Posts tagged validation
Not “Just Another Pride Month Blog”
Not “Just Another Pride Month Blog”

Pride month is a time for communities worldwide to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community! For us, this isn’t just something we’re checking a box off to keep the status quo. Even though Pride is something we’re passionate about acknowledging year-round, we can’t pass up the opportunity to speak about a topic so important to us as a practice. One of the crucial aspects of celebrating Pride is ensuring effectiveness as allies. 

Today, let’s talk a little bit about the reasons why allyship is important and how to do it well! Allyship is essential because it acknowledges and actively addresses the systemic inequalities and injustices faced by marginalized communities. 

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Nikki Lacherza-DrewDr. Nikki, psychology, psychologist, NJ, NY, FL, VT, support, care, psychoeducation, LGBTQIA+, Pride, Pride month, mental health, mental health awareness, mental wellness, trust, validation
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Before diving into this article, I would like to provide a sensitivity and trigger warning. This article talks about suicide. Please proceed with caution and STOP reading at any point that you may need to.

September is National Suicide Awareness Month. Within the month itself, there is National Suicide Prevention Week (September 4 - September 10) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). The purpose of these events is to raise awareness for the treatment and prevention of suicide, educate those on the warning sides of suicide, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. This month fosters collaboration for those impacted by suicide, as well as the mental health community in providing educational resources.

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Nikki Lacherza-DrewDr. Nikki, psychology, psychologist, mental health, mental health awareness, american foundation for suicide prevention, AFSP, crisis text line, 988, lifeline, suicide and crisis lifeline, NAMI, national alliance on mental illness, it’s ok to not be ok, reduce the stigma, NJ, NY, FL, VT, therapy, therapist, suicide, suici, semptember, september is suicide prevention month, world suicide prevention day, suicide prevention week, inform, educate, care, validate, validation, epidemic, safe, safety, collaboration, spread awareness
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Brain Injury Awareness Month is observed each March. The purpose of this is to bring awareness to brain injuries, often referred to as TBIs (traumatic brain injuries), concussions, or ABIs (acquired brain injuries). TBIs are often caused by external factors. These could include car accidents, sports, and falls. They are often categorized by severity, ranging from mild to severe. Concussions are a form of mild TBIs. ABIs are injuries to the brain that are not caused by genetics or birth trauma. These could include stroke, seizures, meningitis, or other infectious diseases. You may have also heard of or seen chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a progressive and fatal brain disease after repeated TBIs.

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Nikki Lacherza-DrewDr. Nikki, psychology, psychologist, mental health, mental health awareness, therapy, therapist, brain injury, brain injury awareness, TBI, CTE, PCS, concussions, injury, head, brain, support, care, treatment, loved ones, reduce the stigma, it's ok to not be ok, March, spread awareness, symptoms, validation, NJ, NY, FL, VT
Fireworks: Beautiful Displays of Color or Recipe for Disaster?
Fireworks: Beautiful Displays of Color or Recipe for Disaster?

When people think of fireworks, they might remember an event they went to for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or really any summer event. Some might think of beautiful, bright colors popping up in the sky. For others, especially individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism-Spectrum Disorder, other medical and mental health disorders, or veterans, fireworks might not be associated with positive memories or feelings.

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Nikki Lacherza-DrewDr. Nikki, psychologist, psychology, mental health, mental health awareness, it’s ok to not be ok, reduce the stigma, anxiety, depression, ASD, Autism-Spectrum Disorder, SPD, Sensory Processing Disorder, PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, soldiers, veterans, triggers, fireworks, CBT, cognitive-behavioral therapy, caring, support, helping, IPV, intimate partner violence, DV, domestic violence, gun violence, first responders, tips, cope, coping, coping skills, be kind, kindness matters, be considerate, considerate, valid, validation, feelings, emotions, thoughts, thinking, senses, sensory