Blog
Mental Health Resources
Suicide & Love
What do you do when someone you love is suicidal? Even if that someone is your five year old son? Dr. Jenny Palmiotto shares her story.
Habits of Stress-Resilient People
I think it is easy for us to forget how capable and resilient we actually are. We are resilient by nature; resiliency is a natural part of life. Resiliency is also a choice.
Therapist Spotlight: Melissa Geiger
Get to know our therapists! This month we are spotlighting Melissa Geiger!
Become A Member of Love & Autism
You are invited to be a part of a growing community of people from all over the world that believe a difference can be made in the way autistic people are treated!
Therapist Spotlight: Brian Bovino
Brian is the Director of Behavioral Services at FGTC, accompanied by his therapy dog Perci. Get to know him a little more here!
If it Feels Wrong, it is.
An autism therapist takes a hard look at the practices of ABA therapy. This is a must read for any parent of an autistic child!
Kids & Books & Love & Autism
We invite you to join us for our conversation, “Kids & Books & Love & Autism,” where we will adjoin stories, family, and compassion with Dr. Jenny Palmiotto, and author Sally J. Pla.
Therapist Spotlight: Jenny Palmiotto
Meet Jenny Palmiotto! Jenny is the founder and visionary behind the Family Guidance and Therapy Center. Not only is she passionate in her work with children, she is also passionate in her advocacy...
Therapist Spotlight: Walanda Johnson
This month we are starting a new therapist spotlight blog! First up, meet Walanda Johnson.
What Happens After Parkland?
I hug my children and share our family values; that kids should be safe at school. I fight hard the bitterness in my throat as I realize that this isn’t everyone’s values. My kids and everyone else’s children deserve better.
Random Acts of Kindness
What if we start to reach outside of our own bubbles and offer small acts of kindness to the people who cross our paths?
Movement Method: Using the Power of Movement to Help Children with Autism
Get ready to live a more whole-hearted life experience with your child!
Dance Party Parenting
What got me to my “breaking point” is sometimes trivial and other times more memorable; but truthfully the content of that isn’t ever important. What is important, is that we engage in a process towards wellness.
Can Children Practice Self-Compassion?
Yes and yes! Self-compassion is a wellness practice of being kind to oneself when emotions such as pain, suffering and general feelings of ‘not enough-ness’ emerge within us. Clearly, we all have...
Self-Compassion
Instead of adding to my anxiety by being mean to myself, I abated it by giving myself the same kind words that I would give others.
Anxious About the Holidays? Try Something New this Year!
Bring back the joy you used to fell during the Holidays!
Parenting with Positive Discipline
Free event: Parenting with Positive Discipline
Lessons on Self-Worth
What can learning self-love do for you?
Becoming: Our Story of Autism and RDI
Meet Kristine & Jake Mastronardi!
Why is Love & Autism Important for Parents?
We know you want to better support your child now and want hope for your child’s future.
Authenticity: When Work & Personal Values don’t Match
What happens when your work values don’t match your personal values?
Helping Our Children Find Their own Path
I’ve found my trail, but now it’s time for my children to do the same.
What If? Asking the Questions that REALLY Matter
What if I could be part of changing how the world thinks about autism?
Finding Balance through Self-Care
Don’t let the stress of summer get in the way of your self-care routine. Restore balance in your life with these tips.
Parenting: From One Father to Another
Clinician Brain Bovino shares his parenting tips for fathers of autistic children.
13 Lessons About Autism & Suicide
The suicide rate among autistics is 40% higher than the general population. How do we change that?
The Balancing Act of Parenting
How do you manage your daily life when there is just so much to do as a parent and a person?
Join Us for A Celebration of Love & Autism
Love & Autism 2017 will be the best year ever!
Good Dog Perci Fundraiser
Join us for a fun event benefitting our autism service companion Perci!
Love & Autism 2017
Love & Autism 2017 is almost here!
The Challenge of Miscommunication with your Teen
How are you approaching the teenage years?
Join us for a Teen Hangout!
Connect with other teens and make new friends!
Dr. A’verria Martin is Honored as a UCSD Exemplary Staff Member
Congratulations to Dr. A’verria Martin!
SELF-WORTH: Is it worth it?
Remember you’re more than WORTH it!
Dynamic Intelligence Workshop
Join us to learn more about Dynamic Intelligence
Relational Aspect of Art
Art Therapist Kasey Connors is open and honest, talking about her growth as a therapist working with autistic children.
Moving Day & New Beginnings!
This move marks a new chapter, a new home, a new place to create, cry and carry the stories of others. It marks a new beginning.
Increasing Dynamic Intelligence for Perpetual Growth
As human beings, I believe we all strive for growth.
Creating Personal Growth
The beautiful and simple truth is growth is a lifelong process that takes time.
Measuring Success in Autism Treatment
Sometimes we must set less traditional goals and look for growth in places that aren’t as easy to see or measure.
Is Online Therapy Right for You?
Learn the benefits of online therapy.
Perseverance and Passion (aka “Grit”): Is it Possible for Autistic Children?
Grit. A powerful, yet intimidating word.
Grit and Autism
Do grittiness and autism go together?
Valentine’s Day: How to observe Feb 14th in a way that works for YOU.
Rather than focusing on what we need to wrap and package for the holiday, this year, ask yourself and your partner what you want to achieve or how you want to become closer and let the feeling lead the activity.
Why do I have to share my feelings in my marriage?
Understanding our own feelings allows us to understand the impact those feelings have on our partner.
Overcoming Trauma and Enhancing Resilience with EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for the symptoms of prior trauma and posttraumatic stress.
What is Art Therapy?
“There is no wrong in art!”
Therapist Spotlight: Meghan Murphy
Meet Meghan Murphy!
Practicing the Gift of Presence
So this holiday season, stop stressing about finding the perfect toy or game for your child and spend that energy on staying present with your children.
Give the Gift of Memories
This holiday season, instead of spending money on gifts that will be forgotten, why not buy a gift the whole family can enjoy together?
Build Stronger Family Connections with the Gift of Presence
Over a lifetime, nothing compares to the gift of presence and building family connections.
The Hope of Happiness for Those with ASD
Put simply, persons with autism deserve to live happy lives.
You’ll Figure it out!
Creating opportunities where a child can learn, grow, and be shown loving-kindness shouldn’t be all that hard, should it?
LETTERS BETWEEN A NON-SPEAKING AUTISTIC AND APRAXIC BOY AND HIS NEUROTYPICAL THERAPIST
Alfonso is non-speaking, but he has a lot to say. The world needs to listen and learn from this young man’s wise and whole-hearted way of living.
Changing the way we think of autism – Michael Tolleson
When you hear the word autism, what do you think?
Marriage Really isn’t About Making Each Other Happy
We can all create healthy relationships in all the varied forms that relationships exist.
Dear Parent(s) of an Autistic Child
When your autistic child grows up to become an adult, what they will remember the most is what their parent(s) did for them. Be their support system.
Why RDI?
Interested in finding out more about RDI therapy and how it can benefit your family?
Love & Autism
Changing the way the world views love, relationships, sex, dating and friendship for those on the autism spectrum.
Authenticity in Autism Treatment
This is my grassroots shift to authenticity in autism treatment.
Forty-Seven Years of Creating a More Compassionate World for those with ASD
Change your own beliefs, expectations, and attitudes; change the world, but don’t demand change from the person with autism.
Do’s and Don’ts Learned from Steve Silberman’s NeuroTribes
Love your own neurology. Love your partner, child’s, best friends uniqueness. Love is available to all.
Love with Lindsmith: A blog series by Kirsten Lindsmith
Misunderstandings are part of being human—whether you are on the autism spectrum on not.
Listening to Autistic Voices
Have you ever received a bad prognosis about your child’s future? Have you ever been told that you shouldn’t have hope?
Meet David Hamrick
Parents find his insight very helpful as “Why?” is a question they often ask when discussing their child’s unique behaviors.
Meet Lindsey Nebeker
Learning to navigate when it is safe or unsafe to be vulnerable is the key to balancing the risks versus the rewards.
A Message of Hope: One Young Man’s Views on Love and Autism
“When people give me projects to cold call other students so that I can practice my ‘social skills’ I finally get it…they don’t think I’m capable of real relationships.”
10 fun facts about Alex Plank that you won’t find on Google
In the autism community, EVERYONE knows Alex…but here are some things you might not have known.
9 Lessons You Can Learn from Our Speakers Before Love & Autism…No matter who you are!
Everyone is capable of a better human interaction. To be kinder, more emotionally present, and willing to share with one another takes effort. Yet, it’s always worth the effort.
3 Reasons to Attend an All-Autism Wedding
THIS IS THE WEDDING OF THE YEAR. Yet, for those of you still needing a push, I offer three reasons why you should attend this very special all-autism wedding.
Why my Google search of ‘Sexy Autism’ was a big Disappointment!
Why doesn’t the autism community have any sex symbols? Where are the Zac Efron’s and Patrick Dempsey’s of ASD?
Love & Autism: The Importance of &
Today, the ampersand is commonly used to suggest a partnership or collaboration. A union, if you will.
Love & Autism: Developing Friendships and Defying Stereotypes
Our speakers at Love & Autism: A Conference with Heart, are living proof that relationships matter.
Lessons from Isla Vista
I feel compelled to educate those around us that being on the spectrum does not equate to acts of inconceivable violence. However, connection and relationships are so vitally important for feeling satisfied within one’s own life.
Getting Out of a Marital Rut
Anyone who has been in a relationship knows that complete bliss is not possible 100 percent of the time.
Beyond ABA: Insurance coverage for RDI- A reality!
Just recently (April 8, 2014), solid gains were made in Sacramento to change AB2041, which is an assembly bill that clarifies the autism-treatment mandate to include therapies beyond ABA.
Patience and Your Relationships
How do we show our spouse or partner, or even our closest friends or family that we care?
6 Simple Steps to Nurturing Yourself
When we remember to take a few personal minutes, eat healthy meals, and get enough sleep, we can better handle anything life has to throw at us.
Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child- Part 1
Emotional intelligence is crucial to any growing child.
Try, Try again: Raising Motivated Children
As a parent, one of your most important jobs is to prepare your children for life and impart to them the tools they need to grow into happy, successful adults.
Beat the Back to School Blues
The end of summer and the beginning of a new school year can be a stressful time for parents and children alike.
Dealing With Depression Through Exercise
If you’ve ever experienced depression, you know how frustrating and, at times, debilitating it can be.
Give Trust a Chance – Overcoming Trust Issues
If those people who were supposed to be the closest to you broke your trust, who’s to say that someone else won’t do it?
5 Simple Ways to Relax
It is essential to our overall health to learn to reduce stress responses in our body and mind.
Dealing With Setbacks – How To Get Ahead
We’ve all hit that bump in the road, the setback, the problem. What sets people apart is how they react to that bump.
The Power of Positivity
It’s easy to think negatively; being positive and staying positive is the tough choice. How do we infuse our mind with positive thinking?
How to Create a Strong Foundation for Your Relationship
Three qualities that are essential for creating a healthy, enduring relationship are: respect, friendship, and trust.
Six Easy Ways To Increase Intimacy and Connection With Your Partner
Relationship intimacy works kind of like a ladder. You both start at the bottom, making low-cost bids for emotional intimacy.
6 Issues to Explore Before You Say I Do
These are good principles for couples regardless of how long they have been together or married.
How to Create Win-Win Outcomes to Recurring Arguments in Your Relationship
There are a number of things you can do to avoid setting yourself up for a win-lose dynamic and communication problems in your relationship.
Deployment Tips Straight From the Spouses
If you feel like you would like more deployment help outside of the traditional military services, we offer a variety of therapies to help you and your family through all stages of deployment.
Celebrate National Mental Health Counseling Week!
Taking place from the sixth through the twelfth, the special week has been created to help bolster the role of counseling in America’s communities and to work towards washing away the stigmas still attached to mental health care in many areas.
How to Manage Disappointment
Have your plans just not worked out the way you thought they might? Have you felt sad, mad or even devastated because of it? If so, you are not alone.
Impact of Autism on the Family
Having a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has a profound effect on the entire family.
RDI 2 Day Conference – Should I Go?
Are you considering RDI?
Early Experiences Matter
“Parents are their child’s first teachers.”
An Introduction to Medical Family Therapy
MedFT is a subdivision of marital and family therapy that is practiced in medical and private practice
settings.