Career Reflection vs. Rumination: A Trauma-Informed Guide to Year-End Review
Learn how to distinguish between healthy career reflection and trauma-driven rumination with practical strategies for mindful professional growth and self-assessment. Understanding Professional Self-Assessment As the year draws to a close, many of us feel pulled to...
The Incredible Perspective of Trauma Survivors
What perspective are you viewing life through today? This is a discussion point I often have with my clients—and one I encourage you to sit with as you read. As a therapist who specializes in working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma, I am...
Effects of Childhood Trauma: Frozen In Time
What is frozen in time? Severe, ongoing childhood trauma can cause a person to live with the sense that they are moving through life in a fog. The past overlaps the present. You have no sense of place. You have no sense of the present. You have no sense of time....
When the Client’s Body Reacts, but the Story Isn’t True
Tears, tremors, and vivid descriptions can be compelling. They are not proof. In complex trauma, memory is less a film reel and more a patchwork of emotional flashbulbs, fragments, and protective edits. Somatic reactions tell us that something mattered to the nervous...
Everyday Triggers: The Stuff we don’t Talk About
But living in a complex world that has news broadcasting horrific events 24/7 is not easy, no matter how hard we try to avoid the media. The news is everywhere. Did you hear about the war? Isn’t it shocking that he murdered his wife? You hear people talk about...
The Pomodoro Technique for Trauma Survivors: Finding Focus and Self-Care at Work
Hello, my friends! I’ve recently stumbled upon something that has absolutely transformed my work life, and I’m bursting with excitement to share it with you. As someone who struggles tremendously with ADHD and my focus at work, this has been a lifesaver for me. As we...
Why AI Can’t Be Your Therapist
A Trauma-Informed Perspective on the Limits of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health By Robyn Brickel, MA, LMFT In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), it’s not surprising that AI is beginning to find its way into mental health spaces. From...
Rebuilding Confidence: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome When Returning to Work
Returning to work after a break can be both exciting and daunting. As you step back into the professional world, you might find yourself grappling with feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy — the telltale signs of imposter syndrome. Know that you’re not alone in this...