Creating Change + New Art Therapy Openings
3 Simple routine adjustments for executive functioning and new afternoon + evening art therapy openings in Old Town Alexandria
As we begin the new year, you may be asking yourself how 2025 will feel different. Perhaps you’re ready for some sort of change and, even if you roll your eyes at the concept of new year resolutions, you might be taking an inventory of the big picture and fine details of life as we continue into January.
A time of transition, like the beginning of a new year, can be a nudge to create a new routine, adjust an existing practice, or explore different boundaries. We’ve even talked about it here on the blog: 5 Journal Prompts for the New Year.
Demands on time, challenges with executive functioning, and pressure to “be better” can feel incredibly overwhelming — the opposite of what a nervous system needs to feel safe and grounded to initiate change. We therapists often encourage clients (and ourselves!) to approach change in accessible ways. Think: small, slow, and sustainable.
Sometimes change can appear so insignificant on the surface that it feels silly to prioritize it. Consider what it might feel like to put your phone on Do not Disturb during specific periods of time or discover a new favorite fidget that you put in several places so that you consistently have it in reach. How do these strategies support your overall mood and what does it feel like to create change in support of your needs?
No matter what time of year you are considering a change, remember that making adjustments can be hard, especially if you struggle with task initiation and transitions. Interested in more strategies? Check out our latest blog for 3 more Simple Routine Changes for Executive Functioning.
Adele
News & Updates
Alexandria Art Therapy has new immediate art therapy openings for kids, teens, and adults during afternoon and evening hours. Fill out our contact form to get started in the new year with Sylvia Mongold, Board Certified Art Therapist.
One spot available! Kathryn Harlow, LPC, ATR has one Friday opening for adults looking for help processing anxiety, stress, and trauma, or life transitions. Kathryn supports clients using art therapy, counseling, and EMDR.
Adele Stuckey, LPC, ATR-BC has daytime availability for individuals and couples Monday - Thursday. She specializes in working with neurodiverse couples and offers therapy to support ADHD, perinatal mental health, anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Reach out today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation or let us know if you’re ready to get started right away.
Blog Posts
Routine changes don’t need to be complex or complicated. Challenges with executive functioning are incredibly common for ADHDers and autistic people and the commonly suggested strategies often don’t work in the same way for a neurodivergent brain. Planning, organizing, engaging in a variety of processes and problem solving requires strategy and the willingness to address executive functioning from a simplified perspective (not more motivation). Continue reading the blog for 3 adjustments that can kickstart your routine with a different accommodation.
From the archives: Feeling a little meh entering into the new year? Two years ago the forecasters were calling for snow, and as this message goes out today the Northern Virginia is shut down with the first big snow of the season. When it comes to writing and making art, you may not have a single new idea in your head. So what do you do when you’re in a creative rut?
Links We Like
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