Articles & Personal Reflections
Dr. Christine Henry, Licensed Psychologist
Welcome to the Therapy For Pet People Blog
I write about the things that come up in my work as a psychologist, along with experiences from my own life. Sometimes that's discovering you're ADHD or autistic in your forties, figuring out boundaries with family members, or dealing with grief that other people don't quite understand.
And, of course, there's plenty about pets. This is Therapy For Pet People, after all.
After more than 20 years as a psychologist, I've learned that there usually isn't one right answer to the things people bring into therapy. A lot of what I write comes from those conversations, questions I've explored with clients, and things I've spent time thinking about myself.
I hope these articles give you something useful to think about as you figure out what works for you.
Adult ADHD, Autism & Late Diagnosed Neurodivergence
Discovering Your Neurodivergence
Whether you're just starting to wonder if you're ADHD, autistic, or both, or you've recently figured it out, these articles explore the questions, second-guessing, and changes that can come with discovering your neurodivergence as an adult.
The Early Stages of Discovering You're ADHD or Autistic: Embracing Neurodivergence in Adulthood
Should I Tell People I'm Autistic? Navigating Disclosure as an Adult
Neurodivergence, Trauma, and Identity
Discovering you're neurodivergent can change how you understand your childhood, relationships, and past experiences. These articles explore how trauma and neurodivergence can overlap, including situations where it isn't always easy to figure out what's what.
Neurodivergent Needs and Everyday Life
Figuring out you're neurodivergent is one thing. Understanding what you need and how to make life work better for you can be another. These articles explore accommodations, burnout, and navigating everyday expectations without constantly pushing yourself past your limits.
Family Boundaries & Estrangement
Family relationships can be complicated, especially when setting boundaries, distancing yourself, or cutting contact brings up guilt and pressure from others. These articles explore navigating difficult family relationships, making decisions about contact, and dealing with holidays and family events when things aren't exactly warm and fuzzy.
Pet Loss, Grief & Our Relationships with Animals
Our pets are family, and the relationships we have with them can affect us in so many ways. These articles explore the comfort and companionship animals bring to our lives, along with the difficult decisions, anticipatory grief, and heartbreak that can come with caring for them as they age or become ill.
Want to know more about the therapist behind the articles? Read more about Dr Christine Henry.