Alma

Ever wonder what an EMDR therapist keeps on their desk? 👀 Here are four tools that Michelle Chaffardet uses to support healing in real time 👇 1. Tappers gently alternate vibrations to support bilateral stimulation, helping the brain process and rewire trauma. They are hands-free and allow clients to stay grounded, even with their eyes closed. 2. Fidget Spinners are simple, playful tools that help release nervous energy and promote presence. They are tactile, familiar, and a less clinical tool. 3. Crystals and grounding stones are textured, weighted items that clients can hold during emotional work. Also, they symbolize calm and strength, and offer intuitive, sensory grounding. 4. Essential oil rollers are used to anchor safety, regulate stress, and deepen your sense of calm. Scent taps into memory and emotion. One inhale can shift the whole nervous system.

Want to read the full story? Jasmine’s journey is just one of many thought-provoking pieces in our latest issue of In Practice, a publication created for mental health providers. From lived experience to clinical insight, each page is designed to reflect the real, human side of this work. Download your copy through the link in bio!

Some days bring sunshine, others bring rain. But growth honors both. 🌱 In collaboration with artist Jordan Kae Lancaster, this illustration is a quiet celebration of resilience, the kind that carries you through stormy seasons and into softer ones. Therapy can be the space where you build this kind of trust in yourself. Where you learn to weather the hard days, receive the good ones, and meet each moment as it comes.

This week, the Alma team is heading to the APA Conference in Denver! We’re bringing along our Appreciation Wall and fresh copies of our latest Issue of In Practice, both designed to celebrate the incredible work providers are doing every day! Conferences like these are our favorite for one simple reason: they allow us to connect directly with providers, hear about the meaningful work happening in the field, and walk away feeling deeply inspired. 💬 We’d love to know: Who or what is inspiring you right now?

Providers! What pastimes bring you the most balance outside of your clinical work? Want an exercise that can help you find balance in your work week? Find it on page 16 of In Practice! 📰 (Download your copy here: https://bit.ly/4ofs1D2)

Let’s talk therapy and medication. 💬💊 If you’ve ever wondered who you’re supposed to see for mental health medication, you’re not alone. It can be confusing to know where to start, who’s qualified, and how it all fits together with therapy. A recent Alma blog breaks it down in a simple, clear way. Here are a few key takeaways: 🩺You have options beyond just psychiatrists Yes, psychiatrists can prescribe meds—but so can psychiatric nurse practitioners, some primary care doctors, and even psychiatric pharmacists. It’s about finding the right fit for your needs, timeline, and comfort level. 💊Therapy + medication = a powerful combo For many people managing anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, combining talk therapy with medication leads to better outcomes. Sometimes it’s not either/or—it’s both. 📅Know what to expect before your first appointment Your first medication visit is often a detailed conversation about your history and current symptoms. Follow-ups will vary, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Your therapist can often help you find the right prescriber or you can explore Alma’s network to get started. Finding a provider who can prescribe medication doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You’ve got options and support. Check out the full Alma blog for the full breakdown and how to get started: https://bit.ly/4fqUpOz

Unwind, escape, recharge, create... Somehow, we've already made it to the end of July. Here's an exercise for discovering inspiration for how you can spend the rest of the summer 🌿 ⏲️ How many words did you find in 45 seconds? Want more exercises like this? Download Alma In Practice through the link in our bio.

No step is too small. In collaboration with artist Jordan Kae Lancaster, this illustration is a gentle reminder that even when it feels like there’s nothing more you can do, you can always move forward, inch by inch, breath by breath. Therapy can be that space where you learn how to keep going, even on the hard days. Where you rediscover your strength, your tools, your hope. Growth doesn’t always look dramatic—but it’s happening.

Do you have a postpartum ramp-up policy? Does it include mental health care? Returning to work can often leave new parents feeling pulled in two directions, leading to decreased productivity, increased turnover, and unnecessary workforce departures. Specifically, new mothers often over-accommodate to prove commitment, accelerating burnout when support systems aren't in place. What if your best employee felt secure and focused? HR leaders that take mental health care seriously get better results. Here’s what you can do:  → See this moment as a retention opportunity → Discuss the approach that would be effective for both parties  → Give this the business-critical lens it deserves At Alma, expert clinicians like Dr. Lilit Ayrapetyan and Bridget Balajadia, LCSW, PMH-C, specialize in this challenge—providing targeted support that helps returning parents navigate career ambitions and new family realities. Supporting mothers returning to work isn't just right—it's a strategic investment in your most valuable talent. Read our comprehensive guide with expert strategies from licensed clinicians who help new mothers succeed at work and home: https://lnkd.in/e_edYQJh #WomenInTheWorkplace #MaternalSupport #HRLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #EmployeeRetention #MentalHealthAtWork

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that therapist burnout is significantly associated with reduced effectiveness of trauma-focused psychotherapy for PTSD. Key Takeaways 🧠 - Therapist well-being directly affects client outcomes. Prioritizing self-care and addressing burnout isn't just beneficial for the therapist—it can also significantly impact treatment success. - System-level interventions (like improving workload, administrative support, and scheduling) may be more effective at preventing burnout than relying solely on individual-level strategies (like mindfulness or resilience training). - Regular monitoring of emotional exhaustion could help flag risks early and allow for timely intervention to maintain therapeutic effectiveness. ___ Take a break from scrolling and catch up on mental health research highlights by downloading Alma In Practice 🔎: https://bit.ly/4oeQd8M