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Not a Therapist, But Sort Of: My Journey to Verve & Spark

October 19, 20242 min read

Not a Therapist, But Sort Of: My Journey to Verve & Spark

Therapy has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve been in and out of therapy for various reasons, navigating everything from childhood trauma to everyday stress. In fact, if you’re familiar with the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) scale, you’d know that scoring a 9 out of 10 is no small thing. It’s a number that means I’ve faced more than my fair share of challenges, but also that I’ve developed a deep understanding of how critical mental health support is.

In my adult life, I’ve also experienced trauma, including infertility, the NICU with my triplets, and the heartbreaking loss of one of my children. And for the last 12 years as I've raised my survivors, I've dealt with their ongoing special needs, and the constant ups and downs of their prematurity. These experiences shaped who I am today, and they’ve fueled my passion for creating resources that really work. I personally deal with anxiety (especially social anxiety), depression, and PTSD, and the tools and products I’ve created for Verve & Spark are rooted in what has helped me navigate these struggles.

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Okay, but that doesn't qualify you to consider yourself similar to a therapist...

You'd be right. But I didn’t just experience therapy as a client. For over three years, I worked directly for a therapist, gaining valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes world of mental health care. I saw the struggles therapists face in supporting their clients and managing their practices. I also witnessed firsthand how meaningful it can be to offer someone the right tools at the right time, whether that’s administrative support, a helpful resource, or simply being a compassionate ear.

It’s through this unique lens—having been both the client and the support team—that Verve & Spark was born. I’m not a therapist, but I’ve walked the therapy path from both sides, and that’s why I’m so passionate about creating a space that supports both therapists and individuals on their mental health journeys. Whether you’re looking for tools to enhance your practice or resources to guide your own healing, Verve & Spark is here for you.

To learn more about my journey and the heart behind Verve & Spark, check out our website. I’m excited to share this journey with you, because I truly believe that with the right support, we can all thrive.

Angela has been working in the freelance world since 2008. Her degree is in Education, but she eventually ventured out and learned about marketing, writing/editing, graphic design, social media, and other similar topics. She now runs Verve & Spark, where she shares about mental health from the perspective of patient and therapist.

Angela Bickford

Angela has been working in the freelance world since 2008. Her degree is in Education, but she eventually ventured out and learned about marketing, writing/editing, graphic design, social media, and other similar topics. She now runs Verve & Spark, where she shares about mental health from the perspective of patient and therapist.

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