Jenny Maenpaa
Supporting Yourself and Loved Ones Through ...

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the significance of mental health and the support systems needed for those of us who are grappling with negative aspects of it. Mental health struggles can be isolating, overwhelming, intensely confusing, and often invisible to the naked eye. Yet, amidst the darkness, there can be light in the form of empathy, understanding, and unwavering support from loved ones. When we speak about mental health, we often only highlight the down sides of mental health struggles, and forget to mention the incredibly positive impact taking care of and supporting our mental health can have. 

Supporting Yourself and Loved Ones Through Mental Health Challenges: A Guide for Mental Health Awareness Month
Jenny Maenpaa
Navigating Climate Anxiety: Acknowledging Fear ...

Navigating Climate Anxiety: Acknowledging Fear and Taking Action

In recent years, a new term has entered our collective vocabulary: climate anxiety. This phenomenon reflects the growing concern and fear many people feel about the current and future state of our planet. As the consequences of climate change become increasingly apparent, more of us are experiencing heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and despair. The sense of impending doom can be overwhelming, so we’ve gathered some info and tips on how to acknowledge these feelings, support yourself through them, and find ways to cope and take action.

Navigating Climate Anxiety: Acknowledging Fear and Taking Action
Jenny Maenpaa
Unraveling the Misconceptions: Understanding ...

Unraveling the Misconceptions: Understanding Neurodivergence in ADHD and Autism

April 2nd is World Autism Day, and since we work with many adults with diverse diagnoses, we wanted to shed some light on neurodivergent conditions like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and how they’re commonly misunderstood. You probably know plenty of neurodivergent people and don’t even realize it, or maybe you’ll see some of your own traits in this blog! The term neurodivergent is an umbrella term that describes people who have different neurological abilities from those who are considered “typical” (though we don’t love that terminology since everyone’s brains are wildly different from one another!), which includes both ADHD and ASD. These conditions, though widely recognized, are often surrounded by misconceptions that can lead to stigma and alienation. 

Unraveling the Misconceptions: Understanding Neurodivergence in ADHD and Autism
Jenny Maenpaa
“We get it, you’re afraid of women. You should ...

Here’s my 5-step beginner’s plan for dismantling the patriarchy.

“We get it, you’re afraid of women. You should be.”

relationships

The Invisible Burden: Exploring the Disparities of Mental Load and its Impact on Women's Mental Health

The Invisible Burden: Exploring the Disparities of Mental Load and its Impact on Women's Mental Health

The Invisible Burden: Exploring the Disparities of Mental Load and its Impact on Women's Mental Health

As we celebrate Women's History Month, it's crucial to shine a light on issues that continue to affect women globally. One such issue, often overlooked yet profoundly impactful, is the mental load women bear within households. Often described as the “invisible work” of managing a household and family, the mental load encompasses everything from organizing schedules and finances to remembering birthdays and doctor appointments. While both partners in heterosexual couples may contribute to household tasks, studies consistently show that women disproportionately shoulder the mental burden.

Setting Healthy Boundaries: What Self-Help Books Gloss Over and How To Stay on Track

Setting Healthy Boundaries: What Self-Help Books Gloss Over and How To Stay on Track

Setting Healthy Boundaries: What Self-Help Books Gloss Over and How To Stay on Track

The art of setting boundaries is one that many struggle with, but is a necessary and fundamental life skill that leads to healthy assertiveness, self-confidence, agency, and a positive self-image. Before we can set boundaries, we must identify the behaviors we deem acceptable and those we do not, and make decisions from there that prioritize our well-being without harming others. Essentially, boundaries connect the space where our individuality ends and the realm of others begins. Mastering this skill empowers us to navigate interpersonal dynamics with clarity and ensures a healthy balance between our own personal needs and social interactions that involve others. The good news is that setting boundaries is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and honed. Even better, the techniques for boundary setting are quite straightforward once you know where to begin.

I’m Considering Beginning or Restarting Therapy - What Can I Expect?

I’m Considering Beginning or Restarting Therapy - What Can I Expect?

Beginning or returning to therapy can be a nerve-wracking experience. Taking this step is something to be proud of. You are engaging in conscious and intentional work to ask for help and to begin to build a stronger support system and understanding of yourself. While therapeutic experiences differ across practices and providers, we can provide you a glimpse into what you can expect when you begin online therapy here at the New York City Psychotherapy Collective.

What Role is Trauma & Its Ongoing Impact Having On Your Life?

What Role is Trauma & Its Ongoing Impact Having On Your Life?

You may read the title above and think this article isn't for you because you haven't experienced trauma in your life, but we encourage you to keep reading. Some of our clients show up seeking help for trauma they've experienced, but many more show up to therapy for help with things like anxiety, depression, work-life balance, or managing relationships. Through our work together, we uncover they've experienced trauma that plays into their experiences and the perception they have of themselves and the world. As a result, they feel validated as they gain awareness and understanding of how these experiences truly impact them on a daily basis.

Help! How Do I Handle The Narcissist in My Life?

Help! How Do I Handle The Narcissist in My Life?

Relationships are complicated, right? We've all heard that and likely experienced it, and it's not just romantic relationships; relationships with our parents, colleagues, friends, and anyone we interact with regularly can bring up challenges. While it’s true that relationships can be hard, it reaches a whole new level when the relationship is with a narcissist. The usual rules and tactics for making communication work go out the window. If you're trying to manage life with a narcissist, you need an entirely new playbook.

How to Be There For a Friend Facing Losing Everything

How to Be There For a Friend Facing Losing Everything

How to Be There For a Friend Facing Losing Everything

The most important priority when talking to a friend facing losing everything is to validate their emotions. Right now they are feeling a jumble, likely ranging from fear, panic, and sadness to anger, resentment, and bitterness. They might blame themselves, their boss, the government, or any number of other factors that you might find unreasonable. The primary way to be there for them is to be supportive. No one wants unsolicited advice, and they definitely don’t want you to tell them it will all be okay when you can’t know that. Once they have experienced their emotions enough to feel like they can see a bit more clearly, or if they ask you specifically for advice, here are some ways to support them.

Spending Isolated Time with Your Partner Can Make or Break Your Relationship

Spending Isolated Time with Your Partner Can Make or Break Your Relationship

Spending Isolated Time with Your Partner Can Make or Break Your Relationship

A lot of us social distanced from others last year, but not our partner, and it revealed strengths and weaknesses in our relationships pretty quickly! No matter what the specific issue is, there will be conflict during intense together time. One way it can make you stronger is by coming up with strategies to work together, not against each other.

The Wedding You Were Going to Attend is Canceled. Now What?

The Wedding You Were Going to Attend is Canceled. Now What?

The Wedding You Were Going to Attend is Canceled. Now What?

Every one of us knows someone whose wedding had to be postponed or canceled completely during Covid-19. Now that large gatherings are happening again, some couples are finding that their venue can’t accommodate them for months or even years due to the backlog. How can you support your friends during this time?