Alicia W. Guichard, LMHC

07/08/2025

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the tragic flooding emergencies in Texas. As the community mourns, and as other Southeast states are becoming impacted by the flooding, we want to remind you that support is available.

💙 The NAMI HelpLine: 800-950-6264 (M–F, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET)
💙 Text “NAMI” to 62640 or visit https://www.nami.org/help
💙 For 24/7 crisis support, call or text the 988 Lifeline
💙 For disaster-related emotional distress, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 (24/7 support)
💙 Visit our website for resources and information: nami.org/TXTraumaResources

06/26/2025

06/15/2025

Fatherhood looks different for everyone, and every father’s mental health journey matters. 💙

This Father’s Day, we’re thinking of fathers who:
👔 Are in therapy despite the stigma
👔 Are redefining masculinity
👔 Are working to break cycles
👔 Are learning as they go
👔 Are navigating co-parenting
👔 Are building trust with their kids

To all the dads out there: we see you, we support you, and we honor your efforts today and every day.

04/09/2025

01/30/2025

.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e

01/29/2025

01/15/2025

Your resistance didn’t come out of thin air.

When you freeze up, it’s not an inherent flaw.

They’re coping mechanisms. Learned responses.

They’re your body trying to keep you safe and connected in the best it way knows how, and it’s often an old pattern that could use some updating.

We tend toward shame when we notice the freeze or resistance. We get frustrated when we can’t let go, perform, open up, or just do the thing.
And it doesn’t help.

What can help is getting curious about the freeze, about the deeper resistance.
It’s getting in touch with the part that’s protecting and resisting, and finding out what it’s afraid of.
It’s gently noticing the tension and allowing it; validating & appreciating it.
Then approaching it with compassionate curiosity; what are you afraid of? What pain are you still holding on to?

It’s asking that part gently, “What would you need to feel safe right now?
What do you need to hear?
To feel?
I see you, and you’re safe now.”

There’s often a tender part of the Self hidden away because it wasn’t honored; it wasn’t allowed. It wasn’t felt, processed, soothed, and validated.

But that’s the beauty of adulthood.
We can learn how to give that compassion, tenderness, understanding, and care to the younger parts of our Self that didn’t get them when we needed it.
We can help those parts of the Self mature by being the one who shows up.

You’re here now, and you’re doing it.
And that’s what matters most.

If this is where you are right now - working on navigating stuckness & resistance while connecting more deeply with yourself - and you’re looking for a support in this process, the 6 month Group Program begins this Tuesday, July 16th.

If you're working through this, the Cycle Breakers program begins THIS Wednesday, January 15th.
This is a year long program for those committed and dedicated to changing old patterns. To bringing their patterns to light and slowly and intentionally meeting themselves with more safety, generosity, compassion, and accountability as they begin to break old cycles and patterns of relating to themselves, others and the world. And it's done in small, supportive, heart-centered community.

More info & registration at the link below - 1 spot in each cohort left!

https://theeqschool.co/cycle-breakers

12/31/2024

12/27/2024

Holding space in a way that’s supportive isn’t necessarily intuitive.
Most of us are well-intentioned when we give advice or relate the speaker’s situation to one we’re familiar with. We *are* trying to connect, to help, but those sorts of attempts often miss the mark.

Here’s what is helpful:

Really listening to what they’re saying.
Allowing space for supportive, safe, unhurried, unpressured silence.
Asking questions that show that you want to understand.
Reflecting back what you’re hearing them say. I.e., “it sounds like you really don’t want to go tonight.”
Naming and validating the emotional part of the experience.
Mirroring back their goodness and reminding them of who they are when they seem to be struggling to remember.
Asking them if they’d like to hear your perspective or advice before offering it (sometimes they do want this, and sometimes they really don’t.)

More often than not, you don’t have to add new information of any kind to be supportive.
I still believe that for many people, it can feel rare to find friends who know how to really hold space, and that when you offer this gift of space and REALLY being able to listen (and not just waiting for your turn to speak), you’re providing something truly healing and magical.

What’s helpful to you when you’re looking for support?

The new Cycle Breakers Program begins January 15th.
This is a 12 month program for those committed to changing their relational patterns - those who have been doing the work and are working to practice walking the talk. Meeting themselves with greater compassion, practicing emotional self-management, and connecting with others as they break cycles for future generations.
The first 10 people to register will receive the Beta Early Bird price.
Link below to learn more.

https://theeqschool.co/cycle-breakers

12/27/2024

Self-reflection is like holding up a mirror to your life. It helps you see the truth about where you are and where you’re heading. These questions act as that mirror. Are you satisfied with what you see? If the answer is no, this is your opportunity to make a choice: take steps to change or remain aware of what isn’t working and still choose to do nothing. Both options are yours, but self-reflection ensures that your decision is intentional.

By taking time to reflect, you identify what truly matters to you, clarify your goals, and recognize patterns that either help or hinder your progress. This clarity allows you to break down big dreams into small, manageable steps. It’s those small, consistent actions (not bursts of motivation) that build real change over time. Motivation might get you started, but dedication keeps you moving forward, one step at a time, even when it feels hard.

What are some other questions that you would add to this list?

Take care of your mind and body. Love, Nawal ♥️

11/25/2024

This time of year can be really challenging when you've had a loss. We tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves. David Kessler shares tips to honor your loss and remember with love.

11/21/2024