Paige Ciolino

Hello there! I'm Paige (she/her), a Licensed Professional Counselor and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider based in New Orleans, Louisiana. My lived experiences as an adult diagnosed ADHD woman have fueled my passion for providing neurodivergent affirming care, especially to populations that have been historically overlooked and misdiagnosed. I work primarily with adults experiencing executive function difficulties, social and general anxiety, stress, burnout, life transitions, low self-esteem, and relationships concerns. I help clients better understand themselves and how to advocate for their needs. If executive function differences are not understood and supported you may find it especially difficult to self-regulate your emotions, behaviors, and/or attention, and this can negatively impact all areas of your life. Do you struggle with people pleasing, perfectionism, procrastination/avoidance, or isolation? These behaviors are often coping mechanisms developed to protect yourself from internalized beliefs or emotions such as shame. They can offer temporary relief, but can ultimately be exhausting and unfulfilling. You deserve understanding and support to live a life aligned with who you really are and what really matters most to you. I can guide you in gaining insight and exploring strategies to help you feel more regulated and empowered in your daily life. If you'd like to schedule a free initial consult (15 minutes) call or schedule an intake appointment, click on request appointment above, email me at paigeciolinolpc@gmail.com., or text/call (504) 321-1233. Warmly, Paige (she/her) Licensed Professional Counselor Appointment Options: Office Appointments (Mid City, New Orleans) Walk & Talk Therapy Appointments (City Park or other local park) Video Appointments (throughout Louisiana) Payment: I am not in-network with insurance companies, but I can provide you with a Superbill to submit to your insurance company. I am a Lyra & Spring Health EAP provider. If my private pay fee poses a challenge, please feel free to reach out to explore options. Also FYI: Walk & Talk therapy involves conducting therapy sessions while walking outdoors. This approach has been found to offer several benefits for individuals with ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Here are some of the potential advantages: 1. Physical Activity and Brain Function: Walking engages the body in physical activity, which has been shown to have positive effects on brain function. Physical exercise, even in the form of a gentle walk, can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with mood regulation and attention. 2. Reduced Anxiety: Being in a natural environment and engaging in physical activity can contribute to a reduction in anxiety levels. Nature itself has been linked to lower levels of stress and anxiety, and the rhythmic aspect of walking can have a calming effect on the nervous system. 3. Improved Focus and Attention: For individuals with ADHD, walking may help to improve focus and attention. Physical activity has been shown to enhance cognitive function. 4. Enhanced Creativity: Outdoor environments can stimulate creativity and problem-solving skills. The change in scenery and exposure to nature can encourage a different perspective and lead to more creative thinking during therapy sessions. 5. Increased Comfort and Openness: Some individuals find the traditional therapy setting intimidating or uncomfortable. Walk & Talk therapy provides a more relaxed and informal environment, which can promote a sense of openness and comfort. 6. Stress Reduction: Spending time in nature and engaging in physical activity are associated with stress reduction. Walking in a natural setting can promote relaxation and a sense of well-being. 7. Social Interaction: Walk & Talk therapy can create a more dynamic and interactive therapeutic experience. The movement and outdoor setting may make individuals feel less pressured and more willing to engage in conversation, contributing to a positive therapeutic relationship. 8. Integration of Mind and Body: This approach emphasizes the connection between physical and mental well-being. It recognizes that mental health is not separate from physical health and that both aspects can be addressed simultaneously through movement and nature. What are Executive Functions (EF)? The management system of the brain that helps us get things done. We can your executive functioning in sessions together. 1. Self‐awareness: being aware of what you do as you do it (self‐monitoring) 2. Inhibition: the ability to stop what you are doing if it is not working 3. Non‐verbal Working Memory: the “mind’s eye”; non‐verbal recall of the past (hindsight), to help manage the future (foresight); look back to help us look ahead and plan what to do next; development of time management skills 4. Verbal Working Memory: the “mind’s voice”; the ability to talk to our self and guide our self through an activity; self‐instruction 5. Emotional regulation: the ability to calm & manage one’s emotions 6. Motivation Regulation: the ability to motivate one self in the absence of external reinforcers (rewards/consequences); self‐directed motivation 7. Planning & Problem Solving: ability to think of options, anticipate obstacles and identify solutions