July's Newsletter: Sensory Overload, June's Recap, and What’s Ahead

Let's Talk About...Sensory Overload

Each month, we’re taking a deeper dive into a topic related to trauma-informed or gender-responsive care.

This month, we're exploring sensory overload: a state in which the brain becomes overwhelmed by environmental input, such as loud sounds, bright lights, strong smells, or crowded spaces. For individuals with trauma histories, neurodivergence, or heightened sensitivity, these experiences can feel overwhelming and even triggering. Understanding sensory overload helps us create environments that are safer, calmer, and more supportive for everyone.

Featured Clinical Resources:

• Understanding Sensory Processing in Mental Health Settings from National Sensory Network
• Creating Sensory Friendly Environments in Adult Mental Health Settings from Sensory Integration Education

Grounding Tips:

Provided by Alicia Feller, LCSW, Executive Director 

Feeling overloaded and overwhelmed? Whether you're experiencing sensory overload yourself or supporting a client who is, here are some practical tips to help get grounded:

1. Intentional breathing. Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4 (or whatever number works best), hold for a count of 4, and release through your mouth for a count of 4. This can help calm the nervous system and reduce the stress response.

If breathing feels difficult due to physical reasons or intense stimulation, try closing your eyes or focusing on a single point. Imagine a warm wave of calming energy moving from head to toe. Visualize that wave washing over the body as many times as needed.

2. Add a personal mantra like “I am safe” or “This will pass” for an extra layer of support.

Taking a few moments to step away or disengage from what's overwhelming can help bring the nervous system back into balance.

Insights & Resources

BIPOC Mental Health Month

BIPOC Mental Health Month, observed each July, highlights the unique mental health experiences and challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. It aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote culturally responsive care in mental health services. This month builds on a long history of advocacy for racial equity in healthcare and mental wellness, recognizing the impact of systemic racism, trauma, and social determinants on BIPOC mental health. BIPOC Mental Health Month is a time to celebrate resilience, amplify marginalized voices, and work toward more inclusive and equitable mental health support for all.

Resources:

• Check out UConn's list of BIPOC/AAPI mental health resources or The Hub CT's list.
• The CT BIPOC Mental Health & Wellness Alliance is hosting its first conference on August 9th. 
• NAMICT offers a BIPOC mental health support group. 

Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month, celebrated each July, honors the identity, strength, and diversity of people with disabilities while challenging stigma and promoting inclusion. It marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990: a landmark civil rights victory for the disability community. Disability and mental health are closely connected. Many people with disabilities also experience mental health challenges due to factors like ableism, social isolation, or trauma. Mental health conditions themselves can also be considered disabilities, especially when they impact a person’s daily life. Disability Pride Month is a time to uplift disabled voices, advocate for accessibility in mental health care, and affirm the full experiences of those living at the intersection of disability and mental health.

Resources:

• Learn more about the intersection of disability and mental health at NAMI.
• See what services the state of CT offers to people with disabilities. 
• Check out CT-based advocacy groups Disability Rights Connecticut and the Center for Disability Rights.

June's Highlights & Takeaways

Inpatient Suicide Prevention

Dr. David Tolin, ABPP, led an impactful workshop that provided a deep dive into cognitive-behavioral approaches to understanding and treating suicidal behavior. A focused protocol was introduced for working with patients recently hospitalized after a suicide attempt. With the help of Dr. Tolin’s thoughtful and straightforward training approach, participants were able to receive clear guidance, practical tools, and empathetic framing for a subject matter that is oftentimes challenging to navigate and assist clients through.

What Participants Had to Say:

"I really enjoyed this training and the meeting space. Dr. Tolin is extremely knowledgeable and very easy to listen to. I especially liked the format: the use of videos to show the approaches/skills he was speaking of and the audience participation. The timing of breaks was also on point. I look forward to his next presentation, which I will sign up for as soon as I return home."

"Very informative training. I learned new information that I can take with me to my current job." 

Related Upcoming Trainings: 

• Buried in Treasures: The Nature & Treatment of Hoarding Disorder with Dr. David Tolin, ABPP on September 5th
  

Substance Abuse and Family Systems:

Trainer Deb Borzellino, LMFT, returned to The Consortium to bring a full-day interactive training that proved invaluable for both family members and clinicians working with families affected by substance use disorders. Grounded in a family systems framework, this workshop offered practical tools to understand the ripple effects of addiction and promote healing. Clinicians gained systemic strategies to interrupt dysfunctional patterns, as well as insight, structure, and a path toward shared recovery for all family members impacted. Participants especially appreciated the engaging roleplaying opportunities, which brought key concepts to life and enhanced real-world application.

What Participants Had to Say:

"The skills demonstrated through the roleplay sessions were the most valuable. The concept of spoken and unspoken rules was presented impactfully. Great training overall." 

"Trainer was a brilliant psychotherapist and truly enjoyed her family therapy live demonstrations." 

"Wonderful! Great content and speaker - fun, dynamic, full of learning opportunities."

Related Upcoming Trainings: 

• Psychopharmacology: The Basics & Beyond, Part 1 & 2 with Dr. Peter Tolisano, ABPP on July 14 & 21
• Fathers: Cultivating Safety, Accountability & Emotional Intelligence for Stronger Families with Carolina Grijalba-Rodriguez, LCSW on September 11th
• Trauma in Children & Adolescents: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment Options with Dr. Viana Turcios-Cotto on September 23rd