Brickel and Associates, LLC

Have you ever noticed how you feel when you spend a little too much time on your phone? Maybe you’re relaxing and scrolling social media after a hard day, or maybe you’re catching up on news headlines and you find yourself in the comment section. While social media has a lot of great qualities – connection to loved ones who don’t live nearby, a great way to stay on top of the news and cultural events, it can also have its downsides. The curated nature of social media can distort our perception of reality, making it easy to forget that what we see online is often just a highlight reel. It's essential to remember that everyone has struggles and that it's okay to not be okay. By sharing authentic stories and promoting honest conversations about mental health, we can combat stigma and create a space where individuals feel safe to express their feelings and seek help. Let’s use our platforms to uplift one another, spread awareness, and encourage dialogue around mental wellness. We encourage everyone to take mindful breaks from social media regularly and of course, more often, when needed. Assess how it impacts your mental well-being and consider unfollowing accounts that trigger negative feelings or comparison. Instead, curate your feed with content that inspires, educates, and supports mental health. Follow organizations and individuals who advocate for mental wellness and share positive messages that resonate with your journey. Our office is committed to supporting your mental health journey both online and offline. If you feel overwhelmed or uncertain, know that we’re here for you. Reach out to our office to learn more about the resources available and how we can help foster mental wellness in your life. Need extra support? We’re here for you. Visit our website and schedule an appointment with our team of therapists. https://ow.ly/PTXp50Tiwp3

What’s Your Friendship Style? Check out this New York Times’ interactive quiz, “Butterfly or Firefly: What’s Your Friendship Style?” to discover your unique approach to friendships! Created in partnership with social scientist Kasley Killam, this engaging five-day challenge encourages you to reflect on how you connect with others—whether you prefer deep conversations or skillful small talk. This quiz isn't a formal diagnostic tool, it can provide valuable insights into your social interactions and inspire you to step outside your comfort zone. Are you ready to find out if you're a Butterfly or a Firefly? Click the link to take the quiz and share your results! https://ow.ly/Orev50TiwqE

September is here, and that means it’s National Recovery Month! Since 1989, this observance has been dedicated to promoting the importance of treatment and celebrating the resilient recovery community across the nation. It’s a time to honor those who are on their journey to recovery, as well as the dedicated service providers and supportive communities that make this healing process possible. This year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is focused on raising awareness around mental health and addiction recovery. Recovery Month serves as an impactful reminder that recovery is not only attainable but can also lead to a fulfilling life. By sharing stories of hope and resilience, we can inspire others and break down the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use struggles. Together, we can foster a culture of acceptance and support. We understand how vital trauma-informed therapy is to the recovery process. Our blog, Addiction Recovery: Why the Best Therapy is Trauma-Informed, delves into the significance of addressing underlying trauma as part of healing from addiction. If you or someone you know is ready to begin their therapy journey, our compassionate team is here to help guide you through the recovery process. Let’s make the most of National Recovery Month by raising our voices, sharing stories, and supporting one another. If you’re looking for resources or simply need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and recovery is possible.

Some of my clients have called feelings “the other f-word,” and it’s no surprise why. For many trauma survivors, emotions can be daunting, especially if they were overwhelming or ignored during formative years. This fear of feelings may stem from a lack of guidance on how to regulate, comfort, or understand them. Instead of embracing their emotions, many individuals suppress them, leading to a cycle of avoidance and anxiety. Do you really need to avoid your feelings? I would argue that feelings are not bad; in fact, truly experiencing them is vital for healing from trauma. My goal in trauma-informed therapy is to create a safe space where clients can learn to experience their emotions, slowly and with intention. It’s essential to understand that feeling isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s part of a powerful journey toward healing and self-acceptance. Many trauma survivors have learned to shut down their emotions, sometimes as early as infancy, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Whether it’s due to cultural pressures or personal experiences, feelings may seem like a burden you’re forced to carry alone. Learning to compassionately challenge this belief is crucial. By building a supportive therapeutic relationship, you can begin to expand your emotional tolerance – allowing you to notice that you can handle feelings today. Healing is absolutely possible, and it starts with small steps towards self-awareness. As we explore the language of feelings together, you’ll see that expressing emotions can lead to empowerment and growth. Life is too precious to carry the weight of suppressed feelings. Your past doesn’t have to dictate your future, and together, we can help you embrace your authenticity and find joy in living. Remember, feelings aren’t bad—they’re part of your journey, and we will work through them safely, one step at a time. https://ow.ly/BSlB50Tiwl9

In a recent article, Olympian, Katie Ledecky opens up about her journey with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition she was diagnosed with after experiencing symptoms during the 2015 World Championships. POTS, a type of dysautonomia affecting the autonomic nervous system, causes discomfort such as lightheadedness and exhaustion when transitioning from sitting or lying to standing. Despite the challenges posed by this condition, Ledecky has continued to excel in her swimming career, accumulating an impressive total of 14 Olympic medals and solidifying her status as the most decorated female Olympian from the U.S. Ledecky shares various strategies that help her manage POTS effectively. Additionally, she highlights the significance of her support system, including healthcare professionals who understand and address her condition. By maintaining a positive mindset and staying proactive in her health management, Ledecky has navigated her diagnosis and continues to set her sights on future competitions, including the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and the importance of self-care in the face of adversity. https://ow.ly/Fsql50Tiwm4

Are you often afraid to be with others, or does the thought of being alone send you into a panic? It’s not uncommon for trauma survivors to find themselves caught in this “all or nothing” mindset. Whether it’s choosing to isolate because it feels safer or surrounding yourself with company out of fear of solitude, both behaviors are often coping strategies developed in response to complex trauma. If this resonates with you, it’s essential to know that you’re not alone, and there’s a path toward healing. For many who grew up feeling let down by those who were supposed to keep them safe, relationships can feel risky. On one side, you might find comfort in solitude, telling yourself that you’re perfectly fine on your own, even if deep down you crave connection. On the other hand, the fear of being alone might lead you to fill your calendar with obligations, seeking constant companionship—even if it comes from people who don’t meet your emotional needs. These extremes can lead to loneliness, anxiety, and even unhealthy coping mechanisms. The good news? You have the power to reshape these patterns. Living in the “gray area” allows you to experience the comfort of connection without losing yourself or your independence. Through trauma-informed therapy, you can learn to navigate your feelings and expand your emotional tolerance. This journey toward finding balance offers the potential for deeper self-trust, genuine connections, and a fulfilling life. If you find that your current coping strategies are no longer serving you—if isolation feels too heavy or being around others feels overwhelming—don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Together, we can explore what it means to embrace the middle ground and create a life filled with safety, joy, and authentic connections. Remember, it’s never too late to seek the support you deserve. https://ow.ly/3NCG50TiwfA

In a world saturated with media portraying suicide as an escape, it's crucial for parents and caregivers to foster open dialogues about mental health with their children. Do you remember the popular series 13 Reasons Why which dramatizes the life of a girl who takes her own life, shining a light on the pressing issue of teen struggles. As shocking as the popularity of such narratives may be, it's imperative to stay informed and engaged in the lives of our youth. As parents, we must confront this uncomfortable reality and prioritize our children's mental health, recognizing the emotional weight of bullying, trauma, and other pressures they face today. To effectively communicate and support children and teens, it's vital to familiarize ourselves with the content they consume. When parents are familiar with popular shows, movies, and social media trends that may idolize suicide, they can initiate meaningful discussions about emotions and copying mechanisms. Remember, your role is to help your child navigate their feelings, validating their experiences while guiding them toward healthier ways of managing life's challenges. In these difficult conversations, practice empathy instead of dismissing their feelings. Instead of saying “suck it up,” show them that it's okay to express vulnerability. Your compassionate support can be a beacon of hope during their darkest moments. There are therapists and resources available to guide families through these challenges, but the first step begins with you—creating a safe space for your child to open up about their feelings. https://ow.ly/wva650TiwjQ

Today kicks off National Suicide Prevention Week. The topic of suicide continues to be so scary and overwhelming, that many shy away from addressing it altogether. We must change that view! We acknowledge that talking openly about depression and suicide can be tough for some, if not all. It is also the crucial step we must take to prevent it. During National Suicide Prevention Week (and always as therapists), we're making a commitment to go beyond the fear, to embrace those difficult conversations, and to deepen our understanding of this complex issue. Will you join us? Let’s talk. Let’s listen. Let’s be compassionate. Let’s understand that depression is not a bad word. Let’s make it ok for people to speak about their pain, so they can get help! We have the power to make a difference. We can bring hope to those who might be struggling and show them that they are not alone. We can be there for each other! Join us this National Suicide Prevention Week as we amplify the conversation, share resources, and extend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Let's cultivate a culture of compassion, empathy, and support. Together, we can rewrite the story and create a world where no one must battle in silence. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out – please visit our resources tab for emergency hotline information and remember, help is always available. You are never alone.

Trauma often shapes perceptions of relationships and informs what behaviors are tolerated in relationships, including those that are not healthy. Do you prioritize keeping people in your life – even if they treat you poorly? Do you fear losing them? Have you wondered if this fear could stem from past experiences of abandonment or betrayal? Do you notice the challenge it can be for you set boundaries or advocate for yourself? Can you accept that this tendency is not a reflection of your worth, rather a learned survival strategy for your life. Acknowledging this pattern could be the first step toward healing. By accepting mistreatment, you might unknowingly reinforce the narrative that you don’t deserve better. This can lead to a cycle of unfulfilling relationships, feeling drained, anxious, and unworthy. It can create a vicious circle that leads to a belief that any connection is better than being alone, even if it comes at a cost to emotional well-being. It’s essential to acknowledge that you deserve to be treated with love and respect and that it’s okay to seek relationships that honor your value. We understand how deeply trauma can impact your beliefs about yourself and relationships. Our trauma-informed therapy approach offers a safe space for you to explore these feelings, uncover the roots of these patterns, and identify behaviors that no longer serve you. Together, we will work on developing healthier boundaries, fostering self-compassion, and rebuilding trust in yourself and in others. This process will empower you to create relationships rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and genuine connection. Remember, healing is a journey, and it’s never too late to prioritize your well-being and happiness. You are not alone in this process, and we’re here to support you.

When I read this article, I thought of the relational work I do with clients all the time. When couples turn to therapy for support, one of the early learnings and ways to build safety in a relationship is to learn to ask your partner, “are you available to talk right now?” before launching into a deeper issue. This article highlights - when supporting someone you love who is upset, asking one simple question can make a significant difference: "Do you want to be helped, heard, or hugged?" This approach, developed by educators for their students, empowers individuals to express their needs and can be just as effective for adults. It promotes emotional choice and provides clarity on how best to offer support, whether it be through advice, an empathetic ear, or physical comfort. Experts emphasize that different emotions require different responses. For example, reassurance may comfort someone anxious and also aggravate someone feeling frustrated. Understanding your partner’s emotional needs rather than assuming your own preferences can help avoid misunderstandings. The technique fosters empathy, allowing for clearer communication and fostering intimacy in relationships. Ultimately, this question can help loved ones feel supported and understood, making it a valuable tool in both personal and professional settings. Who will you ask if they are available for dialogue today? Learn more. https://ow.ly/llzA50TeiOx