEGREES: Pepperdine University [MA, Clinical Psychology], Loyola Marymount University [MBA], Loyola Marymount University [BA, Communication Studies]
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CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION: Michael’s work is rooted in the understanding that insight and awareness are pivotal in effecting change. He utilizes approaches such as psychodynamic and attachment-focused methods to help clients explore and overcome personal challenges. Experienced in working with diverse clinical settings and populations, Michael brings a holistic approach to his role as a clinical therapist. He specializes in treating issues specific to the LGBTQIA+ community as well as substance use disorders and non-chemical addictions/ compulsive behaviors.
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CERTIFICATIONS: EMDR Basic Training, EMDR DeTUR and CravEx Protocols
Emotional Eating + ASD :: Dr. Marina Yacoub
EMOTIONAL EATING + ASD :: "Individuals with ASD often thrive on routine and predictability, and food can become a part of these routines. Emotional eating can occur when food-related rituals provide a sense of stability and control in an otherwise unpredictable world. If an individual with ASD associates certain foods with comfort and security, they might turn to these foods in times of emotional distress instead of healthier coping skills." - Dr. Marina Yacoub, PsyD
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For Dr. Yacoub's full post 'Link Between Neurodivergence + Eating Disorders' visit https://bit.ly/4eZPLW6 or click Sprout 🔗 in bio
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The Neurodivergent Collective works within the Neurodiversity Affirming Paradigm in all aspects of clinical work with clients. Given the nature of the medical model of diagnosis for mental health treatment, we acknowledge some language used reflects the medical model of frameworks. Please let us know if you have questions about our treatment philosophy or practice.
