**Within this post, the terms breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and nursing are used interchangeably to acknowledge the myriad of feeding experiences a parent may have. Additionally, “they/their/them” is used as a singular pronoun throughout as it is not only simpler, but also inclusive of folks outside the gender binary.** Every August, we celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Month, with the first week of the...[ read more ]
“In a race-conscious society, some don’t want to be perceived as having yet another deficit.” -Bebe Moore Campbell | Author & Co-founder of NAMI Urban Los Angeles In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives proclaimed July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, now commonly referred to as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Mental Health Month....[ read more ]
The aftereffects of trauma are often invisible to the naked eye, but very much the new reality for someone experiencing it day in and day out. This letter acknowledges what I have heard firsthand from some of the bravest souls I have had the privilege to work with. Whether you are a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) survivor needing to hear...[ read more ]
By: Katie Susik, Clinical Intern In honor of International Yoga Day on June 21, we want to carve out intentional time to treat our minds and nervous systems to some much needed rest and quietude! Cue yoga nidra (“yogic sleep”), a stress-relieving practice that guides us into a state of consciousness between our waking and sleeping selves. The experience encourages...[ read more ]
Do you know seven moms? One of them has struggled with a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. Do you know three moms of color? One of them has struggled with a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. Do you know ten dads? One of them has struggled with a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. These statistics should be concerning to you....[ read more ]
The COVID-19 pandemic has provided individuals across the world with more time to self-reflect than ever before. Spending more time at home and losing privileges like dining at our favorite restaurants, traveling and getting together with friends, to name a few, our minds and bodies are challenged to acclimate to this brand new, unexpected “lifestyle.” Many clients have vocalized their...[ read more ]
“Try, try again…”“Dust yourself off and start all over again…”“Get right back on that horse…”These are just some of the common phrases we use to support the idea that trying something after it didn’t go so well the first time is a good idea. And in many instances, this is the right attitude. But there is something to be said...[ read more ]
By Kate Nemchausky, LPC, Clinical Therapist at Bricolage Wellness It is an exciting time of the year! We are in the midst of the holiday season, and some of you have more than just the holidays to celebrate. Your newest addition to the family is here to celebrate with you for the first time. There are get togethers, visiting family...[ read more ]
Most of us from a young age are taught how to be kind, considerate and compassionate toward others. But rarely are we told to show the same consideration to ourselves. This becomes even more true for individuals brought up in abusive or unloving homes.What is Self-Compassion?Self-compassion is taken from Buddhist psychology and refers to how we can relate to the...[ read more ]
Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are serious psychiatric illness, not unlike anxiety and depression. Individuals who suffer from one of these disorders use food in unhealthy ways to cope with difficult emotions and life situations.Sadly, eating disorders have now become an epidemic in this country. It is estimated that roughly 11 million women and girls struggle with anorexia...[ read more ]