Marquita Bolden

Understanding Trauma Responses: A Mental Health Awareness Month Guide

Managing Stress, Trauma /

Those moments when you freeze during conflict, people-please despite your own needs, feel unexplained anger, or withdraw when overwhelmed aren’t character flaws—they’re your nervous system’s protective responses to perceived threats.

As a trauma therapist, I’ve seen how liberating it is when clients recognize these reactions not as failings but as adaptations that once helped them survive. Through a feminist lens, we understand these responses within their proper context: shaped by our experiences and the social systems we navigate.

The anxiety that keeps you hypervigilant? It developed to help you detect danger early.

The people-pleasing that exhausts you? It likely protected you in relationships where your authentic needs weren’t welcome.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, try approaching your difficult responses with curiosity rather than judgment.

What might your body be trying to tell you? How might these reactions make perfect sense given your experiences—particularly within contexts of gender expectations, power dynamics, and systemic inequities?

Your body’s wisdom deserves to be heard. It’s been protecting you all along.

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Virtual Therapy: Creating a Safe Space in Your Own Space

Making the Most of Therapy /

When the pandemic arrived in March 2020, I made the difficult decision to close my physical office and shift completely to telehealth. What began as a temporary safety measure revealed something unexpected: virtual therapy could create powerful therapeutic experiences that rivaled—and sometimes enhanced—in-person sessions.

Many clients discover unexpected benefits in virtual therapy: the comfort of familiar surroundings, eliminated commute stress, and increased accessibility for those with physical limitations or demanding schedules. At Mosaic Bloom Counseling, I now proudly offer both virtual and in-person options because I’ve seen how different formats serve different needs.

Whether we connect through screens or share the same physical space, the essence of our work remains unchanged: creating a safe, supportive environment where you can explore, process, and transform. The pieces of your life’s mosaic can be woven together beautifully in either setting.

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From Fragments to Wholeness: The Philosophy Behind Mosaic Bloom’s Approach to Trauma Healing

EMDR, Making the Most of Therapy, Trauma /

Trauma, at its core, creates fragmentation. When we experience events that overwhelm our ability to cope, our brains often struggle to process and integrate these experiences into our life narratives. At Mosaic Bloom Counseling, our philosophy is built on the mosaic as a metaphor for healing—where fragments that might otherwise be considered broken are arranged to form something beautiful and meaningful. Through evidence-based approaches like EMDR and Internal Family Systems, we help you gather the scattered pieces of traumatic experiences and weave them into a cohesive, meaningful whole. The cracks between the pieces don’t disappear; they become part of your story’s character and strength. Your mosaic is waiting to bloom.

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Weaving Our Stories: Honoring Women’s History Month Through a Mental Health Lens

Women's Mental Health /

Women’s mental health has historically been misunderstood or dismissed, from “hysteria” diagnoses to today’s complex challenges. As a trauma therapist, I’ve witnessed remarkable resilience in women’s healing journeys.

This Women’s History Month, I celebrate the shift as more women speak openly about mental wellbeing. Breaking stigma shows that caring for our mental health is an act of strength, not weakness.
Honor your own story as part of our collective tapestry. By seeking support and tending to our individual healing, we contribute to all women’s liberation and create space for future generations to thrive emotionally.

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Creating Your Sanctuary: Simple Ways to Feel Safer in Your Daily Life

Managing Stress, Self Care /

Feeling safe isn’t just a luxury – it’s a fundamental need that allows us to truly flourish. In this gentle guide, we explore practical ways to build emotional safety into your everyday life, from mindful morning routines to simple grounding techniques you can use anywhere. Whether you’re seeking more peace at home or looking to strengthen your sense of security, these compassionate strategies can help you create your own sanctuary of calm. Join us as we discover how small, nurturing steps can help weave a stronger sense of safety into your daily experience.

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Understanding EMDR: A Gentle Introduction to Eye Movement Therapy

EMDR, Making the Most of Therapy, Trauma /

Are you carrying memories that still feel as overwhelming as when they first happened? As a certified EMDR therapist with 18 years of experience helping people heal from trauma, I’ve witnessed countless moments of transformation that fill me with hope. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy offers a unique path to healing by working with your brain’s natural ability to recover and grow. In this post, I’ll explain how EMDR works, what to expect in therapy, and how it might help you on your journey toward healing. Join me to learn more about this powerful approach that has helped many find relief and renewal.

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Finding Peace: Navigating Holiday Stress with Care and Compassion

Managing Stress, Self Care /

The holiday season brings both warmth and challenges as we navigate family traditions, societal expectations, and personal needs. This guide explores practical strategies for creating meaningful celebrations while honoring your wellbeing. From setting healthy boundaries to building supportive connections, discover gentle ways to find peace during this season. Whether you’re preserving cherished traditions, creating new ones, or finding your own unique path, learn how to celebrate authentically while caring for your mental and emotional health.

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The Hidden Effects of Gender-Based Trauma: Finding Support and Safety

Trauma /

The effects of gender-based trauma can profoundly reshape our daily experiences in unexpected ways. When someone is targeted because of their gender identity, the impact often extends far beyond the immediate event, influencing emotional well-being, relationships, and how we navigate the world. While each person’s experience is unique, understanding these effects helps us recognize that our responses are natural reactions to difficult experiences. Most importantly, with proper support and understanding, healing is possible. Through trauma-informed therapy in a safe, affirming space, individuals can process their experiences and find their personal path toward recovery and renewed strength.

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