healthcare, gender + transition + LGBTQIA+ Sara Walter Shihdanian healthcare, gender + transition + LGBTQIA+ Sara Walter Shihdanian

Trans Kids and Debunking the Discourse

In the swirling currents of modern American discourse, trans kids have become an unjustified flashpoint in debates that often prioritize ideology over humanity. From headlines claiming an "epidemic of irreversible medical interventions" to rhetoric portraying supportive parents as misguided, reckless, or harmful, much of the narrative surrounding these children is riddled with misinformation. As these narratives dominate the conversation, the actual threats to trans kids' lives are dangerously overlooked – their health, safety, and well-being. It’s time to debunk the myths and focus on what truly matters: supporting them so they have an equal opportunity to thrive alongside their peers.

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Because the Shower Runs Cold: ADHD and Mindfulness in Daily Life

Recently when I was in the shower, I went to shave my legs and realized “The water is already cooling off. I missed my shaving window again, dang it!” And just like that, I had to call it. Not because I was done with my shower tasks or because my morning was marching onward but because my neurodivergent brain’s preferred notification system for showering is simply running out of hot water. Sound familiar?

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Intersectionality, Mental Health, and Seeking Care

Intersectionality as a concept has become more widely known in recent years. It is a vital concept in contemporary discourse on social justice, identity, and inclusivity. Yet it has not yet reached the wider field of treatment and care in mental health. Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, it acknowledges that individuals experience multiple layers of discrimination or privilege due to their intersecting identities, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status. When applied to mental health, intersectionality offers a crucial framework for understanding how these diverse facets of identity shape individuals' well-being, how they experience the world at large, and with support and mental health care.

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healthcare, trauma informed care, abuse, relationship issues Sara Walter Shihdanian healthcare, trauma informed care, abuse, relationship issues Sara Walter Shihdanian

Narcissistic Abuse: Tactics, Impacts, and Healing

Narcissism has been a hot topic recently. Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional and psychological manipulation that aims to execute control over one person in effort to reduce insecurity in another. It can range from obvious to subtle and insidious but it uniformly leaves invisible scars that can take years to identify and heal. In this post, we’ll explore the tactics commonly used in narcissistic abuse, the mental health impacts survivors may experience, and how treatment can help facilitate healing and recovery.

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Trans in America, Part 2: Gender Affirming Healthcare in the New Era

In recent years, the conversation surrounding gender-affirming healthcare has shifted dramatically, driven by both increasing visibility of transgender and nonbinary individuals and a surge in political attention and stigma. This era of heightened focus has brought both progress and challenges. Policies and legislation from the last five years have profoundly impacted access to care, shaping the experiences of many gender-diverse individuals seeking care.

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Types of Neurodivergence: ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Giftedness, and Highly Sensitive People

n recent years, the term "neurodivergence" has gained prominence as a way to describe variations in cognitive functioning that diverge from what is considered typical. Neurodivergence celebrates the diversity of human brains, recognizing that differences in processing, perception, and interaction can be assets rather than deficits. While there are many types of neurodivergence, this blog post focuses on four categories: ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Giftedness, and Highly Sensitive People (HSP). We will explore their unique characteristics, overlapping traits, and key differences.

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self care, trauma, authenticity Sara Walter Shihdanian self care, trauma, authenticity Sara Walter Shihdanian

Values: Your Guide for Returning to Center

Trauma has a sneaky way of pulling us off course, creating distance not just from others but also from ourselves. It can leave us feeling unmoored, disconnected from the internal compass that helps us navigate life—our values. Reconnecting with these values is not just healing; it’s transformative. They provide a path back to center, helping us establish boundaries, recognize safety, and uncover meaning in our relationships with others and ourselves. They remind you of who you are beyond the survival strategies, helping you build a life rooted in authenticity, safety, and meaning—a life that feels like your own again.

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Trans in America, Part 1: The Rise of LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes and Anti-Trans Laws Since 2020

There has been a significant rise in both anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes and anti-transgender laws in recent years, which has sparked alarm among advocacy groups, mental health professionals, and the broader public. This has had a significant psychological toll on the community. Studies show that individuals who experience hate-based violence or discrimination are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. For transgender individuals, this trauma is compounded by unique social and medical stressors, including stigma and discrimination in healthcare, employment, and social settings. In this blog, we’ll explore the key data, trends, and implications of these developments, as well as the potential impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

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brainspotting, self care, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian brainspotting, self care, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian

Brainspotting and Its Many Uses

Brainspotting is a versatile and powerful therapeutic tool that offers profound healing for a wide range of issues. Whether it's trauma, anxiety, depression, performance enhancement, chronic pain, or substance abuse, Brainspotting provides a unique and effective approach to therapy. The journey to healing and self-discovery can begin with a simple shift in where you look.

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brainspotting, highly sensitive people, self care Sara Walter Shihdanian brainspotting, highly sensitive people, self care Sara Walter Shihdanian

Nurturing Your Sensitivity: Self-Care Tips for Highly Sensitive People

Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) is like having a finely tuned antenna for the world around you. This type of neurodivergence allows you pick up on subtleties that others might miss, to feel deeply, and often find beauty and meaning in everyday experiences. Yet, being so finely attuned can also mean facing challenges like overwhelm and overstimulation more intensely and more often than others might. Hear are some ways to enhance self-care as a Highly Sensitive Person that help prevent burn our and protect your unique gifts.

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brainspotting, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian brainspotting, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian

Uncovering Calm: How Brainspotting Helps Heal Anxiety

In a world where anxiety can often feel like an unwelcome yet constant companion, finding effective, innovative approaches to healing is more important than ever. One such approach is Brainspotting (BSP), a relatively new but profoundly impactful therapy that is proving to be a powerful tool in the battle against anxiety, often leaving clients with an accelerated sense of lasting relief.

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brainspotting, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian brainspotting, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian

Boundaries and Relational Trauma

Boundaries are essential for maintaining a strong sense of self and healthy, balanced relationships. However, for individuals who have experienced complex or relational trauma, establishing and maintaining boundaries can be particularly challenging. This post explores the intricate relationship between boundaries and trauma, shedding light on why boundaries are crucial for healing and how trauma can impact them.

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