Brickel and Associates, LLC

Traumatic events can strike when we least expect it, leaving individuals to cope with the lasting effects. From flashbacks and hyperarousal to avoidance behaviors and negative thought patterns, the impact of trauma can be overwhelming and disrupt daily life. PTSD can be triggered by various traumatic events, from domestic violence and natural disasters to grief and attachment losses, and it doesn’t discriminate based on age background, or experience. This underscores the importance of raising awareness and providing support to those navigating its challenges. The brain plays a crucial role in how trauma is experienced, with neuroimaging showing structural and functional changes following traumatic experiences. Therapy and mindfulness practices are vital in calming the brain and fostering new, healing connections. Trauma-informed treatments like EMDR, yoga, TIST, and sensorimotor therapy offer invaluable support in this process. Our team is dedicated to creating a supportive space for C-PTSD and PTSD survivors to rediscover peace and resilience. If you need support or want to learn more, visit our blog, What Is PTSD? https://ow.ly/c4lc50VlaaB

PSA! Our therapy practice is a safe and inclusive space for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. In light of the current climate, it's more important than ever to stand in support of the LGBTQ+ community. We are proud to be allies and committed to providing compassionate, non-judgmental care to those in the LGBTQ+ community. Our therapists offer a welcoming environment where you can feel heard, supported, and respected. We believe that everyone deserves a space to heal, grow, and be their authentic selves – free from fear of discrimination or harm. We are (and always will be) dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where LGBTQ+ individuals and their families are embraced, supported, and valued. Your well-being matters, and we are here to walk with you every step of the way.

In this insightful video, Frank Anderson, MD shares a powerful 3-step approach to help heal attachment wounds in trauma therapy. Attachment plays a crucial role in a client's healing journey, and addressing early attachment wounds can make a significant impact on their recovery. Dr. Anderson walks us through effective strategies to help clients release long-held pain and start healing. https://ow.ly/Zbki50Vla9A

Healing from trauma is an ongoing journey that requires time, patience, and support. The first essential step in this process is reaching out for help. For many, this can feel like a difficult decision. By asking for support, you're affirming that you deserve care and post-traumatic growth, creating a safe space for healing to begin. The therapeutic relationship can become a vital tool for learning, experimentation, and building trust and stability. For trauma survivors, experiencing a consistent and compassionate relationship is often new. Over time, this relationship helps to highlight the importance of establishing healthy boundaries, regulating emotions, and adopting healthier coping mechanisms. As a discovery, people can be reliable and that relationships can be a source of growth. Through this process, you'll discover that people can be reliable and that relationships can be a source of growth. As you continue to heal, you'll feel safer in your own body and gain control over who has access to you. This newfound autonomy and emotional regulation mark significant milestones in your journey. Healing doesn’t end in the therapy room. As you grow more comfortable with yourself, you’ll carry that safety and stability into other areas of your life, building new, healthy relationships and reducing isolation. If you're ready to begin your therapy journey, reach out to schedule an appointment with our team! https://ow.ly/o0kk50Vla5G

Traditional face-to-face interactions have been the cornerstone of mental health care for decades, providing clients with a unique environment for healing and growth. While the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many practices, including our Alexandria, VA office, to adopt virtual therapy, we still believe that in-person sessions offer distinct advantages that are critical to effective therapy. In-person therapy fosters a deeper connection between the therapist and client, allowing for more nuanced communication through non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions. This personal engagement can enhance the therapeutic relationship, promoting trust and openness that are essential for meaningful progress. Moreover, the structured environment of an office can provide clients with a safe space to explore their thoughts and feelings without the distractions that might arise at home. While we appreciate the flexibility that virtual therapy offers, especially in health-related circumstances, we remain committed to offering high-quality, trauma-informed care through our in-person sessions at our Old Town Alexandria practice. We believe that these face-to-face interactions create a foundation for lasting change and healing. If you have questions about our practices or are interested in learning more, please reach out to us. We are here to support you on your journey toward well-being.

In our office, we believe that open dialogue about mental health is essential for fostering healing and understanding. It’s time (really, long past the time) to break the stigma that surrounds mental health issues and create safe spaces where individuals can share their experiences without fear or shame. By bringing mental health conversations into the light, we can pave the way for improved understanding, support, and growth within our communities. It is crucial that we, as a community, learn to hold safe space and only then encourage one another to talk openly about struggles and triumphs. These conversations can serve as powerful tools for connection, allowing us to realize that no one is alone in their journey. Each story shared has the potential to inspire hope and foster compassion among all. Join us in advocating for mental wellness, creating safe space, and then encouraging candid discussions. Let’s work together to create a compassionate community that supports healing and nurtures honest conversations. What does mental health conversation mean to you? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences below.

Taking the step towards therapy is a courageous decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you're ready to begin, please contact Robyn Brickel, our Clinical Director, by calling 703-518-8883 or emailing us directly. During your initial contact, we’ll ask a few questions to help us understand your unique needs. If we determine that we’re the right fit for you, you’ll receive a link to our new client information forms and our therapy portal for easy access. Our practice primarily provides in-person therapy at our office in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia. To learn more about the process and to access the necessary forms, visit the "Getting Started" tab on our website. Let’s take this important step together—you're not alone on this journey, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

In Episode 434 of Therapy Chat, Shame as An Adaptation To Trauma + Attachment Wounds, host Laura Reagan sits down with the esteemed Dr. Janina Fisher during the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium. This episode focuses on the pervasive role of shame in our lives, particularly as it relates to trauma and attachment wounds. Dr. Fisher, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the conference, discusses how shame can manifest as a somatic adaptation and create obstacles to healing. Laura shares her personal insights on the subtle yet profound impact of shame, while Dr. Fisher offers strategies for trauma therapists to effectively address shame in their clients. Despite some technical difficulties resulting in a shorter episode, it is packed with valuable insights for both therapists and anyone interested in understanding how shame can unconsciously influence our behavior and hinder our personal growth. https://ow.ly/OOOU50Vl9Yi

Healing is not about erasing the past, it’s about integrating your experiences into an adult or present-day lens. Allowing you to see your growth, as you are today . Our approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, which acknowledges that your history shapes your present. We understand that the path to healing can be complex, and it requires compassion and support. Our dedicated team is here to create a safe space where you feel empowered to explore your feelings, confront difficult memories, and build new neural pathways of resilience. As you navigate this transformative process, know that you don’t have to do it alone. We are here to walk alongside you, helping you make sense of your experiences while fostering a sense of hope and a vision for your future. Together, we can work toward transforming past pain into personal strength, ensuring that your journey is as unique as you are. If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our team.

Join us in recognizing “Health Equity Now!” - a call to action for better healthcare access and outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community. As policies and funding changes threaten the health of our most vulnerable populations, it is essential to prioritize the protection and expansion of vital services and inclusive care. This week serves as a reminder to engage with organizations dedicated to health equity, raise awareness about LGBTQ+ health issues, and unite providers, communities, and allies in our mission to remove barriers and improve health for everyone. The National Coalition for LGBTQ+ Health is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals through advocacy, education, and research. By addressing the needs of the entire LGBTQ+ community—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, or geography—the Coalition works towards a more equitable healthcare landscape for all.