MindSprout

MindSprout

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Neurodivergent Creative parent of a neurodivergent teen offering life coaching and parent support

02/18/2025

I just had a powerful session with a client. Helping them to use the self-compassion they have found in one situation to help in another.

I so admire this clients strength and growth. It is a privilege to be part of his life’s journey.

Come see how we can work together to support your goals. Schedule your complimentary half hour session today.

Www.mindsprout-adhd.com

01/13/2025

I just met a new client today- I had goosebumps by the end of our session knowing that I could really support him well. Wow. That’s when I know it’s a really good fit.

Schedule a free 15 minute intro call to see how we can work together to support your goals. I love meeting new people.

10/05/2024

Today I went to help out at an equestrian center - hanging out with horses and curious kids. I love the smell of horses and everything about them.

Saw a young man having a therapeutic riding session who really wanted everyone to look at him and was making loud sounds to get our attention every time he faced us.

He was so happy up there on the horse being led around by the resident "energizer bunny" helper who jogged his way around the ring patiently leading horse and rider.

What a great experience for all involved.

10/02/2024

So this video isn't perfect, if we wait until everything is perfect, will we ever get things done? I'm not perfect. If you want a coach who is nonjudgemental, who accepts you just as you are, ready to listen and support you, I'm your coach.

04/14/2024

And this is why I love going to Good Will. Sometimes it just makes me so happy.

Mary J. Blige, U2 - One (Official Music Video) 04/14/2024

I remember connecting with Sinead O'Connor and her rawness when I first heard her music back in my angsty teen years. She was so different from any other musician I had encountered.

when she tore up the picture of the pope on that episode of Saturday Night Live? I didn't get it. It didn't make sense to me or fit in with my Christian ideology and I threw out my casette tapes (yes, it was a long time ago)Having learned more about her reasons behind that act, her using her platform to speak out against the abuse many suffered from people who should have been there to guide and protect them... I get it now.

When she spoke of the abuse she endured from the man formerly known as Prince? I didn't get that either such a negative bias in the media against this woman who didn't fit the norm.

So then she lost her son and then lost her battle with her own mind. I don't subscribe to the idea that great artists have to be troubled. I see a woman who endured great pain in her life and used her gifts to express herself. She was so often misunderstood, judged, rejected, questioned, and just not respected. I am one of the people who saw her in that light.

Now, as I have faced so much of my own "stuff" and learned to love my unique brain, to recognize how the many younger versions of my younger self survived so that I could be here today... to embrace and love all of those younger versions... to finally learn to love all of me, I have so much greater capacity to see the experiences of others without judgement. To recognize that we all have our unseen battles To respect others' journeys even if they don't look like mine or their choices are not what I would have chosen. We are all just trying to navigate life and live honestly.

I have so much more respect for my fellow humans and their journeys. As Attcus FInch said, "Don't judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes."

Mary J. Blige, U2 - One (Official Music Video) Music video by U2 performing One (C) 2006 Universal-Island Records Limited

Sinead O'Connor - I Don't Know How To Love Him 04/13/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kPgo3lPxSQ
I came across this recording this morning after a really rough time with my son last night. Out neurodivergences clash. He's a black-and-white thinker and a fixer. when I am upset, he tells me how I can resolve my challenges so I am no longer stressed. when I am stressed, he gets stressed. I have worked so hard at emotional self-regulation so that I can be calm for him.

As anyone with ADHD knows, we have a negativity bias and are very aware of what we perceive to be our flaws and mistakes.

When you add RSD- rejection sensitivity dysphoria- that brings a level of personal injury to interactions that are often not at all the intent from the comments from others.

when well regulated, we can pause, take a step back and see this. When something said bumps into an old trauma- and yes we ADHDers have trauma for being criticized and shamed for our ADHD symptoms- things we can't control... well, you have a perfect storm for hurt feelings and our brain wiring makes us have big emotions.

So basically, for me to have a son who is AuDHD (Autism and ADHD) conversations can sometimes be a minefield.

Let's throw in my neuro-typical husband who is level-headed and calm by nature. He gets to live with two people with big emotions who unintentionally push each other's buttons. He is also a peacemaker between us trying to help us see and hear eachothers intenthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS2nX4fuzqc
It's painful to be compared to the other parent who does not have these innate challenges and asked why I can't be more like him us see the other's perspective.

When life is calm, I've had enough sleep... I can use the tools I have developed through coaching and therapy to calm my upset, step back, take myself out of the middle, and be the calm parent my son needs.

Circumstances requiring a high level of care in the last few months have thrown "normal" out the window and I can't remember the last time I had a full night's sleep.

So I am trying to put on my own oxygen mask right now. Taking time away as best I can so I can remember how to breathe.

I went searching for this song because the first line really sums this up for me.

As a parent of an AuDHD and an ADHDer myself, I have a unique perspective to offer in my parent coaching. I know that this will not last forever and that it will get better again. This too shall pass.

So if you are there with your child or other loved one, know that you and they are doing the best they can. When you find yourself at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. I'll see you there.

Sinead O'Connor - I Don't Know How To Love Him I Don't Know How To Love Him is taken from the limited edition DVD package Theology. Recorded in the intimate environs of The Sugar Club.

03/22/2024

Well folks, I’ve had many lessons from the universe about understanding and appreciating the needs of others.

Sometime that means going to a much anticipated event and leaving when the music hurts their highly sensitive ears. Even if it’s only 15 minutes into the concert they insisted in attending.

I am able to recognize that people do the best they can in the situation. Being sensitive to their comfort and flexible when their tolerance level is reached is far more valuable and meaningful than the odd looks from strangers who won’t remember the family who left early. The people for whom we left early? They will remember the way it felt to have their needs matter.

I haven’t always had this perspective. I’ve learned a lot over the years. This is something I bring to parent coaching.

If you are trying to make sense of your neurodivergent family member and could use some help, please let me know.

I’m working on building some group coaching sessions. Stay tuned for details.

03/21/2024

I saw this image at Tracey Eaton's Fascial Counterstrain Office. The artist is Yongsung Kim "The Hand of God"

I find it so hauntingly beautiful.

For those familiar with the Christian tradition, you may recognize it as the moment when Peter steps out in faith to walk on water with Jesus. As long as he keeps his faith and his eye on Jesus, he is supported. The second he looks away in doubt, he sinks.

So resonant with faith of many kinds. When we are walking the path of our own truth, in line with our purpose, trusting that everything is going to work out, we can do things we never imagined doing.

When we stray from our purpose, try to be someone we are not,, doubt ourselves, things fall apart.

In this artist's depiction, here is Jesus, still standing on the surface reaching a hand down to help the one who has lost their way back to where they need to be. The kindness in the expression- no judgement. Just a hand reaching into the swirling uncertainty... "I've got you."

We can find that faith in religion, we can find it in believing in ourselves, knowing we are right where we need to be. It's a lifeline.

Whatever your faith be it part of a religious ideology or not, may you always find a hand reaching down into the swirls of doubt to help bring you back to yourself.

Thank you Yongsung Kim for creating such an evocative image.

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