Robyn E Brickel MA, LMFT, LLC

05/07/2026

We’re growing our team at Brickel and Associates and are currently seeking licensed clinical therapists and experienced licensed residents in counseling or marriage and family therapy to join our trauma-informed private practice, serving Virginia and the Washington, DC area.

This is an opportunity to be part of a collaborative, supportive clinical team providing high-quality care to older adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Clinicians in our practice support clients navigating a range of concerns, including trauma, dissociation, addiction, maternal mental health, and relationship challenges.

One of the benefits of joining our team is the ability to step into meaningful clinical work with a steady stream of client referrals provided by the practice, allowing you to focus on what matters most: quality care, clinical growth, and connection with clients.

We are seeking applicants with a Master’s or Doctoral degree in counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work, and an active Virginia license (or license-eligible status). Ideal candidates will have availability for at least 12 client contact hours per week and a strong commitment to ethical, trauma-informed care.

We offer competitive compensation, 401(k) eligibility and contributions from the practice, paid professional liability insurance, licensure fee reimbursement, and access to ongoing supervision, consultation, and continuing education.

If you’re a clinician who values thoughtful, trauma-informed work and wants to be part of a supportive and engaged clinical community, we invite you to apply and join us in serving the Northern Virginia and DC region. https://brickelandassociates.com/employment/

05/06/2026

“You care because it’s your job… right?”

This is a question we hear, sometimes spoken, often unspoken, especially from people with histories of relational trauma, inconsistency, or betrayal. When care hasn’t felt safe in the past, it makes sense why you might question whether it can be real in a professional setting.

Yes, therapy is a profession. We are trained, licensed, and ethically bound to our work, and yes, we are paid for our time and expertise. That structure is not what limits care, it’s what makes it possible to be steady, consistent, and safe.

In trauma-informed therapy, boundaries are not barriers. They are what allow care to remain focused entirely on you, rather than being shaped by the therapist’s needs or expectations. For many people, that consistency is the first experience of care that doesn’t shift, disappear, or demand something in return.

Still, this can feel unfamiliar. Even uncomfortable. Especially if you’ve learned to expect care to be conditional or unpredictable.

That discomfort isn’t a problem to fix; it’s part of the healing process.

If you’ve ever wondered whether professional care “counts,” we explore this more in one of our latest blogs.

Read more via the link in our bio: We Are in the Business of Caring: Why Professional Boundaries Make Therapeutic Care Real, https://ow.ly/98BS50YQSeq.

05/05/2026

A recent New York Times article explains that “trauma bonding” is often misused online, but in clinical terms, it refers to a powerful emotional attachment that can form between a victim and an abuser, often reinforced by cycles of harm followed by periods of kindness. Read more, https://ow.ly/yJSa50YQSbw.

The phrase has been used online to describe connections built through shared suffering, but experts say that’s all wrong.

05/05/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national reminder that mental health is health, and that real people face real challenges every day.

Since 1949, this month has helped bring attention to the importance of reducing stigma, expanding access to care, and building systems that support emotional wellbeing. Beyond awareness, it’s also about something more personal: making space for honest conversations and meaningful support.

Our team of therapists remains committed to this work every day (not just in May) with care that is grounded in empathy, integrity, and clinical understanding.

This month, we invite you to join us in continuing the conversation. When we make room for openness, support one another, and normalize seeking help, we create communities where healing feels more possible and where no one has to navigate mental health alone.

Ready to start your therapy journey this month? We’re here to help. If you’re in the Old Town Alexandria, VA or DC area, schedule a call with our team.

05/04/2026

Self-care can mean a lot of different things to different people. We look at self-care as how you respond to your body, your emotions, and your needs each day.

Do you nourish and caretake yourself – in the same way you would your loved ones?

For many trauma survivors, self-care doesn’t feel natural. Not because you don’t care about yourself, but because survival once required you to disconnect from your needs just to get through.

Over time, coping strategies like pushing through exhaustion, avoiding care, staying overly busy, or numbing emotions can start to feel normal. But they may actually be signs that your system adapted to stress or trauma—not signs of failure.

Some patterns that may point to this include:

• Avoiding medical care or checkups
• Ongoing sleep difficulties
• Using food, substances, or rigid control to cope
• Difficulty asking for help or saying no
• Over-scheduling or never slowing down
• Feeling overwhelmed without healthy outlets

If this resonates, it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you—it means your system learned to survive.

The good news: self-care can be relearned.

Trauma-informed therapy can help you reconnect with your needs in a safer, more supported way. Learn more by visiting our blog, 9 Signs You Need Better Self-Care and May Be a Trauma Survivor. https://ow.ly/xNyK50YQS7v

05/03/2026

While working on our new website, we put a lot of time and energy into our resources page to ensure we have a growing library for healing and growth for anyone who visits. We are still working to update this section regularly.

This space was created to support clients, both in and outside of therapy, offering a wide range of tools and information across topics like crisis support, educational resources, recommended readings, and meaningful audio and video content. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding, find support between sessions, or take small steps forward at your own pace, these resources are here to complement your journey.

While these tools can be a helpful part of growth and reflection, they are not a replacement for therapy or medical care. If you are in need of immediate support, we encourage you to reach out to a trained professional. You can call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline or dial 911 in an emergency.

05/01/2026

Consistency - it's more than just a routine or habit, it's a cornerstone of safety, growth, and progress, especially in therapy.

In our office, we believe in the power of consistency in our approach to mental health and well-being. It's an ongoing joke (of sorts) in our office that our founder, Robyn Brickel, MA, LMFT, is the epitome of consistency – even by always wearing black in her wardrobe (consistency), repeating the same things, holding true to boundaries, embodying a steadfast dedication to our clients' healing journey.

But why is consistency so crucial in therapy? Consistency breeds trust and security, creating a safe space for clients to explore and confront their innermost thoughts and emotions. It establishes a sense of predictability and reliability, helping clients feel supported and understood throughout their therapeutic process. By practicing consistency, we cultivate a strong therapeutic alliance that fosters safety, growth, self-discovery, and lasting change.

Whether it's showing up to sessions regularly, practicing self-care routines, or implementing therapeutic techniques consistently, small steps can lead to significant progress over time. Notice the safety, trust the process, embrace the journey, and remember - consistency is key.

04/30/2026

Let’s discuss EMDR and trauma! In our blog, What You Need to Know About EMDR and Trauma, we’re breaking down what you need to know about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – a powerful therapeutic treatment for healing deep-seated trauma. Practice founder, Robyn Brickel, MA, LMFT, shares her firsthand experience providing EMDR and offers insights into the complex nature of trauma and the brain’s response to danger signals. With an emphasis on safety and stabilization, we explore the stages of EMDR and why preparation is key in achieving lasting healing.

As more people are tuning into the benefits of EMDR, it’s important to understand that quick fixes aren’t always the answer when it comes to processing trauma. EMDR is a comprehensive therapy model that involves phases of treatment aimed at establishing a solid foundation for healing. Our team of therapists are all dedicated to providing a trauma-informed approach to therapy, ensuring that clients have the support and resources needed to navigate their healing journey.

Through EMDR, we’re helping clients learn to manage the overwhelming effects of trauma, develop self-regulation skills, and feel grounded in the present moment. By incorporating various therapeutic modalities and a trauma-informed approach, we’re creating a safe space for healing and growth. Remember, healing takes time, trust, and a commitment to self-care.

Learn more and help us break the stigma around mental health and therapy by visiting our blog, link in bio. Need extra support? We’re here for you – schedule an appointment with our team whenever you’re ready! https://ow.ly/wmEt50YPIrr

04/29/2026

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, a time to acknowledge the impact of sexual violence and to center the importance of prevention, education, and compassionate support for survivors. At Brickel & Associates, we are committed to creating a safe, trauma-informed space where healing can unfold at each individual’s pace.

Sexual assault can have lasting emotional, physical, and psychological effects, and it’s important to recognize that it can impact people of all identities and backgrounds. Survivors deserve to be met with understanding, respect, and care—not silence or stigma. As a community, we all play a role in fostering safety, listening without judgment, and supporting those who have been affected.

Our therapists provide trauma-informed care grounded in a three-stage model, working collaboratively with each client to support stabilization, processing, and integration. Therapy is tailored to each person’s unique experiences, needs, and goals—honoring that healing is not one-size-fits-all.

This month, we encourage continued learning, open conversations, and meaningful action toward prevention. If you or someone you know is seeking support, our team is here. Reach out to learn more or schedule a consultation.

04/28/2026

New research highlights that romantic relationships can be understood through how well they meet core human needs, ranging from security and companionship to independence and personal growth. This study identifies five relationship types, with those that support a broad range of needs showing the highest satisfaction and commitment. While not every partner can meet every need, relationships that balance both personal and relational fulfillment tend to be more stable, underscoring the importance of understanding what needs are being met, and where support may be missing. Learn more, https://ow.ly/Uh9r50YPIu2.

Relationships fulfill needs, but not all relationships do it the same way. How they fulfill needs may predict relationship outcomes.

04/28/2026

April was historically recognized as National Minority Health Month, a time to acknowledge the ongoing health disparities impacting racial and ethnic minority communities, including American Indian and Alaska Native populations. While recognition at the national level may shift, the need for awareness, advocacy, and action has not.

Health inequities continue to affect access to care, treatment outcomes, and overall well-being. These disparities are shaped by social determinants of health, as well as the lived experiences, histories, and systemic barriers many communities face. This year’s theme, “Be the Source for Better Health,” reminds us of the importance of community, culture, and connection in improving health outcomes.

We believe it is essential to continue uplifting and supporting our minority neighbors—not just in April, but year-round. Culturally responsive, trauma-informed care plays a critical role in creating spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported.

This month - and every month - is an opportunity to listen, learn, and advocate for a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system for all.