The ICM Blog
Redefine Therapy

Our work and our mission is to redefine therapy and our conversations are about the art and practice of healing. This blog was launched in May 2018 by Dr. Jamie Marich, affiliates, and friends.

  Originally published on the Dancing Mindfulness Expressive Arts Therapy Blog, 5/4/2017 If you’ve followed Dancing Mindfulness and other projects connected to my Institute for Creative Mindfulness work, you’ve likely encountered the hashtag #redefinetherapy. What started as a book chapter and a hashtag is quickly turning into a movement that you

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Freedom is What You Do With What Has Been Done To You

As I share this reflection with the world on my twenty-second sobriety birthday, I recognize that many folks in the trauma recovery movement may take issue with it. I’ve/we’ve been delighted to see increasing attention paid to trauma in the mental health and addiction fields. And in many circumstances the

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Lived Experience as a Therapist with Dissociative Identities

As someone with dissociative identities, I have found trying to access support and gain understanding about myself a real challenge. The word dissociation was used for the first time when I was 21 years old to explain what was happening for me. It made no sense to me why I

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Bless Our Tired Asses

This poem is inspired by a road sign we saw whilst on the Australia part of our pilgrimage: “Don’t trust your tired self.” Inspired by the advice, we translated it as “don’t trust your tired ass.” Poem written in call-and-response style. Dear Lord Dear Holy Mother Dear Sweet Black Jesus

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I Will Rise

I Will Rise was performed at the closing ceremony of the Redefine Therapy Expressive Arts Retreat April 28th, 2024. Judy and Alicia worked together, in the moment, to bring movement and dance into Judy’s poem in a call and response collaboration. 

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Dr. Jamie wrapped in a lit, rainbow sparking cloth similitude to a cocoon

Succor

I am not your guruI am not your motherI am not your slaveI am not your lover I cannot be the friend you might be looking forI cannot be the perfect ally to everyoneI cannot be your instant fixerI cannot make your problems go away I will not give you

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The Capacity to Be Honest

Dr. Jamie Marich explores their journey through addiction recovery and trauma treatment, emphasizing the transformative power of honesty in confronting societal stigmas, challenging clinical norms, and advocating for authenticity and inclusivity in trauma care.

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Continuing Miseducation

“Girl, I heard you speak for 10 minutes and I knew they couldn’t keep you locked up in the university.” This comment, delivered with enthusiasm by a social worker at a continuing education seminar that I offered on trauma remains the compliment I treasure the most. I entered my first

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Being Myselves

“Nice to meet you, what’s your name?” “Hi, I’m . . . uh . . . Le . . .I mean Ky . . .uh Tiffany.” Cue the laughter and awkward glances thrown my way. Telling people your name isn’t supposed to be overly difficult to do. Everyone knows their

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