Jami Howell Jami Howell

What Are the Biggest Strengths of Neurodivergent People?

It’s unfortunately common for neurodivergence to be looked down upon or considered a weakness. However, being neurodivergent is not a flaw—it’s simply a difference in brain functioning and processing. The truth is, the unique ways in which neurodivergent people think and see the world give them cognitive strengths that might not come as naturally to neurotypical individuals.

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Jami Howell Jami Howell

Neurodivergent vs. Neurotypical: What's the Difference?

In recent years, the term “neurodivergent” has become commonly used when discussing different types of brain function—but what exactly does it mean to be neurodivergent, and what are the differences when comparing neurodivergent vs. neurotypical brains?

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Jami Howell Jami Howell

ADHD vs. Bipolar Disorder: How to Tell the Difference

While Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Bipolar Disorder are two very different mental health disorders, their overlapping symptoms can occasionally make it difficult to establish a proper diagnosis in patients experiencing one or both disorders. So, how do you tell the two apart?

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Jami Howell Jami Howell

10 Signs of Trauma Bonding

What is trauma bonding, and how does it differ from the ways in which it’s commonly discussed? Keep reading to learn about the 10 signs of trauma bonding and what it really means to have a trauma bond.

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Jami Howell Jami Howell

Support Through Loss: Grief Counseling in Portland, Oregon

Grief is a universal experience—one that does not have to be walked through alone. Typically associated with death, feelings of grief can follow a wide range of experiences. Whether you’re grieving the death of a friend or family member, the loss of a pet, or the pain of divorce, grief counseling can be instrumental in supporting you through the process of healing from grief.

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Jami Howell Jami Howell

ACT vs. DBT: What's the Difference?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are two widely-used types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). While these two modalities share a few similarities, they involve very different therapeutic techniques.

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Jami Howell Jami Howell

Complex PTSD vs. PTSD: Discovering the Difference

Knowing how to navigate your mental health needs can be a challenge, especially if you’ve experienced trauma. Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are two conditions that can occur in trauma survivors—but what differentiates the two?

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Jami Howell Jami Howell

Anxiety vs. PTSD: What’s the Difference?

Most people will experience feelings of anxiety at different points over the course of their lives, and if these feelings persist, they may receive a formal anxiety diagnosis—often Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD. Anxious feelings often increase after a traumatic event. But at what point does what seems to be anxiety become something more complex?

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Jami Howell Jami Howell

What Insurance Do I Have? Understanding Health Insurance for Therapy

When beginning the process of signing up for therapy, understanding your health insurance and its benefits can be one of the most daunting obstacles. However, your insurance doesn’t have to stand in the way of getting the mental health support you need. At Aspire Psychology, our team of experts is here to walk you through each step of the intake process, including navigating your insurance plan.

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Jami Howell Jami Howell

What Is EMDR? | EMDR Therapy in Portland, Oregon

In recent years, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has gained popularity for the treatment of trauma-based mental health conditions. It’s practiced by more than 100,000 clinicians across the world, and millions of people have been treated successfully. But what is EMDR, and how does it work? Keep reading to learn more.

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Jami Howell Jami Howell

5 Somatic Therapy Exercises You Can Do At Home

The beauty of somatic therapy exercises is that many of them can easily be integrated into daily life. For patients working through anxiety, depression, or trauma, incorporating simple somatic approaches can be incredibly beneficial. Keep reading to learn about a few somatic therapy exercises you can do at home.

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Jami Howell Jami Howell

What Is Somatic Therapy?

A newer approach to therapy, somatic therapy emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and the mind-body connection. But how does it work—and who will most benefit from somatic therapy approaches? Keep reading to learn more from Aspire Psychology psychologist Ryan Varian, PsyD.

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