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?

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.

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.

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.

Whether you’re drawn to the structured reprocessing of EMDR or the intuitive exploration of Brainspotting, the goal is the same: to process and heal from trauma, reclaiming your sense of peace and well-being.

Embracing our most authentic selves may come with many challenges like trauma, gender transition, and the LGBTQIA+ experience. But challenge is also where we learn to champion over our trials and tribulations in order to build and thrive in a better fitting, more aligned, and more meaningful life.