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Paths Uncharted.
A collaborative blog by Divergent Path Wellness
exploring mental health in context, centering neurodivergent and queer experiences, and undermining prescriptive paths
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Mental Health & Self-Care Practices
Mental health doesn't exist in a vacuum. These posts explore emotional well-being, self-care, and therapy tools through a lens that honors the impact of systems, culture, and lived experience. Rooted in evidence-based mental health practice, these reflections offer support for executive function, navigating distress, building resilience, and living in alignment with your values - especially in uncertain and challenging times.
The Pressure To Be Jolly: Coping With Holiday Stress
The holidays are often painted as a season of joy — twinkling lights, cozy traditions, picture-perfect family gatherings. But for many...
Helen Dempsey-Henofer LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
Dec 23, 20252 min read
Why Is It So Hard to Find an Affirming Therapist Who Accepts My Insurance?
If you’ve ever searched for an in-network therapist who truly “gets it”—someone inclusive, LGBTQ-affirming, neurodivergent-friendly, and...
Helen Dempsey-Henofer LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
Dec 10, 20256 min read
When Things End: Opening Your Window of Tolerance to Navigate Change
Change can bring about feelings of anxiety, anger, or fear, the potential for regret and sadness. Learn about your window of tolerance and explore tips for navigating change with emotional regulation.
Sarah Lawson MSW
Aug 1, 20254 min read
When you're caught in the whirlpool: Creative expression & self-reflection for emotional regulation
It’s summertime in Virginia which means it’s swimming season. However, this summer also continues to heat up politically, and the image that comes to mind may be more raging whirlpool than cooling oasis. Discover how creative expression can help support self-reflection and emotional regulation.
Sarah Lawson MSW
Jul 4, 20254 min read
Mental Health Support for Queer and Neurodivergent People: Self-Compassion, Community, and Care in Uncertain Times
In a world that often feels like it’s teetering on the edge—politically, economically, environmentally—it’s hard to know how to keep...
Helen Dempsey-Henofer LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
Jun 27, 20255 min read
How to Find Your Way: Centering Values During Times of Unrest
Amidst times of unrest, clarifying your values can help you live the life you want to live.
Sarah Lawson MSW
Jun 20, 20254 min read
Will I Ever Stop Feeling Anxious?
When you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, slowing down and changing your relationship to thoughts and feelings can help.
Sarah Lawson MSW
Jun 6, 20255 min read
When You’re Trying Not to Feel
When things get overwhelming and you're looking for ways to feel nothing, practicing experiential acceptance can help.
Sarah Lawson MSW
May 23, 20254 min read
Like a Song Stuck in Your Head: Make Peace with Intrusive Thoughts
We’ve all experienced it—going about our day when suddenly, a song hijacks our brain. It might be an upbeat jingle or a barely noticed...
Mathew Christensen MSW
May 16, 20255 min read
WALL-E and Lessons on Mindfulness
Every single one of us exists with an autopilot—an subconscious, evolutionary form of thinking or decision making that exists to preserve...
Ames Gersten MSW
May 13, 20254 min read
The Fishbowl Game for Executive Function
This is one of my favorite ideas from The Willpower Instinct , which is a treasure trove of executive function strategies. I’ve played it...
Thomas Harper LMSW
Apr 21, 20254 min read
Uncomfortable With Money? Let's Talk About It.
As Instagram influencers and financial experts flood our feeds, calling for us to freeze our credit scores, download our student loan...
Ames Gersten MSW
Mar 27, 20256 min read
H5N1 & Anxiety: When You Need More Than Cute Animal Videos
Learn a new mindfulness technique to help you navigate anxiety and other difficult feelings amidst concerns about H5N1 & public health
Sarah Lawson MSW
Feb 28, 20254 min read
Beyond the To-Do List: How to get stuff done
Do you have trouble starting and finishing tasks? As a psychotherapist with ADHD, I can tell you you're not alone. Many people, including...
Mathew Christensen MSW
Feb 20, 20255 min read
When you want to Make the Feelings Stop...
Post-election strategies from a social-justice-oriented psychotherapist The morning after election night, I woke up and saw who won. I...
Mathew Christensen MSW
Nov 20, 20244 min read
What's going on in your therapist's head during session?
Ever wonder what your therapist is thinking while you're talking? Well, if you’re in session with me, it’s probably a lot of chaotic...
Hannah Dickey MSW, LCSW
Oct 8, 20243 min read
Self-Care through Seasonal Changes
Have you been thinking about how the changing season affects you? Entering into a new season brings many changes, internally and...
Elease Cook LCSW
Sep 17, 20242 min read
3 favorite digital tools of a neuroaffirming therapist
"Neuroaffirming" is a newer word to many people. You may see it trending on Instagram. (You are invited to follow us on IG. There's...
Hannah Dickey MSW, LCSW
Jul 25, 20243 min read
One Therapy Key-Ingredient To Alleviate Loneliness!
If you're part of the loneliness epidemic - there's one thing that is essential when you're looking for a therapist. I'm going to be...
Helen Dempsey-Henofer LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
Oct 16, 20234 min read
The Silver Lining of Social Anxiety: Contemplating the "Comfort Zone"
Social anxiety can often feel like a never-ending loop of self-conscious thoughts and physical discomfort. You feel like the physical...
Helen Dempsey-Henofer LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
Sep 16, 20232 min read
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