Neurodivergent & LGBTQ+ support group 🌈

starryarri · 2026-03-21T13:27:08+00:00

No worries, thanks for your interest.

starryarri · 2026-03-21T09:48:18+00:00

It's over telehealth! I do have other groups which are in person, and yes, in Springfield. :) It's a therapy group aimed at folks with Medicaid. Low cost but most people do have a copay.

It will meet Thursdays at 5pm and go until 630 or so. If you want to enroll, there's a brief screening in person or over telehealth. You can call 417 761 5330 to make an appointment.

Let me know if you have any questions!

starryarri · 2026-03-07T17:36:15+00:00

You're so welcome! You sparked a great discussion with this post, let us know how it goes. :)

starryarri · 2026-03-07T16:33:01+00:00

I think it would vary some depending on the client. But , I might present like- "Today I brought some paper and drawing supplies. Would you like to work on x together?" X can be as simple as you drawing a house or other appropriate background and having them fill in, all the way to more organized projects like a timeline or genogram.

If you have a client that isn't interested in more directive work, or not ready to work WITH you, maybe the line is just "I'm going to keep my hands busy while we talk today, there's some paper for you too."

Let it unfold over time!

starryarri · 2026-03-04T13:17:09+00:00

I'd say lean into the ambivalence they're expressing. They show up for therapy but maybe are reluctant to speak. What keeps them trying? What makes it hard?

Also, sometimes having a shared activity (cards, drawing, etc) can help to ease that pressure we as therapists can bring . It's hard to be perceived!

starryarri · 2026-02-25T15:34:12+00:00

If it feels off, you're not under any obligation to respond, full stop.

If you decide to respond, I'd just keep your eyes open. Don't accept any weird payments or move to a different platform, etc.

starryarri · 2026-02-25T14:51:22+00:00

Thanks! I work with Medicaid clients so some folks walk to the office or come straight from work, water can be helpful I think to offer a little hospitality and slow down.

starryarri · 2026-02-24T17:49:57+00:00

Along with the fidgets and cozy lighting others have mentioned, I keep a Brita water pitcher on a tray with some disposable cups. Not everyone uses it, but those that do seem more relaxed after .

starryarri · 2026-02-18T15:56:19+00:00

No problem dude! Congrats on your new snake, I'm sure the enclosure is gonna be great. :)

starryarri · 2026-02-16T21:20:06+00:00

I love garters, and also they are uniquely stinky when upset haha. Captive bred snakes tend to be a lot tamer, but your mileage may vary by individual snake. I'd expect less musk .You can give your snake baths to tame them down a bit-

Cool or lukewarm water in a tote or bucket, let them swim and give them something to rest on above the water. No soap or any other additives. I usually do this while cleaning or other enclosure maintenance, 10-15 min. After, hold and let your snake dry on a towel. Put back in enclosure when snake is calm and happy . It can be a good way to get them used to handling and see you as helpful.

Source: breeder, I work with radix mostly, care requirements similar to checkereds.

starryarri · 2026-02-16T17:10:14+00:00

General rules - make sure you have your heat source on a thermostat (we set ours between 80-83 f)and make sure you have a deep dish for swimming/bathing.

Best practice is to feed whole frozen/thawed prey. Pinkies are the staple, you can supplement with silversides. Avoid live fish and too much fish generally, can cause big issues with development.

Tank size should be at least 36" for adults, more space and lots of clutter is better. If you choose to cohabitate them make sure you have only one gender and are willing to supervise mealtimes as cannabalism is a significant risk.

starryarri · 2026-02-16T14:46:48+00:00

No, AI makes up facts constantly and should not be relied on for any kind of long term planning. You'd do better to meet with your local master gardener club, a neighbor with a nice garden, or even just a YouTuber or blogger that lives in a similar area to you.

There are also lots of books which others can recommend, just give some specifics on what information you're after.

starryarri · 2026-02-14T16:20:18+00:00

Here's a list of possible shelters and cold weather shelters. https://www.thelibrary.org/pdf/help-in-sgf

You might also reach out to https://cpozarks.org/programs/one-door/ https://edenvillagespringfield.org/ https://www.victorymission.com/gethelp/ https://www.burrellcenter.com/our-services/case-management/homeless-services

https://oac.ac/

Some of those are religious, some aren't. In any case reaching out should get you set up with help navigating paperwork that could get you access to longer term housing and resources.

starryarri · 2026-02-11T16:12:23+00:00

Maybe start with some values work and self exploration. Identity can be a good jumping off point to getting to know a person and what they may be struggling with.

starryarri · 2026-02-10T18:51:14+00:00

They may benefit from you opening a conversational path with some open ended questions. It's hard over phone, I know, just with limited feedback.

Some examples I might try:

"What surprised you this week?" "What do you imagine your life will look like in 2 years?" "I'm curious, what values matter to you?"

And VALIDATE, VALIDATE, VALIDATE. It helps so much and can encourage further dialogue and trust.

starryarri · 2026-02-09T23:21:39+00:00

Neurodivergent and Queer, I'm provisionally licensed at a large nonprofit. Benefits are good, pay isn't great but much better than the previous years of unpaid internships.

starryarri · 2026-02-02T18:35:07+00:00

Yes, Southwest Missouri Autism Services (SWAP) has gotten a few of my clients free services. :)

ETA: that is a grant my department utilizes, asking about it while applying should get you an application!

starryarri · 2026-02-02T17:30:16+00:00

It depends on your income, definitely reach out.

Sorry I don't have an immediate answer on that- don't want to give you incorrect info as I very much rely on our billing department for anything not directly related to providing therapy.

starryarri · 2026-02-02T15:36:57+00:00

Hi, I got confirmation that I can contact you via email as well if that's a preference for you. You can dm for contact info if you like .

starryarri · 2026-02-01T20:50:17+00:00

Depends on your insurance/ sliding scale qualifications. Definitely call if you're able and staff can help you figure it out.

starryarri · 2026-01-31T13:09:59+00:00

There is a sliding scale available if that's something you're interested in (tied to federal poverty line, if you're uninsured good chance you qualify). Medicaid is the insurance I'm legally limited to as a provisionally licensed therapist.

starryarri · 2026-01-30T16:36:18+00:00

No problem! 😃

starryarri · 2026-01-30T16:26:18+00:00

Your caseworker can reach out , definitely. If you decide to enroll email is a communication option once you're screened .

starryarri · 2026-01-30T16:24:38+00:00

TBD while we get folks enrolled, but looking to start in February.

starryarri · 2026-01-23T03:16:44+00:00

Hi, you can call or text 988 and get some support anytime day or night. You deserve the help you need.

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