Your Mindful Brain ~ Lesli Johnson, MFT

A client shared this article with me and it's so resonant with what I am hearing day to day. I'd love to hear your thoughts. "We still live in a world that normalizes physical health challenges but stigmatizes mental health challenges. As we head into a new post-pandemic reality, it’s time to rethink our understanding of mental health and well-being. Not depressed doesn’t mean you’re not struggling. Not burned out doesn’t mean you’re fired up."

Tomorrow is the last day to get the Early Bird discount on my adoptee healing course that begins April 12th. Hope to see you there! #adoption #adoptioncommunity... #adopteevoices #adoptee #healingtrauma #AdopteeCommunity #BetterTogether #selfcompassion #mindfulness #neuroplasticity #community #findyourtribe #askadoption #yourmindfulbrain See more

Please read and really sit with this message. We have to listen and elevate the voices of those who have the lived experience. The past few days I've heard stories of racism and violence from many of my Asian American clients who are fearful and suffering deep, deep pain. We MUST do better. Thank you Christina. Diary of a Not-So-Angry Asian Adoptee We stand with you and the AAPI Community.

If you’re an adult adoptee looking to connect and heal with others in a safe space, please join us April 12th. Early bird registration is open so grab your spot...! Learn more at leslijohnson.mn.co Link in bio. . . . #adoptees #adopteesspeak #adopteecommunity #adopteevoices #adoption #adoptioncommunity #healingtrauma #emdr #mindfulness #selfcompassion #brainspotting #neuroplasticity

Take a look to see what's happening this month! #adoption #adoptioncommunity #askadoption #adopteevoices

RIP RBG! Get out and vote to honor this amazing human.

Registration is open! https://leslijohnson.mn.co/

To all of my therapist friends and colleagues...I see you. "We are practicing mindfulness, journaling, exercising, and trying to cope, just as our patients are. We also are failing at it, just as they are, and those days can feel frustrating. We know we are there to be a model of self-regulation and emotional wellness. Yet, even with these challenges, somehow we still show up and are present, because that is our job."

To all of my therapist friends and colleagues...I see you. "We are practicing mindfulness, journaling, exercising, and trying to cope, just as our patients are. We also are failing at it, just as they are, and those days can feel frustrating. We know we are there to be a model of self-regulation and emotional wellness. Yet, even with these challenges, somehow we still show up and are present, because that is our job."

I can't wait for September 28th! Creating a healing community for adults who were adopted has been something I have wanted to do for so long. I'm combining community with useful tools to help rewire your brain for resilience and joy. Let's do this together! If you want to be one of the first to register for this 6-week virtual course (and get a discount) go to www.askadoption.com See you soon!... #adoptioncommunity #AdopteeCommunity #adopteevoices #adoption #healingtrauma #neuroplasticity #letsdothistogether

September groups and NEW 6-week virtual course for adults who were adopted begins September 28th. I look forward to connecting with you! #adoption #healingtrauma #adopteevoices #adoptioncommunity #askadoption #connection #AdopteeCommunity #adoptee

"Acknowledging the grief we are all feeling right now is important, and that goes for our kids as well. They have lost their routines, their friends, their summer plans. They are growing up in an age of uncertainty. They are watching their households go through an enormous transition. Validating these losses will help them move through them." An excellent article written by my friend and colleague Claire Bidwell Smith. Thanks Claire!

"The legacy of this trauma for the relinquished child is a conflict between wanting to connect and fearing connection. This is often experienced as a hyper vigilance that has an enormous impact on relationships and functioning which can disrupt the ability to be present, with feelings that one is both too much and not enough. Paul Sunderland describes separation trauma and adoption related issues so very well. We adoptees have to work hard to develop an authentic self and heal from what has happened. It's difficult work however because of the miracle of neuroplasticity we know our brains can change throughout our lifespan. We can heal from developmental trauma. We can rewire our brains for resilience and joy. #adoption #adoptiontrauma #healingtrauma #adopteevoices #EMDR #Brainspotting #developmentaltrauma #ptsd #neuroplasticity.

Emily Arrow connects with kids in a most wonderful way! #mindfulness and #music are two of them! So proud of my friend!

"Society needs a cultural shift to understand that just because therapists aren’t in hazmat suits in a hospital or exposing themselves to a cashier at the grocery story, that doesn’t make them any less essential in this pandemic."- Lori Gottlieb

Join us tomorrow for our virtual Teen AdoptCONNECT group. This group has truly been a silver lining during these unprecedented times. We meet each Thursday 2-3p...m PST. It's not too late to join us! Contact me or Angela for more information. [email protected] or [email protected] #adoption #teens #adopteevoices #adoptionsupport #adoptionhealing #askadoption #yourmindfulbrain See more

I stand in solidarity with the Black Community. I am horrified and heartbroken at the continuous murders of Black people by police officers. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor are just a recent few of many who were killed by those who are supposed to protect and serve. I wholeheartedly support the ongoing demonstrations both in my city, the state of California, our country and worldwide. I stand firmly against police brutality, racism and injustice in all forms. The... artist Banksy says it succinctly: At first I thought I should just shut up and listen to black people about this issue. But why would I do that? It’s not their problem. It’s mine. People of colour are being failed by the system. The white system. Like a broken pipe flooding the apartment of the people living downstairs. This faulty system is making their life a misery, but it’s not their job to fix it. They can’t no-one will let them in the apartment upstairs. This is a white problem, and if white people don’t fix it, someone will have to come upstairs and kick the door in." I know I have personal work to do. I am committed to doing it. I am educating myself, I am reading and I am listening. These are two important organizations that I currently support Check them out and consider making a donation. The Loveland Foundation "Black women and girls deserve access to healing, and that healing will impact generations. Loveland Therapy Fund provides financial assistance to Black women and girls nationally seeking therapy." CampaignZERO "We can live in a world where the police don't kill people by limiting police interventions, improving community interactions, and ensuring accountability." I will continue to do my work. I encourage you to please do something now. This is the time. We have a chance. We absolutely must do better.

Parents, please use this opportunity to talk with your children and let the conversations be ongoing...