It’s time for me to be me. If I’m being perfectly honest (and I usually am), I started this newsletter as a place to b*&h about my -in-laws. But, that’s boring and petty and hiding behind a pseudonym while taking digs at someone is not who I am, nor is it who I want to be. It was a nice outlet for a minute though.
Instead, I have decided that it’s much healthier and more interesting to be of service to others who find themselves married into narcissistic or emotionally immature families. So, that’s what this newsletter will continue to be, and I look forward to growing a community here, and being a resource for information and research on this challenging situation, as well as a place for people to connect safely with one another. Less “Me”, more “How can I help you?”
So, Hi! My name is Claire Pichel and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have had an MA in somatic psychology for about 20 years, and my MSW for about 10 years. I primarily focus on treating trauma and anxiety disorders, and maternal mental health issues in private practice. I am EMDRIA trained in EMDR, and about to be certified as a perinatal mental health counselor. My somatic psychology degree has given me extensive training in trauma treatment. Before becoming a therapist I taught dance, and I was a massage therapist. I love working with bodies and movement and touch. To that end, I’m now also working on getting trained in teaching trauma informed yoga classes.
A few things I love, in no particular order: Cats, the beach, my daughter, my husband, sleeping, Paris, my family of origin, good food, sunshine, writing, and Bridgerton (don’t judge me on that last one - it’s my brain candy).
It’s tricky to come out as therapist with your own personal problems on full display. We are taught to keep self disclosure to a minimum because that helps to create a sense of safety and professionalism in the therapeutic relationship. And it can he helpful to see the more human aspects of a therapist too - that we struggle, that we are imperfect humans too, and that we make mistakes in our relationships. You may have noticed that I am not mentioning my personal experiences as much in my posts, and that will continue to be the case. But, if you are my client, and you are reading my newsletter, and something makes you uncomfortable or curious or just feels weird in your gut, bring it to session. We can discuss! Or hit unsubscribe. That’s okay too.
I do not even pretend to have my relationship with my in-laws fully figured out. But I do know how confusing it is to navigate emotionally immature/narcissistic families, and I wish that years ago, I would have had a place where I could get the information and research I needed to better understand my situation and validate what I was seeing and feeling. So to that end, I hope that “Married to the (Narcissistic) Mob” can be that place for you.
Thank you for continuing to support my work, and I am so very happy to meet you.
Claire
Wonderful to 're-meet' you here, Claire! Sounds like you have a clear vision that will benefit many.
Wow! This a brave and amazing! Thank you for putting yourself out here!! I’ve struggled with similar issues and since my narc family members stalk me on social media and then “makes me pay” I’ve gotten creative. Did you know you can block people in Substack!? Thank you again for sharing! 🥰