Cultivating Changes, LLC

12/24/2025

Even when we sleep, our 🧠 is still working.

In a recent study, researchers located that during sleep, our 🧠is working differently than when we are awake. Ex: focusing on crucial tasks like memory consolidation (sorting the day's info), learning, repairing itself by clearing toxins, processing sensory input (even if you don't consciously notice it), and preparing for the next day, using distinct activity patterns and energy shifts depending on the sleep stage.

Here are some of the key functions of our 🧠 during sleep:
•Memory & Learning: It replays, bundles, and strengthens memories, deciding what to keep and what to discard, making new learning more efficient.
•🧠 Detox: The brain's "cleaning crew" (glymphatic system) becomes more active, flushing out metabolic waste and toxins that build up during the day, like beta-amyloid, which is linked to Alzheimer's.
•Sensory Processing: Parts of your auditory cortex remain active, processing sounds like music or voices, which is why you might hear things but not fully wake up.
•Emotional Regulation: It processes emotions and integrates experiences, helping you cope with the day's events.
•Physical Restoration: It organizes activity through sleep waves, essentially "rebooting" and maintaining itself.

Here are how activity changes:
•NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep: Areas for thinking quiet down, while sensory/movement parts stay active, processing input.
•REM Sleep: Characterized by vivid dreams and high brain activity, similar to wakefulness in some ways, crucial for emotional processing.
•Tiny Sleep Cycles: Even while awake, small brain regions cycle in and out of sleep, suggesting constant fine-tuning.

Overall, sleep isn't downtime; it's a vital, different kind of work that keeps your brain healthy and functioning optimally.

If you are struggling with your sleep, give us a call.

12/16/2025

11/11/2025

Burnout isn’t laziness.
It isn’t a bad attitude.
It isn’t you “not trying hard enough.”
Burnout isn’t fixed by a weekend nap or a random self-care day.
It isn’t something you can positive-think your way out of.
And it definitely isn’t a sign that you’re weak.
Burnout is your nervous system saying, “I’ve been carrying too much, for too long.”
If you or your child are running on empty, snapping quicker, losing motivation, or feeling disconnected from things that used to feel easy, it might be burnout talking. And that’s something you don’t have to face alone.
Support helps. Regulation helps. A safe place to unload helps.
When you’re ready, we're here.

10/22/2025

🌡️ Have you noticed sudden changes in your child after a strep infection?

Sometimes after something as simple as strep throat, parents see their child become anxious, emotional, or start showing new behaviors like tics, obsessive thoughts, or sudden mood swings. This can be a sign of PANDAS or PANS — when the immune system, while fighting infection, accidentally affects the part of the brain that controls emotions and behavior. Parents can spend thousands of dollars to get the wrong diagnosis with no relief.

At Cultivating Changes, we understand how frightening and confusing this can feel. Our therapists help families navigate these challenges through compassionate support, play therapy, and mind–body approaches that calm the nervous system and promote healing.

💛 You’re not alone — help and hope are available.

10/20/2025

The statistics speak for themselves—our children are struggling. Stay connected, stay involved, and know that help is available. If you or your child need support, Cultivating Changes is here for you.

08/20/2025

The belief that your feelings are unimportant is simply false.

They live within you to guide you through life.

When you believe that your emotions work against you, that they’re meaningless, useless, or burdensome, you are put in a vulnerable situation.

Your interests are dimmed, your decisions and opportunities are unclear, and your relationships are unfulfilled.

If you are struggling with childhood emotional neglect, we are here to help.

*Based off the work of Dr. Jonice Webb, PHD.

08/06/2025

We at cultivating changes love being social workers; always seeing the good in everyone.

07/23/2025

“I don’t know what else to do.”

We hear this from parents all the time — not because you’re failing, but because you’re exhausted from trying everything.

If your child is struggling with big feelings, ADHD, trauma, or acting out (lying, stealing, aggression), play therapy offers a path forward — without shame or fear.

You’re not alone, and help is available.

We specialize in supporting children and parents with care, patience, and expertise.

Message us to learn more or book a free consultation.

08/05/2024

Our new website is live! Check it out! Www.cultivatingchanges.net

07/12/2024

Congratulations to our own Stephanie Rodriguez for completing the Somatic EMDR training!! This is a huge accomplishment and we are excited to see how she will be able to support her clients in incredible ways with these tools.

12/15/2022

Suicidal Ideations are common in people who experience traumatic events, childhood trauma, and attachment trauma. They are common and real but they do not have to be a death sentence. Reach out for help if you experiencing them. If you have a loved one you suspect might be suicidal, ASK THEM directly if they are considering su***de. It will not put the idea in their head but it could save their life. If they say yes, persuade them to get help, and refer them to a mental health professional! We are here to help! Remembering QPR could save a life!

We're saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Stephen 'tWitch' Boss. If you're struggling, please know you are never alone. Reach out. Call or text the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline for help and support. We're here for you, 24/7/365.

09/19/2022

Knowing the signs, and asking someone if they are suicidal could save a life. Connecting a suicidal person to resources is the vital next step.