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Bottom-Up vs Top-Down Processing: Why “Knowing Better” Doesn’t Always Feel Better

If you’ve ever felt like you understand your anxiety or stress but your body still reacts the same way, you’re not alone. This article explores the difference between top-down and bottom-up therapy approaches, including why insight alone doesn’t always change body sensations or emotional responses. Learn how body-based therapies like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and EMDR work with the nervous system and implicit memory to support deeper, more lasting change.

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ADHD & Neurodiversity Stephanie Otte ADHD & Neurodiversity Stephanie Otte

What is Happening in the ADHD Brain?

ADHD is more than a struggle with attention—it's a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects brain function, impulse control, and time management. Drawing on the research of Dr. Russell Barkley, this overview explores the inner workings of the ADHD brain, highlighting both its challenges and unique strengths. From dopamine imbalances to executive function deficits, and from hyperfocus to creativity, this article offers insights and practical strategies for thriving with ADHD.

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ADHD & Neurodiversity, Couples, Family Therapy Stephanie Otte ADHD & Neurodiversity, Couples, Family Therapy Stephanie Otte

Navigating Conflict When You or Your Partner Has ADHD

Conflict is a part of every relationship—but when ADHD is in the mix, it can feel more intense and difficult to navigate. Emotional reactivity, impulsive responses, and trouble organizing thoughts can all heighten stress during disagreements. This post explores how ADHD impacts conflict and offers practical, ADHD-friendly strategies to improve communication, manage emotions, and repair relationships.

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ADHD & Neurodiversity Stephanie Otte ADHD & Neurodiversity Stephanie Otte

Overcoming Setbacks & Embracing Success with ADHD

Living with ADHD means navigating a unique mix of challenges and triumphs. By shifting your perspective, practicing self-compassion, and recognizing even small victories, you can build resilience and confidence. Whether you're struggling with ADHD symptoms like issues with time management, motivation, or emotional regulation, learning to embrace both setbacks and successes is key to long-term growth. Explore strategies to reframe obstacles, celebrate achievements, and find support along the way.

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Stephanie Otte Stephanie Otte

The Mental Health Benefits of Gratitude: How Thankfulness Can Transform Your Brain

Research shows that practicing gratitude can reduce stress, enhance brain health, and promote overall well-being. Learn about the neuroscience behind gratitude, how it helps improve emotional resilience, and practical techniques like gratitude journaling and meditation to boost mental health. Explore how integrating gratitude into your daily life can create lasting positive changes and help you manage anxiety, depression, and stress.

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IFS Stephanie Otte IFS Stephanie Otte

Visualization: the Power of Imagination for Healing & Growth

Visualization, the practice of mentally imagining scenarios or outcomes, has been used in various fields to promote healing, resilience, and personal growth. In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind visualization, its therapeutic benefits, and how you can use it both in therapy and at home to promote mental and emotional well-being.

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Stephanie Otte Stephanie Otte

Setting Goals in Therapy

Setting goals in therapy can make your journey more effective and empowering. This blog post covers the importance of goal setting, types of therapy goals, and tips for creating goals that fit you. Whether you aim to reduce symptoms, improve relationships, or achieve personal growth, learn how to make the most of your therapy sessions.

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Parenting, Children, Adolescent/Teens Journeys Counseling Center Parenting, Children, Adolescent/Teens Journeys Counseling Center

Parental Involvement in Therapy with Minors

Discover the crucial role of parent involvement in therapy for minors and how it can improve therapy outcomes. Learn effective strategies for supporting your teen in therapy, maintaining healthy boundaries, and building a strong partnership with their therapist. Explore the benefits of active parental involvement and how it fosters better communication and emotional well-being for your child.

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CBT Stephanie Otte CBT Stephanie Otte

Overcoming Negative Core Beliefs

Life's challenges are inevitable, but how we navigate them is often influenced by our perception of ourselves. Our self-view, shaped by core beliefs, can either empower us or hold us back.

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Calming The Body For Emotional Regulation

Our emotions, mental state, and physical body are deeply and intrinsically connected, each influencing the other. Acknowledging this relationship and taking deliberate steps to take care of our bodies can have a transformative impact on our mental health journey. By embracing practices such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and gentle movement, we equip ourselves with powerful tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience.

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