OptimalLife Wellness Center

"Neurodiversity" is a term coined by Sociologist Judy Singer to simply state that we each think, learn, and behave differently.

The term is often associated with Autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities but accounts for all neurological varieties, and it is intended to emphasize that uniqueness does not mean weakness.

Awareness movements for neurodiversity began in the 1990s, focusing on inclusion and embracing all cognitive functioning. This movement continues today!

How we engage with one another greatly impacts the quality of our connections. To do so more positively, we must explore the brain's nuances and put our findings into practice.

Ready to get started? Follow these 3 tips for being a Neurodiversity Ally:

🧠 Educate Yourself — Researching and utilizing resources like those below can help bridge the gap in understanding thought processes outside of our own. Being in the know means showing up better for others!

🧠 Listen and Enable — Take time to listen to others' experiences and perspectives to learn their needs and how you can support them. Apply your learning in social or professional settings to ensure inclusivity.

🧠Take Action — Use your voice to spread awareness and stand up against discrimination, stigma, and ableism. The more room we make for our differences, the closer we become!

Interested in neurodivergent specialized therapy? Follow the link to schedule an appointment today! https://bit.ly/4aLzqmE

Resources:
https://bit.ly/3vYlt5o
https://bit.ly/3W1ZvsU
https://bit.ly/4aZHEHn

EMDR is a powerful therapeutic technique often used to treat various forms of trauma and its lingering impact on the mind and body.

Why has EMDR grown in popularity? Its holistic, mind-body approach has had incredible success in transforming traumatic associations into positive associations and self-affirming beliefs for long-term healing.

Read our latest blog by therapist and OptimalLife Wellness founder, Lara Symonds, to learn more about EMDR and if it might be right for you!

EMDR and Its Mind-Body Magic | How It Treats Trauma and More Curious if EMDR is right for you? OptimalLife Wellness Center outlines how EMDR uses the mind-body connection to treat trauma and more.

Shining a timely spotlight on Laura, LMHCA, this ✨ Laura specializes in Women's Issues and is accepting new clients virtually within Washington and in-person at OptimalLife Wellness Center in Bellevue.

Laura has been with our practice since 2022 and strives to help clients feel safe, understood, respected, and empowered to launch change in their lives.

She works with adults of all ages and specializes in:
- Women’s Issues
- Relationships
- Divorce
- Stress Management
- Career Transition
- Mindfulness

As Laura's client, you can expect close collaboration and guidance toward the strengths and resources within you. She believes that you, the client, are the expert on your own life, and she will work with you to reach your goals in a healthy and well-timed manner.

Follow the link below to learn more about Laura or request an appointment. Your journey toward optimal wellness awaits!

Laura McDowell | Therapist & Counselor | Bellevue, Kirkland & Redmond Laura McDowell, LMHCA, incorporates a variety of methods to aid clients in bringing awareness to their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Feeling off since “springing forward?”💤 If so, you’re not alone…Keep reading for the keys to counteracting daylight saving grogginess and sleeping like a baby year-round.

While longer-lasting daylight is a well-received perk of spring’s time change, this one-hour difference has a bigger impact on our minds and bodies than we often recognize. Light plays a major role in our circadian rhythm, and its change in supply alters our natural production of serotonin and melatonin—telling our bodies to sleep in longer and stay up later this time of year.

Running on a poor night’s sleep can have negative effects on our physical and mental health, including an increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially if it becomes a pattern. To achieve optimal wellness, it’s important to achieve consistent, restful sleep!

Follow the link below to read our blog, The Top Ten Ways to Get Optimal Sleep, and allow our expert guidance to bring you a good night’s rest.

https://bit.ly/43gwAmz

Top 10 Way To Get Optimal Sleep | OptimalLife Wellness Center We review the top 10 reasons we tend to not get enough sleep—and ways to adjust so you can get optimal sleep.

The watching of cat videos does more than entertain, it's been found that they boost viewers' energy and positive emotions while decreasing negative feelings. Enjoy this little compilation!

OMG So Cute Cats ♥ Best Funny Cat Videos 2021 #81 ---Thanks for watching my channel and videos ^◡^SUBSCRIBE to my channel for new cats videos ♥We really hope you enjoy our vid...

Burn out doesn't just happen, but rather sneaks up on you slowly. What are some early signs of burn out?

5 Subtle Signs of Burnout Look out for those red flags.

It's here! It's finally Friday! Who's with me in saying "Thank God It's Friday"!

Words that have resonated through many childhoods, Christopher Robin was wise beyond his years.

Going through a breakup? Instead of breaking down, turn it into a breakthrough.

6 Steps to Turning Your Breakup into a Breakthrough Or you’ll just sink in your feelings and spin in your head

Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality.

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Are you a newbie to therapy? Want to get started but just don't know where to start? Or what to expect? Here is a great guide to help you take that first step.

A Beginners Guide to Therapy. Part 1: How to find a therapist Don’t fear! I am here to help guide you in your search for a perfect, or maybe good enough, therapist.

Constantly worrying? Overthinking everything in your life? Talk it out, no matter what it will always seem worse than it is!

From the ever-wise Glenn Close...

Parents and the community are the foundation for every kids' growth. Our friends at Sesame Street have pulled together various resources to help you and your little one through various situations from divorce to learning empathy.

Home - Sesame Street in Communities Your care and support can make a huge difference in the life of a young child. Sesame Street is here for you with activities and tips for the challenges and joys along the way.

Parenting can be exhausting, don't forget to take some time to yourself. Even if it means hiding in the bathroom 😝

Do the Sunday scaries get the best of you? Plan ahead for Monday and go into the week feeling on top of the world!

5 Ways To Crush It Monday Morning and Start Your Week Off Right... You just had the best weekend ever. You went out to dinner Friday night with friends, saw a great movie on Saturday, and spent time with your awesome family on... CONTINUE

Does it feel like you can never get through to your kids? Parent coaching can help you learn the skills to help you and your kids enjoy each other's time together.

Couples therapy... Sometimes a difficult but incredibly rewarding experience for you, your partner and your relationship. Along the way here are some of the surprising things you may learn.

10 Important Things You Will Learn In Couples Therapy - DiveThru Did you know that even people in healthy relationships go to couples therapy? Why do you think they're doing so well?? That's right...couples therapy!

Are you sick and tired of the yelling in your house?

Do you feel like your kids are out of your control?

Would you like to enjoy your kids more?

Our parenting professionals at OptimalLife Wellness Center are here to help you feel more empowered, confident, and relaxed about your parenting.

coaching/ Parent Coaching & Counseling l Redmond Therapist & Counselor l Bellevue & Kirkland Therapists at the OptimalLife Wellness Center are trained in parent coaching in Bellevue and Seattle, WA. Learn how to do less yelling, teach your children respect and help them thrive.

Did you know that your mental health can also affect your physical health? Be sure to take care of all aspects of your health.

EMDR is a form of mind-body energy work used most extensively for trauma and abuse recovery but has also been quite successful for other issues. Learn more about this groundbreaking technique that we employ at OptimalLife Wellness Center.



https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/

What is EMDR? - EMDR Institute - EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING THERAPY Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with

You're Not alone. An estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.

Let us help you navigate your mental health and grow to be the best version of yourself.

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Fulfilling relationships are built from a foundation of hard work and respect. Having someone to help guide you through the difficult times and conversations helps you both to come out stronger on the other side.

Who has time for sleep these days?!? Sleep is an integral part of mental health and facilitates the brain's processing of emotional information. 😴 😴 😴.

Therapy is a very personal journey and one that should not be taken lightly. Finding the right therapist can be difficult so here are some tips on finding someone that works for you.

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/how-to-choose-a-therapist/

How to Choose a Therapist, Counselor, & Psychologist Choosing a therapist is a big decision because working with the right one can be an important part of reclaiming your life and maintaining wellbeing. When you understand what factors influence the success of therapy and know what to look for, choosing a therapist can be a positive and productive fir...