Meet Sarah Harig! At Seven Corners Psychotherapy, every therapist brings a unique blend of experience, empathy, and insight to the work they do, and Sarah is no exception. Sarah is a Licenced Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S) and she is known for her warm, grounded presence. She has made it her mission to create spaces where children feel truly seen, celebrated, and safe. Originally from Roanoke, Virginia (home to the world’s largest free-standing, illuminated star!), Sarah has always been rooted in community and connection. Growing up as one of five and spending much of her life volunteering, she developed an innate sense of compassion early on. “I’ve always had a heart for helping others. Caring for people has always been a part of who I am.” That calling eventually led her to play therapy, a field that resonated with her belief in the power of letting people know that they are heard, including those who communicate in ways beyond words. For Sarah, walking alongside a child on their journey is more than just a professional practice…it’s a privilege! She brings this same level of care and intention to her work with children’s caregivers, helping them build a strong, trusting foundation with their children. “I became a play therapist because I believe every child deserves someone who can truly listen to their story in the way most comfortable and natural to them. Play gives us that bridge, and I knew I wanted to be part of that process” Recently, Sarah has found particular fulfillment in creating therapeutic environments where children feel safe enough to be their authentic selves, especially in a world that can often feel overwhelming. She enjoys having the opportunity to support not only the child, but the entire family system. Her work is driven by the belief that healing happens in relationships, and she offers every child and caregiver the space to grow within that connection. In a world that often asks children to be small, Sarah shows up to work each day and offers them the tools, space, and encouragement to take up space exactly as they are. Sarah serves as President of the Virginia Association for Play Therapy , where she has a focus on continued development of play therapists within the field of play therapy and advancing play therapy as a whole. Additionally, Sarah, along with SCP owner Jenn Glacel, runs the Seven Corners Psychotherapy Training and Supervision Institute, where she supports the learning and growth of other clinicians who share a passion for working therapeutically with children and young people. When she's not in the therapy room, Sarah loves spending time with her nephews, diving into a good book, cheering on UVA sports, and watching reality TV. She can also often be found on a mission to discover the best mint chocolate chip or chocolate peanut butter ice cream! Whether she’s working with a kiddo, offering guidance to caregivers, or supporting fellow therapists across Virginia, Sarah is always focused on the strength that comes from allowing others to feel seen.You can find more about Sarah, including information on how to reach out, here . Read more about the Training and Supervision Institute here .

Meet Sydney Smedley! At Seven Corners Psychotherapy, we are so glad to have Sydney Smedley as a part of the team! Sydney is a Licensed Professional Counselor who brings warmth, authenticity, and deep empathy to her work with kids, teens, and adults. Her background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She enjoys working with children, teens, and adults, working together with her clients to move towards and deepen self-awareness and healing. Sydney works from a client-centered approach, consistently creating an affirming space for clients to explore identity, emotions, and life transitions. Whether it’s through non-directive play therapy with her little ones or through reflective conversations with teens and adults, Sydney’s goal is always to meet each person with curiosity, respect, and compassion. When working with children, she uses play and art to engage in Child Centered Play Therapy and then also comes alongside the grown-ups in the child’s life to help them become the primary agent of change and build more secure attachments between them and their child. When asked why she chose this profession, Sydney says, “I have deep empathy for others and craved a line of work that would allow me to spend time building authentic relationships, provide care, support, and unconditional acceptance to others and their inner world/experiences” . Lately, Sydney has really enjoyed the continued knowledge and insight she receives from her clients, as well as her insightful conversations with other affirming providers. A fun fact about Sydney is that she used to be a college athlete and she really enjoys working with other collegiate athletes that may be struggling with anxiety, identity, sports performance, and end-of-career transitions In addition to working with clients one-on-one, Sydney really thrives at leading group work. She runs multiple groups for autistic young people, using the Neurobears model. These spaces encourage exploration of identity, self-advocacy, and peer connection within a fun, accepting environment. Check out more about Sydney here and read more about her Middle School Neurobears group here !

Meet Jenn Aguirre! She is one of the wonderful therapists on the SCP team, whose compassion and creativity shines through in each session. Jenn is a Resident in Counseling and a trained Art Therapist and is able to bring a blend of empathy, insight, and artistic expression to her work with clients. Sometimes she is working with a child through play therapy and other times she is helping a young adult find their voice through art, but no matter what, she always maintains a goal of helping people feel safe, seen, and supported. Originally from Southern California, Jenn holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Fine Arts from California State University, Northridge. Jenn made a big move across the country to pursue her Master’s in Art Therapy at George Washington University. Accompanied by her dearly loved cat, Sophie (a loyal travel partner and a constant source of comfort), Jenn settled in the Northern Virginia area to begin this next chapter of her career. When she’s not in the office, you’ll likely find her strength training at the gym, exploring local coffee shops for yummy seasonal drinks, or catching up on the latest anime series. _____________________________________________________ Hear from Jenn! Q: Why did you choose this profession? A: I had wanted to become a therapist since I was in high school. I was very much a people's person and enjoyed cultivating the sense of belonging in my communities. However, I felt that pursuing traditional talk therapy was not my style and didn't reflect all I had to offer. I was very much an artist in my childhood, and loved doing art projects more than essays. I found it to be my strength and an area I proudly achieved in, while also creating art to cope with the stressors of life. The field of art therapy was a perfect fit to what I was seeking to be my long term career. I knew how much art can be used as a tool in place of speaking, taking the pressure off of vocalizing about past traumas and present concerns. Art could also be used as a tool to emotionally regulate and ground oneself when other strategies don't do the trick. I perused this path to share and let others know that there are a variety of therapeutic options to pick from to begin, or further aid, their path to becoming a better version of themselves. Q: What have you enjoyed most about your work lately? A: I've enjoyed seeing my clients bring in a concern they are "stuck" with; where there are no other options to explore, and the path looks like it may never change. I enjoy that when they further process and explore these types of concerns, they are able to trust themselves in the process and problem solve for themselves. It's a myth that therapists tell their clients how to "fix" themselves. The most beautiful work happens when the client is accepted for who they are and begin trusting themselves to determine what is right for them. _____________________________________________________ What sets Jenn apart is her ability to meet clients exactly where they are. Whether she’s using expressive art to help a child communicate feelings they can’t yet put into words, or creating a safe and supportive space for someone walking through life transitions, Jenn brings a warmth and empathy to her work. Her clients often walk away from sessions feeling heard and empowered. Jenn has three groups coming up for Fall 2025, called Art Therapy: Expressing Neurodivergence . These groups are separated by age group for preteens, teens, and young adults. It is her goal to provide a space where group members can share their neurodivergent narrative and be heard and seen. She also has afternoon availability and limited morning availability for new clients. You can read more about Jenn and find out how to get in contact here .

Ah, back to school season. That magical time of year when the Target aisles are overflowing with pencil cases, your kid suddenly outgrows their shoes overnight, and you're caught somewhere between relief and full-blown panic. Whether your child is skipping toward the school doors or clinging to your leg like a koala, this transition can stir up a lot (for them and for you). Let’s talk about how to soften the shift, hold space for all the feelings, and ease into this school year with more confidence and connection. 1. Start the Conversation Begin talking about school before it starts. Even if your child has done this before, it helps to name what will be new (teacher, classroom, routines, classmates, etc). This gives their brains time to warm up to the idea (kind of like when you need to emotionally prepare for Monday meetings starting Sunday afternoon). When kids know what to expect, it reduces their anxiety. 2. Make Space for All the Feels Your child may be excited, nervous, or both. All feelings are valid. Instead of trying to fix or distract from the discomfort, listen with curiosity and compassion. If your child isn’t pouring their heart out, that’s okay too. Sometimes the best way to talk about feelings with your child is by modeling how to yourself. For example: “I’m a little nervous about how fast the mornings go. but I’m excited to see what kind of cool things you’ll learn this year.” By being open yourself, you’re showing them it’s safe to have mixed emotions and that talking about feelings with a safe person is the best way to process them. 3. Let Their Fears Be Heard Your child might need to have their fears heard. If your child says something like “What if no one talks to me?” or “What if my teacher is mean,” try not to rush into fixing it. Validate before you do any reframing. For example, “You’re really worried about what might happen” or “That would really hurt your feelings.” Once your child feels heard then they’re in the headspace to go into problem solving mode. Support them in coming up with solutions and trusting their ability to cope. You’re helping them build resilience, not by promising it’ll never be hard, but by showing they can handle the hard with support and that their feelings are normal and valid. 4. Regulate Yourself First (and then together) Transitions can bring up stress for all of us. If your child is struggling, check in with yourself too. Are you feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Your kids feel everything you are holding. If your own anxiety is on the rise (understandable when your to do list includes buying all.the.supplies. and mentally preparing for never ending homework and lunch packing), it’s worth tending to your nervous system too. Whether that’s a five minute walk after dinner, a dance break in the kitchen, or texting your parent group chat, it matters. Modeling taking care of your own feelings can help your child feel safer and see ways they can take care of their own. 5. Keep the Vibe Hopeful (but also realistic) You don’t need to pretend everything will be rainbows and unicorns, but you can gently guide your child’s focus toward what feels enjoyable or familiar. Is there a favorite friend they might see? A subject they love? A playground space they will run to first at recess? Look for the small things that help build excitement. You’re not trying to paint a perfect picture but you are reminding them that even through their anxiety, there are also things to look forward to. 6. Start Resetting Routines Early and Slowly Start shifting bedtime, meal routines, and screen time gradually. Practice morning routines so the first day doesn’t feel so overwhelming (the change of going back to school is shock enough). Think about after school time too; a snack and 10 minutes of connected time with a special adult can go a long way in helping kids decompress after school. 7. Remember This Is a Big Deal for You Too You’ve spent the summer doing the mental gymnastics of camp drop-off, snack negotiations, and fielding SO MANY QUESTIONS. Whether you’re grieving the quiet or counting down the days until it returns, both are valid. Transitions don’t just impact kids. They stir things up for adults too. Give yourself some grace. You’re doing better than you think. Deep breaths, snacks for everyone, and a reminder that back to school doesn’t have to be perfect to be good. -- If this season feels heavier than expected…maybe your child is especially anxious or the family energy is just off, know that support is out there. Sometimes working with a therapist is exactly what is needed. At Seven Corners Psychotherapy, we’re here to support you and your family through transitions big and small. We support children and parents in navigating life’s changes with more ease, connection, and confidence. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you find yourself needing that extra support.

We have some exciting news!

A marathon; a mountain summit; a long distance hike: some things are just…hard. Not because something is wrong. Not because someone is broken. But because some goals are hard. And reaching them can take everything you’ve got. If we’ve done nothing else in the past few posts, we hope to have illustrated how complex Masking can be. Chronic masking – especially when it’s unconscious – is a recipe for burnout, nervous system overload, and a very painful loss of self. We also talked about times when neurodivergent people might choose to ignore or delay unmasking because the unmasking would be too painful for themselves or others. But. There’s one more aspect of masking that also deserves its own moment in the spotlight. Because sometimes masking is a conscious, goal-oriented strategy. A tool. A choice. A means to an end. And sometimes that end is one worth pushing for. When someone decides they want to run a marathon, nobody expects that process to be easy. We assume they’ll have to give things up. We assume they’ll be tired, sore, grumpy, laser-focused. We assume that friends will stop hearing from them as often. That they might cry. Or get injured. Or question the whole thing. And we still cheer them on. We recognize the difficulty of the effort, and we call it noble. We celebrate the moment when they cross the finish line, even if they crawl. We honor their decision to run the marathon (even when we would never in a million years run a marathon!). What we don’t usually do is shame them for trying to run the marathon, berate them when they injure themselves, or tell them that running a marathon is too hard of a goal and they should give it up. Now, imagine that same marathon is a neurodivergent person working toward a neurotypical benchmark: an advanced diploma, a prestigious college, a high-demand job. There’s daily training (in the form of masking, pushing past sensory limits, scripting social interactions). There’s fatigue. Sacrifice. Strain. And afterward? A need for deep recovery. This person isn’t “faking it.” They’ve made a strategic decision to do something hard—even painful—because it matters to them. And just like the marathoner, they know the toll. They also know the finish line. Yes, there may be harm along the way. Performing in a world that is not designed for neurodivergent folks is a challenge. But that doesn’t make the pursuit illegitimate. To think that a neurodivergent person shouldn’t do hard things or shouldn’t be allowed to do hard things (because their life is ‘hard enough’) is insulting at best and ableist at worst. Masking in pursuit of a neurotypical goal may cause the person harm. But that’s part of being humans who strive to do hard things. Effort is what makes a goal real. And worth cheering for. We’ve worked with teens who chose to stay in demanding schools even after realizing how profoundly their environments were affecting their nervous systems. Not because they were in denial, but because they had a goal—and that goal was clear, meaningful, finite and theirs to choose. We’ve worked with parents who saw their kids’ anxiety spiking but also saw the fire in their eyes when they talked about getting into a specific college. And they chose to support them through the hard with eyes open, rather than trying to pull them off the course mid-race. This doesn’t mean we ignore signs of distress. It doesn’t mean we pretend that masking isn’t painful. It means we respect the agency of people who choose to do hard things, even if those things aren’t sustainable forever, and even if we don’t agree with their choices. Because here’s the key: sustainability isn’t always the point. Sometimes the point is to accomplish the thing. And then rest. Just like (most) marathoners don't go for another 26.2 miles the next morning, neurodivergent folks who push hard for a goal may need serious downtime afterward. And that’s not a sign of failure. That’s the natural rhythm of effort, endurance, and recovery. 🌱 Two things to try at home: * Name the goal—and the finish line. If your child (or you!) is pushing hard right now, talk about why and when it will be over. Knowing that there's an endpoint can make the pain feel more purposeful. * Plan for the recovery. Build in rest before you think it’s needed. Talk openly about burnout. Normalize the idea that doing hard things means you’ll be tired—and that nothing about that is shameful or weak. A quick word about burnout. It is a real possibility for neurodivergent folks who are working hard to accomplish their goals in systems that aren't made for them. And, whether someone goes into burnout is their own business. Sometimes burnout is a consequence of achieving a goal. And it’s up to the person whose life it is to decide whether burnout is “worth it” or not. ✨ If you're trying to figure out whether your child (or you!) are in a season of “worthwhile hard” or “unsustainable hard,” let’s talk. That’s exactly the kind of thing we can work through in a 1:1 coaching or therapy session. Not all pain is a red flag. Sometimes it's just part of the climb. This blog post was co-written by: Gabriele Nicolet, MA, CCC-SLP Jennifer Glacel, LCSW, RPT-S gabrielenicolet.com sevencornerspsychotherapy.com

Check out the third post in the masking series co-written by Jennifer Glacel and Gabriele Nicolet at https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/blog/unmasking-can-wait-postponing-self-awareness. In it, Jennifer and Gabriele discuss the implications of unmasking and why it is often better to pause in one's self-awareness journey.

Check out the first of four blog posts on neurodivergence and masking at https://www.gabrielenicolet.com/blog/hidden-cost-of-masking . Next week we'll share part two on the SCP blog! More about Gabriele.... Gabriele Nicolet, MA, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist, parent coach, podcast host, and founder of Complicated Kids—a practice devoted to helping families thrive by supporting the growth of neurodivergent children and the people who love them. For over two decades, Gabriele has walked alongside parents who are navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of raising children with developmental differences, including autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, and speech and language delays. Her work combines evidence-based developmental expertise with deep compassion, meeting families exactly where they are and helping them move forward with clarity and confidence. Known as “The Toddler Whisperer” by many of the families she serves, Gabriele has a rare gift for decoding children’s behavior and translating it into actionable insights for caregivers. Her approach is grounded in neuroscience and child development, but it’s also warm, real, and practical. She believes that when parents feel supported—not judged—they become the calm, confident leaders their children need. Through one-on-one consultations, group coaching, online workshops and her podcast, Gabriele empowers parents to shift from frustration and self-doubt to connection and hope. She helps caregivers reframe “problem behaviors” as developmental signals and equips them with tools to create more ease, understanding, and joy at home. Gabriele is also the host of the Complicated Kids Podcast and a frequent speaker at parenting events, conferences, and schools. Whether in a classroom, a living room, or a Zoom room, her message is consistent: your child is not broken—and neither are you. Together, you can do this. When she’s not working with families, Gabriele enjoys long walks, good books, and strong coffee. She lives in Washington, D.C., and is the proud parent of two mostly-grown children from whom she continues to learn life’s most important lessons.