Monica Wells, MS, LMHC

Happy Monday!! Here are 4 essential tips for protecting your peace: 1. Take care of your body - Eat right and get moving!... 2. Don’t overwork yourself - Make time for YOU and the things you love 3. Uphold your personal boundaries - It is okay to say NO 4. Limit your screen time - Social media makes us compare ourselves to others How do you protect your peace? Comment below!! #protectyourpeace #normalizementalhealth #endthestigma #mentalhealthsupport #iamenough #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealthtips #letstalkaboutit #mentalhealthisimportant #emotionalwellness #anxietysupport #depressionwarrior #parentingdaily #selfhealing #makeyourselfapriority #loveyourselfmore #flawsandall #therapistsofinstagram #onlinetherapist #lmhc

Is it Monday again? Sometimes things can get tough and when they are just remember to BREATHE. Here’s a simple breathing exercise: ... Take a deep inhale through your nose for about 5 seconds Hold it for about 5 seconds Breathe out for 8 seconds May is mental health awareness month, so this is just a little exercise to help you feel just a little more calm this week! Follow my page for more tips to improve your mental health! #mayismentalhealthawarenessmonth #normalizementalhealth #endthestigma #mentalhealthsupport #iamenough #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealthtips #letstalkaboutit #mentalhealthisimportant #emotionalwellness #anxietysupport #depressionwarrior #parentingdaily #selfhealing #makeyourselfapriority #loveyourselfmore #flawsandall #therapistsofinstagram #onlinetherapist #lmhc

No amount of worry, planning, or obsessing will change the future... And no amount of dwelling or ruminating will change the past That’s why it’s best to keep yourself GROUNDED in the PRESENT moment.... When I need to ground myself, I like to place my feet on the floor and try to explain the present moment to myself as if I was telling a stranger. How do you ground yourself?

Do you feel like sometimes you’re just holding yourself together? THAT’S OKAY. When weeks are busy and full of a million things to do, just remind yourself that everything is going to be okay. Just practice self compassion and understanding that this is JUST One of those weeks!... So here’s to holding ourselves together! You’ve got this! Check back next week for more mental health tips! #postivequote #postivemind #normalizementalhealth #endthestigma #mentalhealthsupport #iamenough #mentalwellbeing #beauthenticallyyou #gettoknowyourself #makeyourselfapriority #loveyourselfmore #reclaimyourlife #liveyourtruth #risingstrong #worthyoflove #onlinetherapist #lmhc #nyctherapist #therapistsofinstagram

Things are finally starting to look pre-pandemic again! Weird right? Well, this can be exciting and freeing. It is perfectly okay to have concerns about more changes. You may be feeling anxious about restrictions ending or about socializing again, and that is NORMAL!... Let’s face it, in this last year we have been through a lot and still are going through a lot!!! So when needed take a break from reentering the pre-COVID world, and most importantly take care of yourself. Remember that you can’t control everything around you, but you can control the things you do. So if that means more self-care, continued mask wearing etc just do what it takes to make YOU comfortable. Like, follow, and share! :) Have an amazing week!

As a parent, we often worry about sending our children off to college. As transitioning to college can be stressful for any young adult, those with Asperger’s syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often face additional challenges during this time. So how can we better prepare our children?... One of the best ways we can help make sure our child continues to get what they need is by teaching them to self-advocate! Check out this article for a more in-depth look at going to college with autism: https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org//students-with-a/ #letstalkaboutit #austimincollege #forthekids #neurodiversity #austismawareness #neurodivergent #neurodiverse #aspergers #austismtips #austimparenting #autismsupport #raisingtinyhumans #mindfulmama #positiveparenting #parentingdaily #therapyiscool #nycparents

You do not need a mental illness to work on your mental health. Part of ending the stigma is normalizing working on your mental health even if you are not dealing with a mental illness! Here are some ways that I have found in improving my own mental health along with my clients:... Practicing meditation (The mindfulness technique is my favorite) Exploring your creativity (I have been changing up my Instagram) Exercising regularly (I love to get walking, running, and recently biking!) Connecting with others (I try to catch up with my friends once a week) What are some things you do to promote your own mental health? #mayismentalhealthawarenessmonth #normalizementalhealth #endthestigma #mentalhealthsupport #iamenough #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealthtips #letstalkaboutit #mentalhealthisimportant #emotionalwellness #anxietysupport #depressionwarrior #parentingdaily #selfhealing #makeyourselfapriority #loveyourselfmore #flawsandall #therapistsofinstagram #onlinetherapist #lmhc

Thoughts are constantly driving through our minds all the time. Like traffic, they might flow smoothly. But they sometimes also back up, causing a traffic jam. When they collide, the impact can truly throw us psychologicallymaking you anxious, depressed, or generally distressed.... However, just because they are driving through your mind, it does not mean they represent an objective reality. They are often more a figment of your imagination than an observation. Simply we CANNOT believe EVERYTHING we think. Our minds can be wrong. Check back in next week for my new Mental Health Monday! #intrusivethoughts #youarestrongerthanyouthink #anixetyhealing #mentalhealthtips #anxietyfree #anxietyattacks #anxietyhelp #anxietyrelief #anxietymanagement #anxietyawarness #anxietyproblems #stressfreelife #risingstrong #copingskills #worryless #healingjourney #personalgrowthjourney #anxietysupport #selfreflection #tomorrowisanewday

Why is it important to find a therapist who understands your neurodivergent child? Those who are neurodivergent need a therapist who holds a different set of skills and can provide directive, concrete, as well as understanding the difficulties these individuals face. If you are looking for a specialized therapist in neurodiversity, I have 9+ years of experience working with high functioning autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. ... Check out my website (link in bio) to find out more about me and the services I offer!

Summer is in the air! The sun is shining and the air is warm. Naturally, this means more energy and increased moods. But we all know how important it is to continue working on our mental health even when we feel good. ... Here are 3 tips to maintaining mental health this summer! 1) Get Outside Exposure to sunlight and fresh air has long been known to increase serotonin levels and reduce anxiety. Being outside promotes a sense of calm and well-being. This summer, take up a new outdoor hobby, such as gardening. It will force you to spend time outdoors and give you a sense of accomplishment as you watch the seeds of your labor take root. 2) Practice Mindfulness and Meditation The art of mindfulness is simply being in the here and now. Take a few minutes every day to focus on the sights and sounds of what’s happening around you. Paying attention to the music of nature, smelling freshly cut grass plus feeling the heat of the sun on your face will help ground you and put a stop to ruminating thoughts. 3) Make Good Use of Vacation Time We often use vacation time as a way to accomplish unfinished tasks, attend long-overdue appointments and get things done around the house. This summer, use some of your holidays for self-care. Pick up a book you’ve been meaning to read, hang out by the pool or meet an old friend for lunch. Adding some fun and relaxation to your summer can help you reboot and reduce stress. Follow my page for more mental health Mondays!

Do you or your child have Social Anxiety or are we now pathologizing shyness, too? This podcast explores whether or not your child’s feelings are the real signs of social anxiety or just a more introverted temperament. Some skills Lynn stresses for teaching our children to help them connect with others are:... How to enter in a conversation/social situation and keep it going- Learn how to ask questions (4 questions to ask when meeting a new person) How to read the room- Teaching social cues/ talking through social situations (asking your child the energy of the room and modeling how to act at each energy level) I love Lynn’s podcasts and find them so helpful as a parent and a clinician! I encourage you to check her out!

Let’s talk about ADHD!! Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that impacts the parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and execute tasks. This affects approximately 11% of children and almost 5% of adults in the U.S, making it pretty common. Although it often goes untreated or misdiagnosed in children due to its complex levels and symptoms. ... Many patients and clinicians describe ADHD as an iceberg, where most symptoms lie hiding under the surface out of sight but ever-present. Here are some common ADHD symptoms: Inattention Lack of focus Poor time management Weak impulse control Exaggerated emotions Hyperfocus Hyperactivity Executive dysfunction Check out my website to see if I could help you or your child with ADHD. #letstalkaboutit #adhd #forthekids #neurodiversity #adhdawareness #neurodivergent #neurodiverse #adultadhd #adhdtips #adhdparenting #adhdsymptoms #raisingtinyhumans #mindfulmama #positiveparenting #parentingdaily #therapyiscool #nycparents #nyctherapist #onlinetherapist #therapistsofinstagram

Can too much positivity be bad? Just like anything else too much positivity can be more harmful than good. Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how dire or difficult a situation is, people should maintain a positive mindset. Toxic positivity takes positive thinking to an overgeneralized extreme. This attitude doesn't just stress the importance of optimism, it minimizes and denies any trace of human emotions that aren't strictly happy or positive.... Some signs of toxic positivity include: Experiencing guilt for being sad or angry Reciting positive quotes about hard situations Dismissing others’ difficult feelings Hiding painful emotions Ignoring your problems Check out this great article a client shared with me, so important for all of us!

May is mental health awareness month! 1 in every 4 people suffer from a mental illness. Whether it’s a friend, family member, loved one, or even yourself. You are not alone! Ending the stigma around mental health is more important than ever. ... Even if you aren’t suffering from a mental illness, you can always prioritize and advocate for yourself or someone else’s mental health! Some ways you can support ending the mental health stigma are by Building communities of inclusion and sense of belonging for EVERYONE...(not just for those like us) Talking openly about our mental health and how it can affect someone Letting go of shaming & dehumanizing language Most importantly practicing self-compassion, because your mental health is a priority! Check back next Monday for a mental health Monday tip! #mayismentalhealthawarenessmonth #normalizementalhealth #endthestigma #mentalhealthsupport #iamenough #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealthtips #letstalkaboutit #mentalhealthisimportant #emotionalwellness #anxietysupport #depressionwarrior #parentingdaily #selfhealing #makeyourselfapriority #loveyourselfmore #flawsandall #therapistsofinstagram #onlinetherapist #lmhc

Happy Mother's Day! Being a mama is so hard ya'll! So take a break from your motherly duties, cuddle your babes, and go out (or stay in) and enjoy the day! Have an amazing day!!!... #mothersday2021 #motherslove #mothersdayweekend #beingamom #mothers #risingstrong #mothersmatter #sundayvibes #selfcare #selfcaretips #autismmom #adhdmom #anxietymom #onlinetherapist #lovingmom #momwins #onlinetherapist

Ugh for anxiety!! One of my favorite quotes about is anxiety is by David Barlow and it goes Anxiety is the overestimation of a problem with the underestimation of our resources to deal with it I actually just listened to a mini video on @gozen where they said the same thing, but in different terms. Basically, anxiety tells us lies, and one of those lies is that we can’t handle it! But we can! We have in the past, and we will again!... That being said, keep reminding yourself that the thing we are anxious about is not always as big as it seems. If we do have a problem, we can deal with it if not, we can learn how to deal with it! This is called resilience, and totally something that we can all learn how to do! Meet me here next week for more on anxiety, neurodiversities, and a whole bunch of other educational information! #postivequote #postivemind #anxiety #saturday #copingskills #resources #perception #copingtools #mentalwellbeing #beauthenticallyyou #gettoknowyourself #reclaimyourlife #liveyourtruth #risingstrong #courageovercomfort #worthyoflove #weekendquote #onlinetherapist #lmhc #nyctherapist

Am loving this article!!!

Finding it difficult to verbalize your emotions? Here’s the deal: I’ve been reading and learning about emotions and emotional intelligence for a really long time. When I began running groups my supervisor would always tell me that one of the most important things about learning social skills, was really learning about emotions. It didn’t take me long to understand why. Now, besides learning all the social nuances that some of us take for granted, my groups also focuses a lot... on emotions and how they impact our social interactions. That’s what makes my group a little different than the other social skills groups out there. Register for a free 20-minute consultation to find out more (link in bio). #socialskills #autismparent #autismmom #autismdad #ADHD #socialanxiety #anxietysupport #socialthinking #socialskillsgroup #therapistofthenortheast #therapistsupporttherapists #northeastsupportservices #therapistofig #longislandtherapist

Psychotherapy for children, teens, and young adults. Specializing in ASD, ADHD, and Anxiety. For more information visit my website: www.monicawellslmhc.com.

Stop being so sad! Just be happy! This is society at play, where everyone feels like they should just be having comfortable emotions all the time. We live in a world where we are bombarded with social media showing us pictures of people just living their best life and just being happy. But the truth is that these pictures only show a portion of this person and how they live. Also, we need an array of emotions and EVERYONE feels them. Sadness, anger, even anxiety are vali...d and appropriate emotions at times. There are going to be times when you aren’t feeling your best. During these times do some things to take care of you like: 1Read a book 2Take a nap 3Talk with a family member or a friend (even through zoom) 4Draw 5Watch something funny! Laughter is sometimes a really great remedy! Want more ways to feel better? Follow me on IG or you can join my mailing list! (Link in bio) . . . #selfhealingjourney #vulnerabilityisstrength #livemoremagic #selfactualization #learnfromyourmistakes #flawsandall #flawsandall #depressionisreal #ownyourstory #iamenough #taketimeforyou #stressless #youcomefirst #loveyourselfmore #honestlymothering #easeyourmind #adhdparenting #autismparents#autismfamily #aspergers #welcomenovember #psychotherapist#cbttherapy #protectyourenergy #neurodiversity#neurodivergent

Bye bye 2020! Looking good 2021! Is anyone else feeling excited about this new year? 2020 left us all a little bit deflated, but this is a time for new beginnings! I love new beginnings, because I love wiping out the old and welcoming the new! Here’s to a very happy and healthy New Year!... Stay tuned for more information on exciting things happening with my practice this year! You can click on my link in bio to join my mailing list! #newyear2021 #stressless #nyctherapist #longislandtherapy #aspergers #ADHD #insearchofjoy #autismparents #taketimeforyou #therapistsofinstagram

The 5-second pep talk for social anxiety My husband always calls me a social butterfly whenever we go out (pre-covid)- I make my way around the room speaking to anyone I know. When I started doing this my heart would start racing. My amygdala would activate, and I would have to say things to myself like: They are JUST people! Ask a question, make comments! You’ll be okay. This little pep-talk helped me get through the brutal anxiety of engaging with others. As time went ...on it just became easier and easier. Now I love engaging and talking to people! You don’t have to become a social butterfly- but it’s always nice to have some options! Here are some quick tips on engaging: 1If you know the person you can lead in with a quick, hey, how are you? 2Your conversation doesn’t need to be long and drawn out. Just focus on simple topics, such as the weather, sports, or the current events (you get extra points if you ask questions that you know about them). 3Try not to touch on politics or religion unless you know where the person stands politically, even then- be careful with this topic! 4When you’re leaving the conversation, make a quick getaway plan. Wait for a pause in the conversation, then say something like, It was so nice chatting with you, I should get back to my table. Need more rules and tips, sign up for my Teen Social Group based on PEERS (but hurry because we’re starting in the new year!) Link in bio. . . . #momwithanxiety #anxietyhelp #emotionalhealth #letstalkaboutmentalhealth #truetoyourself #liveyourtruth #selfcompassion #rewriteyourstory #youhavethepower #adifferentapproach #therapistsofinstagram #selfcaretips #selfhealingjourney #vulnerabilityisstrength #selfawarenessjourney #getoutofyourownway #insearchofjoy #reclaimthehappy #mystoryoflight #socialbutterfly #parentingteens

Social during the holidays a short recipe for success. I know the holidays are coming, and even though we won’t be celebrating like we normally do, we can still engage with our close family members and practice being social. I know, you feel like you see these people every day! But I bet you don’t know everything about them. Here are some tips to pull off a social holiday season even when the table is not completely full!... 1Ask questions! Ask your parents/siblings what it was like to be in high school, or college. I bet your parents might love to share these stories with you, you’ve just never thought to ask. 2Listen, make comments, and ask follow up questions. This will help the conversation flow. Depending on your family- try to not talk about religion or politics (especially if you have differing views)- it will only lead to arguments. 3Sometimes we might have trouble with paying close attention, or we might need a break. This is completely okay! Just state that you need a break from the conversation, but when you’re feeling ready, come back and engage. 4Make suggestions to play a game you enjoy or share something that you enjoy with your parents and siblings. Remember that we can’t do this ALL day- but sharing of yourself is important too. My PEERS social skills group is starting in the new year! Click the link in bio to schedule your no-obligation screening. . . . . #wednesdays #holidays2020 #holidaysarecoming #nycparents #nycfamily #nycmoms #counselorsofinstagram #psychotherapist #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #therapistsofinstagram #anxietysupport #motherofteens #mompreneurs #positiveparenting #nyctherapist #millenialparenting #beauthenticallyyou #ohheymamas #therapyworks #letstalkaboutit #momonamission #motherhoodrising #huntingtonmoms #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #copingskills #insearchofjoy #socialskillsforkids

Yes, I had anxiety when I was younger. I've learned how to manage it and so can you. New blog post on training your brain just like you would do with any sport or anything new you do.

Social Skills Groups- Huntington, NY This group is for teens who struggle socially- but are able to have a back and forth conversation. Services will be through Zoom and for individuals living in New York. Need more information or need to set up a screener: https://lnkd.in/d9MBx-7... #parenting #autism #education #highschoolstudents

Seriously a GREAT article from Attitude Magazine relating to screen time during the pandemic. Would want to know what you guys think about being flexible? Especially for parents and those who work in the field! #parenting #parentingtips #autism #adhd #therapistlife #videogameaddict