Donate

Tag: mental health

A woman runs through a field with arms outstretched during sunrise

Creating Safe Recovery Spaces for Neurodivergent People

Recovery coach Drew McLaughlin discusses creating safe recovery spaces for neurodivergent people by focusing...
Read More
A woman covers her face with a blank sign.

The Trauma of Being Unseen

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores what it means to feel unseen, and how to...
Read More
A person holding a cup of coffee.

How Special Interests Can Be Lifelines in Early Sobriety

Jason Klimkowski, MBA shares how special interests become lifelines in early sobriety, and how...
Read More
A woman with dark hair is lost in thought

Rethinking Mental Health Support for the Neurodivergent

Sophie Bishop explores ways that mental health providers can be better trained to help...
Read More
A row of 6 flowers stand in front of an empty white background, each one at a different stage of blooming.

Navigating Change in Recovery

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores our impulse to change, and why accepting changes can...
Read More
Cover image - How Mess Equates to Stress

How Mess Equates to Stress

Amelia Zannoni discusses studies showing the connection between messy environments and feelings of stress,...
Read More

Mental Health & Relationships: How Our Attachments Transform Us

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores attachment styles in relationships, and how they can transform...
Read More
A woman with long brown hair holds her hand together over her heart.

Self-Love and Healing

Read More
Cover image - Psychotherapy Is Lifelong Self-Discovery on Both Sides: An Autistic Self-Advocate's Perspective

Psychotherapy Is Lifelong Self-Discovery on Both Sides: An Autistic Self-Advocate’s Perspective

German autistic psychologist/psychotherapist Angela Yael Blumberger discusses her experiences with psychotherpy, and how it...
Read More

6 Tips For a Mentally Healthy Valentine’s Day

Darlene Lancer, MFT gives 6 tips for making sure your Valentine's Day is enjoyable,...
Read More
A newborn baby's hand holds an adult's finger

What Is Generational Trauma?

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores the causes and effects of generational trauma....
Read More

2024 In Review: Supporting Neurodiversity | EDB 334

VIDEO - In the second part of our review of 2024, we hear from...
Read More
Golden dog with open mouth looks just past camera next to text reading “How Therapy Animals Help”

How Therapy Animals Help, with Courtney Trzcinski, Laura Rogers & Gracie | EDB 320

VIDEO - The team from Canine Assisted Therapy shares what therapy animals do, and...
Read More
Gratitude and Mental Health: How to Feel Thankful Despite Challenges

Gratitude and Mental Health: How to Feel Thankful Despite Challenges

Darlene Lancer, J.D., M.F.T. discusses the important role gratitude plays in emotional health, and...
Read More
A white lily with yellow anthers.

On Considering the Lily: A Tool for Coping in Uncertain Times

Autism self-advocate & therapist Sean M Inderbitzen LCSW, DSW explores a quote by Emily...
Read More
A woman with short hair looks over the water with her arms outstreched, with glair from the sun obscuring her face.

Embracing Uncertainty: Insights From a Case Manager at Epilepsy Alliance Florida

Epilepsy Alliance Florida case manager Beatriz O offers tips for thriving while navigating uncertainty....
Read More
"Mental health on the Autism Spectrum, with Cheryl Checkers & Dr Christopher Kye" is written in white letters in front of an out of focus image of tree limbs and the sky

Mental Health on the Autism Spectrum, with Cheryl Checkers & Dr Christopher Kye | EDB 325

VIDEO - Cheryl Checkers and Dr. Christopher Kye shares their experience working with autistic...
Read More
A person with hair tied back sits in silhouette by a window.

Coping with Depression and Despair

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores the common causes of depression and despair, and shares...
Read More
Cover image - Why Sleep & Circadian Rhythms Matter For Mental Health

Why Sleep & Circadian Rhythms Matter For Mental Health

Sarah L. Chellappa, MD., MPH., PhD., highlights the role sleep can play in maintaining...
Read More
A bad of lined paper lays on a table surrounded by dried flowers.

The Coping Tools

Therapist and self-advocate Gabriela Guardarrama shares tools for dealing with stress and other mental...
Read More

The Truth About Codependent Relationships

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores some of the hidden aspects of codependent relationships, and...
Read More
Painting with several trees is made with thin black brush

9Muses: Supporting Mental Health Through Art & Peer Support, with Nicole Storrs | EDB 323

VIDEO - 9Muses Art Center’s Nicole Storrs shares how their drop-in center is helping...
Read More
A person in silhouete llooks over a landscape that is out of focus

Suicide Prevention & Mental Health, with Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC | EDB 329

VIDEO - Certified Trauma and Resiliency Expert Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC returned to discuss...
Read More
"Recognizing Intersectional Trauma, with Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC" is written over a dark abstract background of black and grey waves.

Recognizing Intersectional Trauma, with Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC | EDB 328

VIDEO - Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Trauma & Resiliency Expert Aisha T....
Read More
Cover image - Are You Kind or Codependent?

Are You Kind or Codependent?

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT offers tools for differentiating between being a kind caregiver and...
Read More
The silhouette of a sitting a dult and a standing child gets reflected in a window.

The Signs and Effects of Emotional Incest

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores the phenomena of emotional incest, and it's mental health...
Read More
An assortment of plaster face masks lay on a yellow surface.

Masks and Shadows: Exploring the Concept of Masking Through a Jungian Lense

Self-advocate Nicholas Bamonte explores the connections between Carl Jung's concept of "personas" and neurodivergent...
Read More
A woman with glasses and long dark hair is silhouetted as she looks out a window.

How to Recover from Trauma

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT discusses multiple tools for those working to overcome trauma....
Read More
Cover image - Scorching Stress: How Heat Can Impact Your Mental Health

Scorching Stress: How Heat Can Impact Your Mental Health

Amelia Zannoni explores recent research that suggests extreme heat can have an impact on...
Read More
A man holds up a small child in silhouette against curtains

Are Narcissists Born or Made?

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores the origins of narcissism. Is it nature or nurture?...
Read More
Cheryl Checkers, a blonde haired woman, smiles sitting in front of a bookcase

Autism & Mental Health, with Cheryl Checkers, LMHC, NCC | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 158

AUDIO - In this episode, hosts Haley Moss and Dr. Lori Butts speak with...
Read More
Two hands reach out to grab each other

Mental Health & Relationships: The Distancer

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT discusses pursuer-distancer relationships, and its relationship with attachment styles....
Read More
Young boy in plaid held my mother in black shirt

How Narcissistic & Addict Parents Impact Their Children

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores the impact that parents with Narcissistic Personality Disorder or...
Read More
Cover image - What 40 Years Of Mental Illness Has Taught Me

What 40 Years Of Mental Illness Has Taught Me

Australian businessman David Westgate shares lessons he has learned through living with bipolar syndrome....
Read More
Black and image photo of woman in front of mirror with hand in front of eyes

The Narcissist’s False Self

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT discusses the traits of people with narcissistic personality disorder, and...
Read More
Boy with backpack stands in street with back to camera and parked cars in background

The Parentified Child: Causes, Signs, and How to Recover

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores the concept of child "parentification", and shares how to...
Read More
Silhouette of man standing in field throwing leafy branch in air against backdrop of darkened cloudy sky

How Therapy Helps Us in Learning to Let Go

Darlene Lancer shares how therapy can be beneficial when it comes to letting go...
Read More
Silhouette of man’s head and shoulders obscured in shadow, tinted in dull yellow

Three Hidden Behaviors of Narcissists

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT shares three common traits of narcissists that are often hidden...
Read More
“Remembering Dr. Mark Goulston” appears next to black and white photo of the man wearing glasses

Remembering Dr. Mark Goulston

Dr. Hackie Reitman shares his thoughts on the passing of his friend, psychiatrist, author,...
Read More
Cover image - 2023 In Review: The Self-Advocates, with JR Harding, Brooke Schnittman & more | EDB 313

2023 In Review: The Self-Advocates | EDB 313

VIDEO - In the first part of our review of 2023, we hear from...
Read More

5 Tips on How to Keep New Year’s Resolutions

Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT explains why resolutions can fail, and gives 5 tips for...
Read More
Cover image - The Wounded Healer’s Journey

The Wounded Healer’s Journey

Therapist and self-advocate Gabriela Guardarrama shares the concept of the "wounded healer", and how...
Read More
Cover image - Navigating Mental Health Challenges, with Gabriela Guardarrama | EDB 310

Navigating Mental Health Challenges, with Gabriela Guardarrama | EDB 310

VIDEO - Mental Health counselor Gabriela Guardarrama shares her personal experiences dealing with bipolar...
Read More
Cover image - Enforcing Boundaries | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 150

Enforcing Boundaries | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 150

AUDIO - In this episode, hosts Haley Moss and Dr. Lori Butts discuss the...
Read More
Cover image - "I'm Dying To Tell You" with Dr. Mark Goulston | EDB 308

“I’m Dying To Tell You” with Dr. Mark Goulston | EDB 308

VIDEO - Author & psychiatrist Dr. Mark Goulston shares the peace and wisdom he...
Read More
Cover image - Mental Health & Relationships: Navigating Manipulation in Dating

Mental Health & Relationships: Navigating Manipulation in Dating

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT discusses her experience recognizing signs of manipulation while dating....
Read More
Cover image - Understanding Ego

Understanding Ego

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores the difference between "strong", "weak", and "big" egos, and...
Read More
Cover image - Lack of Empathy and What You Can Do Lack of empathy is not sufficient for a diagnosis of narcissism but it underlies several narcissistic traits, such as arrogance, entitlement, and being exploitative. On the other hand, a lack of empathy can be associated with borderline personality disorder, autism, bipolar disorder, and sociopathy, as well as more benign problems, such as low emotional intelligence, stress, and alexithymia. Alexithymia (a restricted ability to identify and describe emotions) is often caused by a lack of appropriate emotional modeling during childhood and may be related to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and some medical conditions. When a parent is self-centered due to addiction, depression, or a personality disorder and they were unable to appropriately attune to your emotions, then your ability to identify them may become impaired. When a lack of empathy is not a sign of full-fledged narcissistic personality disorder (as distinguished from having some narcissistic traits, the person may be able to learn empathy. Brain Differences There are several areas in the brain that regulate compassion. These areas impact positive emotions and behavior toward other people, such as remorse, empathy, appreciation, and gratitude. For some individuals due to atypical patterns in these regions, they process interactions with other people differently, which leads to problems with social cues and empathy. For example, this is true in narcissistic personality disorder. According to neuropsychologist Ronda Freeman, narcissists have a brain pattern that reflects hypersensitivity toward themselves and insensitivity toward others. This explains their self-centered coldness toward others, narcissistic abuse, and their exquisite sensitivity to any perceived slight or criticism. What is Empathy Empathy is the ability to understand other people’s feelings and needs. There is cognitive and emotional empathy. Cognitive empathy is the ability to understand intellectually and take the other person’s perspective. Emotional empathy is the ability to identify with what another person feels through shared experiences of emotional situations. A person who lacks empathy may struggle with regulating their own feelings. Many narcissists have cognitive empathy and can use their skill to manipulate other people, yet they’re often unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others. The Impact of Lack of Empathy When a parent or partner lacks empathy, you might feel unimportant, uncared about, and unloved – that your needs and feelings, essentially YOU, don’t matter. Conversations are frustrating, because you don’t feel understood or seen. Our emotions are such a core part of ourselves that when loved ones are not attuned to them or our needs, we feel alone and disconnected from them. In childhood, these feelings lead to shame and distort your self-concept when your parent lacks empathy. It is a trauma of emotional abandonment that can lead to relationships where you feel the same way. Since you don’t feel you deserve better treatment, you’re more likely to deny and tolerate a partner who lacks empathy. You might rationalize their behavior by judging yourself or just trying harder to please and get love. It can create an insecure, anxious attachment style. Signs of Lack of Empathy These signs should be considered altogether to paint an individual’s profile. One sign may be insufficient to indicate an inability to empathize, especially if it is only occasional, while other traits are more serious. Even many people capable of empathy are unable to empathize or take your perspective when put on the defensive or in a heated argument. Remember that in most cases, the inability to empathize originates in the brain and is unconscious and not willful. Although the person may intellectually understand right from wrong, their brain makes them more self-focused and insensitive to the feelings and needs of others. Here is a list of some of the consequences that impact empathy and compassion: 1. 1. Self-Centeredness a. The person does not consider other people and is not interested in your needs and feelings. The relationship feels one-sided and all about them. 2. 2. Indifferent to the suffering of others or animals a. This shows a degree of coldness; however, some people are only moved by the suffering of loved ones, while other people empathize with plants. 3. 3. Indifferent for your successes and good news a. It’s a sign they only care about themselves when you share your successes – except in instances where you have implemented their ideas, which they can take pride in. 4. 4. Monopolizes conversations a. This indicates they lack interest in you or getting to know your feelings. They are often poor listeners. Someone insecure or a narcissist may be envious of and competitive with you and withhold praise and encouragement. 5. 5. Disregards your boundaries a. Because they lack empathy, your needs and feelings are unimportant. Narcissists don’t see other people as separate from themselves, so there is no boundary for them. 6. 6. Won't compromise a. A person who disregards your needs and feelings won’t be motivated to compromise. Narcissists act as if it’s “My way, or the highway.” Decisions must favor them despite your protest. They place their interests before yours and the welfare of the relationship. 7. 7. Lacks responsibility and regret for hurting people a. A person without empathy isn’t aware of their impact on other people. Narcissists almost never take responsibility for their actions due to their shame and rarely admit mistakes. When you explain it to them, they might not care – especially true of a narcissist. 8. 8. Never apologizes a. Because of No. 7, a person without empathy, particularly narcissists, rarely apologize. Some narcissists do apologize, but it may be a manipulation to get their needs met by you. You may be unable to tell whether they’re sincere. Notice if they repeat the same objectionable behavior and act like the apology never happened. 9. 9. Unaware of their impact on others socially a. Without empathy, a person may act inappropriately, unless they have been taught or learned by observation how people behave. For example, they learn to say please and thank you. Still, there are situations where they are obnoxious or inappropriate, such as asking a widow for a favor at her husband’s funeral. Larry David on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” continually makes these faux pas. Unlike most narcissists, he tries to make amends and apologizes but he usually compounds his error. 10. 10. Impatient with other people, their emotions and problems a. Because they don’t understand and care about other people’s feelings, another person’s feelings and misfortune are often considered irrelevant and treated as an inconvenience. Your feelings and problems are of no consequence – unless they impact them. 11. 11. Harshly critical of other people a. Someone without empathy who prioritizes their needs and feelings above other people tries to control their environment to suit them. They want other people to behave in ways that meet their needs. Rather than take responsibility for their own discomfort, they blame and expect other people to calm their inner turmoil. 12. 12. Limited forgiveness a. Narcissists and other aggressive individuals without empathy often hold grudges and can’t forgive other people for their mistakes or weaknesses. They are just as hard on themselves due to internal shame, but rarely reveal that. In their eyes, forgiving someone also gives the other person power, and they want to retain power and control to feel safe. 13. 13. Takes but won't share or reciprocate a. A self-centered person, particularly a narcissist, feels entitled to have things go their way. It also is an expression of power and dominance, which makes them feel safe. They can dish and have endless demands, but won’t give – unless it benefits them. 14. 14. Treats service employees as personal servants a. People without empathy don’t realize people have feelings just as they do. Narcissists view other people as objects to serve their needs. They are also arrogant, status-conscious, and feel entitled. They look down on people of a lower status and those being paid for a service. 15. 15. Feels entitled to exploit people a. Not everyone who lacks empathy exploits people, but a lack of empathy makes it easier to do so. Because narcissists lack empathy and feel entitled, even if they’re made aware of the impact of their behavior, they may not care – unless they stand to suffer from their exploitative behavior. 16. 16. Victim-blaming a. Rather than take responsibility for their behavior and injury to other people, they blame someone else, including the person they hurt. See D.A.R.V.O. 17. 17. Difficulty understanding and regulating their emotions a. Just as they have difficulty understanding other people’s emotions, they can’t regulate their own. They blame other people for their feelings and try to control other people instead of themselves. 18. 18. They believe their children owe them a. This is particularly true of narcissists who see their children as objects and expect them to take care of their needs rather than the other way around. What You Can Do Your options will vary depending on the cause of the person’s inability to empathize. Most people with a personality disorder can be motivated to understand you cognitively and pay attention to your needs, although they may not be able to feel what you feel. 1. Identify your feelings when you’re not understood. If you have strong feelings of hurt or anger, you may be experiencing a trauma reaction from childhood. Journal about related childhood experiences. 2. Detach from the other person’s lack of empathy. They never learned it and/or their brain lacks that capacity. Remember QTIP: Quit Taking It Personally. 3. Model empathy. Identify and name feelings, and communicate the impact of the person’s behavior. With an abuser, use Strategic Transactional Communication described in my book on narcissism. (This teaches empathy and is especially important with children.) 4. Have a calm, empathetic, nonjudgmental conversation about the problem. Be assertive. Let the person know the impact on you, the relationship, what’s missing, and how things would feel if the person made an effort to understand you better. Be patient. Most people don’t like to hear about their shortcomings and may deny them at first. Don’t try to solve the problem in the first conversation. Ask the person if they would think about your concerns. Allow your words to sink in. 5. If the person is not interested in discussing this or dismisses your feelings, use Strategic Transactional Communication described in Dating, Loving, and Leaving a Narcissist: Essential Tools for Improving or Leaving Narcissistic and Abusive Relationships to motivate them and to get your needs met. 6. Practice compassion for yourself and the other person to accept their limitations. Find empathetic people to talk to. Listen to the Self-Love Meditation. 7. Get counseling to heal past and present trauma around emotional abandonment. 8 Motivate the other person to seek therapy. Perhaps this issue has hindered their other relationships or success at work. Use Strategic Transactional Communication to motivate them. See Therapy for Narcissists. © 2023 Darlene Lancer Karukivi M, Saarijärvi S. “Development of alexithymic personality features.” World J Psychiatry. 2014 Dec 22;4(4):91-102. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v4.i4.9.1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4274591/

Lack of Empathy and What You Can Do

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores signs and impacts of a lack of empathy, and...
Read More
Cocer image - Psychology & Social Justice, with Lauren Shure, Ph.D., LMHC | EDB 301

Psychology & Social Justice, with Lauren Shure, Ph.D., LMHC | EDB 301

VIDEO - Dr. Lauren Shure discusses social justice in the field of psychology, and...
Read More
Cover image - Myths About Narcissism

Myths About Narcissism

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores and debunks common myths about Narcissistic Personality Disorder....
Read More
Cover image - Studying Psychology & Maintaining Mental Health, with Shanna Anssari | EDB 295

Studying Psychology & Maintaining Mental Health, with Shanna Anssari | EDB 295

VIDEO - Psychology student Shanna Anssari, M.S. shares how she navigated mental health challenges...
Read More
Cover image - Mental Health & Relationships: What Are Interdependent Relationships?

Mental Health & Relationships: What Are Interdependent Relationships?

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explains what an interdependent relationship is, and the roles autonomy,...
Read More
Cover image - Succeeding After Trauma, with Jose Del Cueto | EDB 294

Succeeding After Trauma, with Jose Del Cueto | EDB 294

VIDEO - Author & self-advocate Jose Del Cueto shares his journey from a traumatic...
Read More
Cover image - 10 Reasons Emotional Abuse is Traumatizing

10 Reasons Emotional Abuse is Traumatizing

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT highlights the dangers and repercussions of suffering emotional abuse....
Read More
Cover image - Becoming a Mental Health Professional, with Dr. Mark Goulston | EDB 293

Becoming a Mental Health Professional, with Dr. Mark Goulston | EDB 293

VIDEO - Author & psychiatrist Dr. Mark Goulston shares his journey to being a...
Read More
Cover image - Parenting & Teen Mental Health, with Dr. Mark Goulston | EDB 292

Parenting & Teen Mental Health, with Dr. Mark Goulston | EDB 292

VIDEO - Author & psychiatrist Dr. Mark Goulston shares advice for parents with teens...
Read More
Cover image - Covert vs. Grandiose Narcissists

Covert vs. Grandiose Narcissists

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores the differences between grandiose and covert narcissists....
Read More
Cover image - Learning About Service Dogs

Learning About Service Dogs

Self-advocate Laura Hamilton explores different kinds of service dogs, and how they are trained...
Read More
Cover image - Mental Health & Relationships: Dealing with an Abuser or Narcissist

Mental Health & Relationships: Dealing with an Abuser or Narcissist

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT discusses steps to healthily navigate abusive or narcissistic people when...
Read More
Cover image - A Neurodivergent’s Journey into J.O.Y.

A Neurodivergent’s Journey into J.O.Y.

ADHD self-advocate and Neurodiversity Life Coach Renee Rosales, M.Ed. discusses how an acronym helped...
Read More
Cover image - The Promises of Recovery

The Promises of Recovery

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores the rewards we get through our journeys of recovery....
Read More
Cover image - What We Lose When We Make Them Choose: To self-identify or not?

Neurodiverse In The Open: To Self-Identify Or Not?

Cris Brady, M.Ed. discusses the pros and cons of forcing neurodivergent individuals to self-identify...
Read More
Cover image - Covid’s Effects on Teenage Anxiety: My Personal Struggle

COVID’s Effects on Teenage Anxiety: My Personal Struggle

Angelina Vinci shares how the COVID lockdown impacted her mental health and her development...
Read More
Cover image - Healing Trauma and Your Inner Child

Healing Trauma and Your Inner Child

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores the concept of the "inner-child" and how it can...
Read More
Cover image - Living with a Narcissist

Living with a Narcissist

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explores the realities of life with a narcissistic partner....
Read More
Cover image - A Season for Tea: Contemplation and Closure

A Season for Tea: Contemplation and Closure

Autism self-advocates Sean Inderbitzen, LCSW discusses how contemplative moments drinking tea helped him reach...
Read More
Cover image - How Trauma Can Hijack Your Life

How Trauma Can Hijack Your Life

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT discusses how trauma can change the way we react to...
Read More
Cover image - Mental Health & Relationships: What is "Playing the Victim"?

Mental Health & Relationships: Is Someone “Playing the Victim”?

Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT discusses what it means for someone to "play the victim"...
Read More
Cover image - 2022 in Review: Towards an Inclusive Society | EDB 285

2022 in Review: Towards an Inclusive Society, w/ Dr. Angelique Harris, David Geslak, Dr. Jennie Trocchio & more | EDB 285

VIDEO - In this second year-in-review episode, we are going to hear from neurodiversity...
Read More
Cover image - Is Your Relationship Toxic?

Is Your Relationship Toxic?

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT discusses toxic relationships, and what to do if you find...
Read More
Cover image - Onboarding Doctors in Neurodiversity, featuring Peter S. Jensen, MD | EDB 262

Onboarding Doctors in Neurodiversity, with Peter S. Jensen, MD | EDB 262

(VIDEO - 28 mins) The REACH Institute founder Dr. Peter Jensen discusses his work...
Read More
Cover image - "I Have an Anxiety Disorder & This Is How I Cope With It" by Laura Hamilton | DB Speaker Bureau

“I Have an Anxiety Disorder & This Is How I Cope With It” by Laura Hamilton | DB Speakers Bureau

VIDEO - Different Brain intern and mental health self-advocate Laura Hamilton shares some of...
Read More
Cover image - Signs of Healthy Boundaries

Signs of Healthy Boundaries

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explains the value of healthy boundaries, and gives 10 signs...
Read More
Cover image - Individuation: From Codependent Chameleon to Selfhood

Individuation: From Codependent Chameleon to Selfhood

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT discusses how one's concept of self can be obscured by...
Read More
Cover image - Meditation: The Original Neurodiverse Curriculum

Meditation: The Original Neurodiverse Curriculum

Educator Joseph Lento explains the various ways people meditate in daily life, and the...
Read More
Cover image - Mental Health & Relationships: Understanding Trauma Bonds

Mental Health & Relationships: Understanding Trauma Bonds

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT discusses the phenomena of the "trauma bond", and the role...
Read More
Cover image - Mental Health & Relationships: Recognizing Abusive DARVO Tactics

Mental Health & Relationships: Recognizing Abusive DARVO Tactics

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT explains the D.A.R.V.O. tactic that abusers use to manipulate victims....
Read More
Cover image - Strategies to Support Mental Wellness: What’s in Your Toolbox?

Strategies to Support Mental Wellness: What’s in Your Toolbox?

Self-advocate Laura Hamilton discusses the concept of the Wellness Toolbox, and shares strategies that...
Read More
Cover image - "Combat Brain Training" by Julia Futo | DB Speaker Bureau

“Combat Brain Training” by Julia Futo | DB Speakers Bureau

VIDEO - Different Brains intern and Developmental Coordination Disorder self-advocate Julia Futo shares her...
Read More
Cover image - Fighting and Preventing Neurodiverse Burnout | DB Speaker Series

Fighting and Preventing Neurodiverse Burnout | DB Speaker Series

(VIDEO - 62 mins) Explore tips for fighting and preventing burnout with Dr. Marsha...
Read More
JOIN THE MISSION

Help Every Brain Thrive

Your support helps create a world where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered — wherever life takes them.
Donate
Volunteer

Stay In Touch

Join our community and receive expert insights, practical tools, resources, and new perspectives right to your inbox.

By clicking Subscribe you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Different Brains, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that strives to encourage understanding & acceptance of neurodiversity.
Read about us here.
Our work is only possible with the financial support of people like you! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.
Our Programs & Media
Speakers Bureau
Mentorship
Podcasts
Spectrumly Speaking
ADHD Tools
Videos
Exploring Different Brains
Week in Neurodiversity
Webinars
Documentary
Quick Links
Articles
Resources
About Us
Shop
Donate
Contact
Address:
3471 N Federal Hwy, Ste. 309 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
Contact:
Facebook Linkedin X-twitter Instagram
© 2025 DifferentBrains. All rights reserved.