Embracing Diversity: The Vital Role of LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
In a world where diversity should be celebrated and differences respected, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face unique challenges, particularly in accessing supportive mental health care. Despite significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, many individuals within this community still encounter discrimination, stigma, and misunderstanding, leading to profound psychological distress. Amidst these challenges, LGBTQ+ affirming […]
The Overlap Between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Gender Diversity
Research indicates that children, adolescents, and adults with ASD are more likely to identify as transgender and gender diverse compared to neurotypical individuals. Although there is no strong empirical evidence to explain this overlap, studies show that mental health concerns (e.g., suicidality, depressive symptoms, anxiety) are intensified for gender diverse people with ASD. Consequently, it […]
Maintaining Mental Health in a Crisis
We are currently in a crisis, including threat to our health and well being, economic insecurities, and major disruptions to our routine. This crisis state increases our chances of depression, anxiety, and physical health complaints, and those who have a mental health condition, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or mood disruptions are particularly vulnerable to […]
All About Telehealth
If there is a phrase to sum up what we are all going through right now, it is “unprecedented times.” At the same time that we are experiencing increasing uncertainty, upheaval to our work and school routines, and rapid adjustments to expectations economically, socially, and for recreation, we are also faced with increasing isolation and […]
Upside Therapy & Evaluation Center’s New Location
We are excited to share our new location with clients of Upside Therapy & Evaluation Center! Our office has moved from our former location, at the intersection of Coit Road and 15th Street, to our new address, at 1255 W. 15th Street, Suite 320. This new location is still proud to serve Plano and the […]
Social Media and Teenagers
Whether we like it or not, technology is an ever present force in an adolescent’s life. Probably accompanying this technology is involvement in social media. Social media is used for a variety of reasons, from reconnecting with old friends, finding new friends, sharing information, or receiving feedback. For teenagers and young adults in particular, social […]
Raising Girls
In our last post, we discussed the differences that male identified children have as compared to female identified children. We reviewed some of the structural brain changes, as well as some of the societal and cultural norms and expectations that male children cope with, and the need for emotional support and understanding for male children. […]
Raising Boys
On the surface, raising a child with an identified gender of male should be much the same as raising a female identified child We are thankfully moving past strict gender guidelines, and no longer are toys considered “boy toys” or “girl toys” (for the most part). However, there are societal differences and expectations that do […]
How To React When Someone Comes Out
Coming out – the process of revealing your sexual or gender identity to others around you – can be terrifying. Yet in an effort to live authentically, congruently, and freely, it is necessary to divulge certain very personal pieces of information with loved ones. We unfortunately live in a “heteronormative” society, which means that others […]
Welcome Jessy Coleman, LPC-Intern!
It is with great pleasure that Upside Therapy and Evaluation Center welcomes our new therapist, Jessica “Jessy” Coleman, LPC-Intern. Jessy is supervised by Nichole Lecznar, MS, LPC-S. Jessy received her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Oklahoma State University, and she is currently in the process of obtaining her second Master’s degree in Applied […]