NEURODIVERGENT THERAPIES

A. Rae Pittman, Owner and Therapist

Neurodivergent Therapies opened its doors in April of 2022 with one question: What if life could feel easier? The traumas, symptoms and obstacles that many people struggle with in daily life can take a long time to address with traditional talk therapy. While medication is a supportive option for many, it is not a one-sizefits-all solution and can be inaccessible due to costs and side effects. That’s why Neurodivergent Therapies utilizes neurofeedback training to help clients heal from old injuries and prevent future difficulties without the need for medication.

Neurofeedback gently trains the brain to use different neural networks and pathways in order to better navigate life. With the help of software that tracks brainwave activity, clients can learn to handle mental and emotional dysregulation more effectively. Each protocol targets a specific symptom or set of symptoms; therapist and client can then discuss changes, progress and goals for their individualized treatment plan thanks to the data collected during each 30-minute session.

Owner and licensed professional counselor Rae Pittman explains the technique with a metaphor: a client’s coping skills, mental and emotional regulation are a reservoir being held back by a dam of trauma or unhealthy thought patterns. Stifled this way, those skills are unable to flow freely during stressful and overwhelming moments. Other approaches work away at the blockage slowly, while neurofeedback brings the dynamite, allowing the client’s cognitive understanding to be implemented with full force.

Pittman, alongside Neurodivergent Therapies’ other provider, Jackson Lake, is giving clients hope when it comes to tackling their longstanding struggles. Being able to see and understand changes in brain activity gives clients the language to effectively communicate their internal experiences to family members, friends and other medical providers. This innovative technique, rooted in objective science, opens new and holistic pathways to healing.

“After a first session, I want our clients to feel informed, heard and understood,” Pittman says. “Then, when we reach the point of successful discharge, the client should feel confident and capable. We work towards insightful self-knowledge, effective self-support and realistic rhythms they can maintain after treatment concludes.”

According to Pittman, people are surprised to learn how quickly neurofeedback can work, as well as the range of issues it can be used to treat. Many of her clients notice a difference in their symptoms within three sessions. With the supervision of a functional medicine provider, Pittman and Lake work with clients on everything from ADHD and anxiety to migraines and sleep irregularity.

Neurodivergent Therapies is also unique in that it works with many major insurance networks and provides an option for remote, in-home neurofeedback sessions. Additionally, Pittman and Lake offer combined neurofeedback and talk therapy in 50-minute appointments. This is a great option for clients with hesitations, as it gives them more time to talk through the process.

“The key to success in our first year has been the clients’ willingness to try something new,” Pittman says. “Neurofeedback is a new option for almost everyone, and I’m tremendously grateful for the trust each person places in us.”

Ironically, Pittman considers it her main job to work herself out of a job. Preparing clients to handle whatever life brings them – on their own – is a bittersweet but rewarding experience. There’s no substitute for the real, lasting change clients experience with Neurodivergent Therapies.

We want to give you, our readers, the opportunity to make this Valentine's Day a memorable one. That’s why we’ve brought back our annual Valentine’s Day Giveaway to help you spice up your special day.

KEMURI —

Value: $150 (gift card)

Locations at Chenal and Hillcrest Little Rock, AR 72205

(501) 821-7272 (Chenal); (501) 660-4100 (Hillcrest) kemurirestaurant.com

If you’re looking for date-night dinner plans – or maybe just looking to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day – a gift card to Kemuri is exactly what you need. This sushi-lover’s paradise is Little Rock’s first Japanese fusion robata grill, offering premium seafood, fresh ingredients and signature sushi and sashimi.

3day

Fort Thompson Sporting Goods

Value: $150 (gift card)

5802 Warden Road

Sherwood, AR 72120

(501) 835-3006 ftthompson.com

WILKERSON

Value: $999

Jewelers

222 South Main Street Stuttgart, AR 72160 (800) 631-1999 wilkersonjewelers.com

DR. SUZANNE YEE —

Value: $470

1 day day

12600 Cantrell Rd, Ste 100 Little Rock, AR 72223 (501) 214-0661 drsuzanneyee.com

We’ve all seen the way people seem to glow when they’re in love. Thankfully, you don’t have to rely on romance to get that radiant look with this selection of SkinMedica products from the office of Dr. Suzanne Yee. The HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator and Essential Defense Mineral Shield sunscreen work to soften and protect your skin. Complete the look with a Vitalize Chemical Peel at Dr. Yee’s office to address unevenness and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 5day

Dreaming of diamonds this Valentine’s Day? The experts at Wilkerson Jewelers have got you covered with this stunning pair of .50ctw diamond stud earrings. And, when you’re ready for a different kind of romantic bling, Wilkerson has a large selection of engagement rings to help you find the perfect one.

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Maybe your other half is less into fine wine and more into duck blinds. That won’t be a problem with this gift card from Fort Thompson Sporting Goods, whether you want to pick out the perfect piece of camping gear or send them on a shopping spree. From Patagonia to Browning, from Echo Duck Calls to Muck boots, there’s something for every hunter, camper and Natural State explorer to enjoy.

4day

TIPTON & HURST —

Value: $125

Locations in Little Rock, Conway, North Little Rock and Pine Bluff (501) 666-3333 tiptonhurst.com

Tipton & Hurst is a no-brainer when it comes to finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts. This “Roses, Romance & Chocolates” gift bundle is no exception, with one dozen long-stem roses, a plush bear and a box of chocolates. Since Tipton & Hurst has taken care of the classics, all that’s left for you to worry about is your dinner reservation.

Saracen Casino Resort

Value: $600 (gift card)

1 Saracen Resort Dr. Pine Bluff, AR 71601 (870) 686-9001 saracenresort.com day

Located at Pine Bluff’s Saracen Casino Resort, Red Oak Steakhouse is Arkansas’ premier steakhouse, combining comfortable elegance with elevated flavors. Serving prime grade wet and dry-aged beef, Red Oak is also Arkansas’ only restaurant serving certified Kobe Beef. Executive Chef Ebony Warfield masterfully impresses the palate with delicately crafted dishes to take dining to the next level. Recognized by Arkansas Times readers as the State’s Best Steakhouse and as AY Magazine’s Best Bite of 2022, Red Oak’s first class staff offers a seamless evening with the finest wines curated by Arkansas’ most decorated sommelier, Ken Lipsmeyer.

TITANIC MUSEUM —

Value: $205 (Family Pass $115; Titanic Gift Card $50; Shirts $40) 3235 76 Country Blvd & Hwy 165 Branson, MO 65616 (417) 334-9500 titanicbranson.com

James Cameron's “Titanic” was released 25 years ago and took home 11 Oscars, including one for Best Picture. This epic tale will be re-released on Valentine's Day — what better time to bring your partner and experience the drama and romance all over again? But don’t just leave the story on the big screen; bring it to life with a visit to the Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri.

7day

MOLLY MAID —

Value: $800

Greater Little Rock Area (501) 758-9996

8day mollymaid.com day

ZEN INFUSION —

Value: $199

11220 Executive Center Dr, Ste 201 Little Rock, AR 72211 Mobile services available across Central AR (501) 626-8306 zeninfusionivtherapy.com

Valentine’s Day is great, but maybe you’ve got another date circled on the calendar with a diamond ring. If that’s the case, the “Say Yes to the Drip” rapid package from Zen Infusion is the perfect way to get you and your bridal party ready for the big day. In addition to hydration for photo-ready skin, this 30-minute treatment contains seven B vitamins to provide energy, endurance and mood stimulation so you can feel as good as you look.

Don’t let an untidy house keep you from having your Valentine’s date over. Arkansas’ most trusted house cleaning service is not only offering up a free, three-hour, two-person team cleaning; they’re also giving away a free iRobot Roomba to make sure your home stays clean well after Molly Maid’s uniformed and insured Home Service Professionals leave.

Don't Forget!

Each day, of February leading up to Valentine's Day visit AY’s social media platforms for the code word of the day. Enter it at aymag.com/contests for your chance to win. Items must be picked up in person.

Chenal Pet Palace

Value: $150 (gift card)

14309 Kanis Rd. Little Rock, AR 72223 (501) 223-2688 chenalpetpalace.com day day

There’s no love like puppy love. Pugs and kisses are great, but why not treat your four-legged Valentine to a luxury vacay with this $150 gift card to Chenal Pet Palace? Even your favorite felines can enjoy a stay in their very own cat condo. No bones about it: this is the paw-fect gift for your pets!

CAMP TACO —

VALUE: $150 (gift card)

822 E 6th St Little Rock, AR 72202

(501) 353-0884 camptaco.com

Tell your Valentine “te amo” with this $150 gift card to Camp Taco, the small-batch brewery project/summer camp of your dreams from the team at Lost Forty Brewing. From the beer to the birria, Camp Taco has the snacks, sweets and cocktails to make any date night into something to taco-bout.

PETIT & KEET BAR AND GRILL—

Value: $150 (gift card)

1620 Market Street

Little Rock, AR, 72211 (501) 319-7675 petitandkeet.com day

For the discerning date with refined taste, this $150 gift card to award-winning Petit & Keet is sure to thrill. Polished yet casual, Petit & Keet offers a variety of dishes created by renowned chefs with local ingredients. Enjoy a night out picking from the carefully-crafted dinner menu, or stop by for happy hour and have a more relaxed rendezvous.

G. SPINELLI JEWELRY—

Value: $175

442 Chimney Rock Dr. Sherwood, AR 72120 (501) 993-4820 gspinelli.com

Give that special someone a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gift from none other than the masterminds at G. Spinelli. This hand-wired necklace consists of white freshwater pearls on a short gold chain, and the pendant is a gold and silver coin featuring Belgium Hainaut horses embellished with pearls and CZs. Pairs well with a day at the races.

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TRADER BILL'S OUTDOOR

SPORTS —

Value: $150 (gift card)

12006 I-30 Frontage Rd Little Rock, AR 72210 (501) 255-3713 traderbills.com time, talent, treasure

As the saying goes, there are plenty of fish in the sea — and you might just catch yourself one with this gift card to Trader Bill's Outdoor Sports! Run by local sportsmen, Trader Bill's Outdoor Sports offers the highest quality hunting, fishing and marine products and services at affordable prices.