Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
@sherrymerriam.bsky.social
🦚Owner of Iridescent Care Collaborative, a mental health group practice.
❤️🩹Therapist to Misfits & Sensitives.
🤓Dork, Geek, and Nerd.
📘Coauthor of "Charming Mayhem: A Sixguns and Sorcery Omnibus."
🌈Perimenopausal Spoonie Bi Poly UU Pagan Witch.
❤️🩹Therapist to Misfits & Sensitives.
🤓Dork, Geek, and Nerd.
📘Coauthor of "Charming Mayhem: A Sixguns and Sorcery Omnibus."
🌈Perimenopausal Spoonie Bi Poly UU Pagan Witch.
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
Nobody who is judging your CPTSD symptoms or recovery from the outside could possibly conceive of the commitment & courage you need to muster every day to face this.
Their opinions are not valid & their judgments are not relevant.
Recovery focus. All day.
Their opinions are not valid & their judgments are not relevant.
Recovery focus. All day.
September 1, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Nobody who is judging your CPTSD symptoms or recovery from the outside could possibly conceive of the commitment & courage you need to muster every day to face this.
Their opinions are not valid & their judgments are not relevant.
Recovery focus. All day.
Their opinions are not valid & their judgments are not relevant.
Recovery focus. All day.
Iridescent Care is *excited* to bring the shiny mental health joy back to Pagan Pride! Our providers have decades of experience serving the TC Pagan community. Please come by Booth 24 (near the Fountain) and get one of our new stickers and receive a glitter blessing to wear around Pagan Pride!
Twin Cities Pagan Pride Fall Fesitval
Event in Minneapolis, MN by TC Pagan Pride & Paganicon and 2 others on Saturday, September 6 2025 with 3.7K people interested and 229 people going.
www.facebook.com
August 28, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Iridescent Care is *excited* to bring the shiny mental health joy back to Pagan Pride! Our providers have decades of experience serving the TC Pagan community. Please come by Booth 24 (near the Fountain) and get one of our new stickers and receive a glitter blessing to wear around Pagan Pride!
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
August 7, 2025 at 9:19 PM
HEY YOU.
YOU GOT THIS.
I believe in you.
You didn't fuck it up. You just gotta pivot. You can do that.
LET'S PIVOT.
Let's do this.
Nap first if you need to.
YOU GOT THIS.
I believe in you.
You didn't fuck it up. You just gotta pivot. You can do that.
LET'S PIVOT.
Let's do this.
Nap first if you need to.
July 26, 2025 at 10:03 PM
HEY YOU.
YOU GOT THIS.
I believe in you.
You didn't fuck it up. You just gotta pivot. You can do that.
LET'S PIVOT.
Let's do this.
Nap first if you need to.
YOU GOT THIS.
I believe in you.
You didn't fuck it up. You just gotta pivot. You can do that.
LET'S PIVOT.
Let's do this.
Nap first if you need to.
REMINDER: ONE WEEK AWAY!
Case Consultation
Business Coaching
Networking
Want to learn about our membership model or our new 1099 openings? Got a clinical case that you'd love an open-minded take on? Have questions about your practice dreams? Just wanna meet some other cool therapists?
Case Consultation
Business Coaching
Networking
Want to learn about our membership model or our new 1099 openings? Got a clinical case that you'd love an open-minded take on? Have questions about your practice dreams? Just wanna meet some other cool therapists?
ICC Presents Fifth Tuesday : Open Staff Meeting & Networking
Join the Iridescent Crew + wider local therapy community for a virtual open meeting to include case consultation, business talks, and more!
www.eventbrite.com
July 22, 2025 at 8:44 PM
REMINDER: ONE WEEK AWAY!
Case Consultation
Business Coaching
Networking
Want to learn about our membership model or our new 1099 openings? Got a clinical case that you'd love an open-minded take on? Have questions about your practice dreams? Just wanna meet some other cool therapists?
Case Consultation
Business Coaching
Networking
Want to learn about our membership model or our new 1099 openings? Got a clinical case that you'd love an open-minded take on? Have questions about your practice dreams? Just wanna meet some other cool therapists?
Case Consultation
Business Coaching
Networking
Want to learn about our membership model or our new 1099 openings? Got a clinical case that you'd love an open-minded take on? Have questions about your solo or group practice dreams? Just wanna meet some other cool therapists and chill for an hour?
Business Coaching
Networking
Want to learn about our membership model or our new 1099 openings? Got a clinical case that you'd love an open-minded take on? Have questions about your solo or group practice dreams? Just wanna meet some other cool therapists and chill for an hour?
ICC Presents Fifth Tuesday : Open Staff Meeting & Networking
Join the Iridescent Crew + wider local therapy community for a virtual open meeting to include case consultation, business talks, and more!
www.eventbrite.com
July 18, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Case Consultation
Business Coaching
Networking
Want to learn about our membership model or our new 1099 openings? Got a clinical case that you'd love an open-minded take on? Have questions about your solo or group practice dreams? Just wanna meet some other cool therapists and chill for an hour?
Business Coaching
Networking
Want to learn about our membership model or our new 1099 openings? Got a clinical case that you'd love an open-minded take on? Have questions about your solo or group practice dreams? Just wanna meet some other cool therapists and chill for an hour?
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
For my money we don't talk enough about the aftermath of setting a boundary, in which we overthink & second guess it for days or more.
It's real important during that time we keep reminding ourselves why we set it-- & that we have both the right & responsibly to set boundaries.
It's real important during that time we keep reminding ourselves why we set it-- & that we have both the right & responsibly to set boundaries.
July 10, 2025 at 5:57 PM
For my money we don't talk enough about the aftermath of setting a boundary, in which we overthink & second guess it for days or more.
It's real important during that time we keep reminding ourselves why we set it-- & that we have both the right & responsibly to set boundaries.
It's real important during that time we keep reminding ourselves why we set it-- & that we have both the right & responsibly to set boundaries.
Looking forward to serving as a panelist on "The Heroine's Journey" with some other inspiring heroines at @convergencecon.bsky.social this weekend. I *loved* @gailcarriger.bsky.social 's book on this topic, which inspired this panel! www.convergence-con.org
CONvergence Convention | Minneapolis, MN Sci Fi & Fantasy Con
CONvergence is an annual convention for fans of Science Fiction and Fantasy in all media: a 4-day event with thousands of attendees, and the premier event of our kind in the upper Midwest. Join us Jul...
www.convergence-con.org
July 1, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Looking forward to serving as a panelist on "The Heroine's Journey" with some other inspiring heroines at @convergencecon.bsky.social this weekend. I *loved* @gailcarriger.bsky.social 's book on this topic, which inspired this panel! www.convergence-con.org
I'm excited and honored to present at this event! Join us as we raise the bar for counseling supervision in Minnesota. www.mnca.org
May 14, 2025 at 8:40 PM
I'm excited and honored to present at this event! Join us as we raise the bar for counseling supervision in Minnesota. www.mnca.org
Needed this today.
You CAN do this— realistically, step by baby step, choice by teeny, tiny micro choice— and you are worth the trouble.
May 6, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Needed this today.
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
What if we imagined from love, not fear? As UUs, we believe every body is sacred. Reclaiming our imagination is spiritual work—and justice work. What stories about bodies are we ready to unlearn together?
#EveryBodyIsSacred #LoveNotFear #UU #Decolonize
#EveryBodyIsSacred #LoveNotFear #UU #Decolonize
May 5, 2025 at 2:06 PM
What if we imagined from love, not fear? As UUs, we believe every body is sacred. Reclaiming our imagination is spiritual work—and justice work. What stories about bodies are we ready to unlearn together?
#EveryBodyIsSacred #LoveNotFear #UU #Decolonize
#EveryBodyIsSacred #LoveNotFear #UU #Decolonize
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
The Education Department says millions of borrowers in default will have a chance to make a payment or sign up for a repayment plan. But on May 5, those who don't will be referred for collection.
Trump administration to resume collections on student loan borrowers in default
The Education Department says millions of borrowers in default will have a chance to make a payment or sign up for a repayment plan. But on May 5, those who don't will be referred for collection.
www.npr.org
May 5, 2025 at 4:38 PM
The Education Department says millions of borrowers in default will have a chance to make a payment or sign up for a repayment plan. But on May 5, those who don't will be referred for collection.
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
A study from the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that psychotherapy is becoming more accessible to people. The study looks at trends in mental health treatment from 2018 to 2021.
Talk therapy is up, and use of psych meds without therapy is down, a study finds
A study from the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that psychotherapy is becoming more accessible to people. The study looks at trends in mental health treatment from 2018 to 2021.
www.npr.org
May 5, 2025 at 6:37 PM
A study from the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that psychotherapy is becoming more accessible to people. The study looks at trends in mental health treatment from 2018 to 2021.
Iridescent Care Collaborative (the group mental health practice I own) is hosting a free virtual business brainstorming and networking session tomorrow! Bring your half-baked ideas, and we'll help you develop them. www.eventbrite.com/e/1281157981...
ICC Presents Fifth Tuesday : Business Brainstorm
Bring your half-baked business ideas / dreams & collaborate with other clinicians to share resources toward making your vision a reality!
www.eventbrite.com
April 28, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Iridescent Care Collaborative (the group mental health practice I own) is hosting a free virtual business brainstorming and networking session tomorrow! Bring your half-baked ideas, and we'll help you develop them. www.eventbrite.com/e/1281157981...
There was a trans woman in my small rural hometown while I was growing up. I was aware that she didn't get the same respect as other people, and I didn't understand why. I was bullied growing up for my own reasons, so I really don't like bullying.
cis folks, i'm curious for you to share answers, if you want:
what made you start caring about trans rights? who'd you know/what happened? tell me the story.
what made you start caring about trans rights? who'd you know/what happened? tell me the story.
April 19, 2025 at 2:53 AM
There was a trans woman in my small rural hometown while I was growing up. I was aware that she didn't get the same respect as other people, and I didn't understand why. I was bullied growing up for my own reasons, so I really don't like bullying.
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
Our worst year can become our best year-- if it's the year we commit to trauma or addiction recovery.
We don't have to love what we endured this year-- but we can turn it into the year we got realistic & consistent about relating to ourselves w/ compassion, patience, & respect.
We don't have to love what we endured this year-- but we can turn it into the year we got realistic & consistent about relating to ourselves w/ compassion, patience, & respect.
April 16, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Our worst year can become our best year-- if it's the year we commit to trauma or addiction recovery.
We don't have to love what we endured this year-- but we can turn it into the year we got realistic & consistent about relating to ourselves w/ compassion, patience, & respect.
We don't have to love what we endured this year-- but we can turn it into the year we got realistic & consistent about relating to ourselves w/ compassion, patience, & respect.
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
Trauma Brain will always give us "good" reasons to do self-harmful or self-neglectful things-- and it'll always find "good" reasons to put off recovery habits & self-nurturing things.
Remember that Trauma Brain has an agenda-- that does NOT include your happiness or longevity.
Remember that Trauma Brain has an agenda-- that does NOT include your happiness or longevity.
April 16, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Trauma Brain will always give us "good" reasons to do self-harmful or self-neglectful things-- and it'll always find "good" reasons to put off recovery habits & self-nurturing things.
Remember that Trauma Brain has an agenda-- that does NOT include your happiness or longevity.
Remember that Trauma Brain has an agenda-- that does NOT include your happiness or longevity.
1/ Below, you'll find the YouTube link to a segment of a recent service at my church, First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, where I micropreached about polyamory.
www.youtube.com/live/UNg_O09...
www.youtube.com/live/UNg_O09...
Sunday, April 6th Worship with First Universalist Church
YouTube video by First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
www.youtube.com
April 11, 2025 at 7:52 PM
1/ Below, you'll find the YouTube link to a segment of a recent service at my church, First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, where I micropreached about polyamory.
www.youtube.com/live/UNg_O09...
www.youtube.com/live/UNg_O09...
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
Oh yeah, amidst all the ongoing chaos that is (waves hands) everything, I had a new poetry collection released.
www.amazon.com/Spring-Morni...
www.amazon.com/Spring-Morni...
A Spring Morning
A Spring Morning [Merriam, Michael] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. A Spring Morning
www.amazon.com
March 21, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Oh yeah, amidst all the ongoing chaos that is (waves hands) everything, I had a new poetry collection released.
www.amazon.com/Spring-Morni...
www.amazon.com/Spring-Morni...
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
Signal's a great app to keep your communications secure, but make sure you know the identities of the users in your group chats.
Our SSD guide on how to use Signal includes guidance on managing your group chat preferences.
Our SSD guide on how to use Signal includes guidance on managing your group chat preferences.
How to: Use Signal
Download location: Google Play Store, Apple App Store
System requirements: Android 5 or later, iOS 13 or later
Version used in this guide: Android: 7.0. iPhone: 7.0
License: GPLv3
Level: Beginner
Time...
ssd.eff.org
March 24, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Signal's a great app to keep your communications secure, but make sure you know the identities of the users in your group chats.
Our SSD guide on how to use Signal includes guidance on managing your group chat preferences.
Our SSD guide on how to use Signal includes guidance on managing your group chat preferences.
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
Just a reminder: having a functional moral compass right now is going to make you feel bad all the time; don’t mistakenly hate yourself for that.
March 24, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Just a reminder: having a functional moral compass right now is going to make you feel bad all the time; don’t mistakenly hate yourself for that.
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
Focusing on our own physical health, our economic stability, & our emotional safety in trauma recovery is the opposite of "selfish."
In fighting for ourselves we are fighting for everyone & everything we care about-- for our ability to show up & be there for them.
In fighting for ourselves we are fighting for everyone & everything we care about-- for our ability to show up & be there for them.
March 26, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Focusing on our own physical health, our economic stability, & our emotional safety in trauma recovery is the opposite of "selfish."
In fighting for ourselves we are fighting for everyone & everything we care about-- for our ability to show up & be there for them.
In fighting for ourselves we are fighting for everyone & everything we care about-- for our ability to show up & be there for them.
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
My feed is increasingly looking like the pre-credit montage of headlines in a post apocalyptic action movie.
March 18, 2025 at 12:59 PM
My feed is increasingly looking like the pre-credit montage of headlines in a post apocalyptic action movie.
I guess we have a new definition for "Trump Derangement Syndrome" now.
Republican state senator who just introduced a bill to define opposition to President Trump as a mental illness has been arrested for trying to have sex with a minor.
GOP calls for Sen. Justin Eichorn to resign after arrest on suspicion of soliciting teen for sex
The Grand Rapids Republican thought he was talking to a teen girl. The person was actually a Twin Cities police detective, officials said.
www.startribune.com
March 19, 2025 at 1:50 AM
I guess we have a new definition for "Trump Derangement Syndrome" now.
Reposted by Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPCC-S
Being tired after years of struggle isn't the same as being "weak." The most capable athlete is tired after running a marathon-- and you've been running marathon after marathon, for years, just staying alive.
You're not "weak." You're exhausted.
You're not "weak." You're exhausted.
March 18, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Being tired after years of struggle isn't the same as being "weak." The most capable athlete is tired after running a marathon-- and you've been running marathon after marathon, for years, just staying alive.
You're not "weak." You're exhausted.
You're not "weak." You're exhausted.