Cecily Rodgers Counseling, PLLC

03/30/2026

As ‘political depression’ enters public discourse, therapists are encouraging people to engage with their communities

03/26/2026

Source: James Clear 3-2-1 email newletter

ASSUME THE BEST IN OTHERS

Business executive and former CEO of Pepsi, Indra Nooyi, reminds us to assume the best in others:

"Whatever anybody says or does, assume positive intent. You will be amazed at how your whole approach to a person or problem becomes very different.

When you assume negative intent, you're angry. If you take away that anger and assume positive intent, you will be amazed. Your emotional quotient goes up because you are no longer almost random in your response. You don't get defensive. You don’t scream. You are trying to understand and listen because at your basic core you are saying, "Maybe they are saying something to me that I'm not hearing." So assume positive intent has been a huge piece of advice for me.

In business, sometimes in the heat of the moment, people say things. You can either misconstrue what they’re saying and assume they are trying to put you down, or you can say, "Wait a minute. Let me really get behind what they are saying to understand whether they’re reacting because they’re hurt, upset, confused, or they don’t understand what it is I’ve asked them to do."

If you react from a negative perspective – because you didn’t like the way they reacted – then it just becomes two negatives fighting each other. But when you assume positive intent, I think often what happens is the other person says, "Hey, wait a minute, maybe I’m wrong in reacting the way I do because this person is really making an effort."

Source: Interview with Fortune Magazine (2008)

03/23/2026

Autistic individuals might often find themselves stuck in negative thought loops that are difficult to break out of, also known as rumination.

03/17/2026

Discover how clutter intensifies sensory overload, fatigue, and anxiety for autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD individuals. Learn neurodivergent-friendly decluttering tips to create a calm, supportive environment that nurtures focus and wellbeing.

02/18/2026

89 to 97 per cent of autistic adults aged 40+ years are undiagnosed in the UK, according to the largest review of its kind. The review indicated that middle-aged and older autistic adults are facing higher rates of mental and physical health conditions than non-autistic adults of the same age, along...

01/28/2026

The death of Alex Pretti has brought deep grief. His loss is mourned, not only for the life that was taken, but for the profound sense of vulnerability and fear that continues to be perpetuated.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is deeply disturbed and saddened to learn of the death of Alex Pretti, a registered nurse, in Minneapolis earlier today. We extend our condolences to Alex’s loved ones, colleagues, and the community at large.

01/28/2026

With 72% of autistics experiencing suicidal ideation, up to 47% who made su***de attempts, and 0.31% die by su***de (compared to 0.04% in the general public), suicidality is a major concern in autism.

01/14/2026

New website is finally up and running. Please take a look.

Affirming online therapy for late diagnosed autistic adults in Texas. Support for burnout, sensory overwhelm, unmasking, and nervous system regulation.

12/15/2025

Many Autistic people experience chronic fatigue and pain. In this article, Sara Meyer reviews current research and offers some practical strategies.There is growing interest in the relationship between autism and various conditions that cause chronic fatigue and generalised pain. These include fibro...

12/04/2025

Autistic and non-autistic people see the social world differently. But openness and empathy can foster a valuable bond

12/04/2025

Autistic anxiety and neurotypical anxiety aren’t the same. Learn how they differ in origin, experience, and expression—and why this distinction matters for support and self-understanding.

12/02/2025

Writing offers a unique way to name your pain and create distance from it. By engaging the brain’s memory and decision-making centers, this simple daily practice helps shift your mindset from overwhelm to grounded clarity.