by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 30, 2025 | Thoughts and Reflections
As we round toward the end of the year, I thought it’d be fun to do a little “year in review” — Stress Free Psych NP style. 🎉 I dug through everything I’ve shared this year to find the NP resources you downloaded, clicked, talked about, and shared the most. And wow —...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 23, 2025 | Thoughts and Reflections
A recent conversation stopped me in my tracks. Someone close to me shared an experience with a renowned specialist at a top hospital—a place expected to provide exceptional care. But instead of feeling like a participant in their care, they left feeling like a...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 18, 2025 | Thoughts and Reflections, Transition into Practice Tips & Resources
Every NP has had that moment—questioning their skillset, second-guessing a decision, or feeling like there’s still so much to learn. If that’s where you are now, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re likely growing in ways you don’t even realize. So, what truly...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Aug 28, 2025 | Thoughts and Reflections
As mental health providers, we often advocate for balance, rest, therapy, and sometimes medication. But too often, we neglect taking the advice we give to our patients which can contribute to provider burnout. Prescriber mental health deserves just as much attention...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Jun 26, 2025 | Career Advice, Thoughts and Reflections
I have a very clear memory of a time I felt completely out of place in my nurse practitioner role. And surprisingly, it didn’t happen in my first few weeks on the job—it was nearly a year into practice when a patient reminded me just how tough it can be when patients...
by Claire Ellerbrock, DNP, PMHNP | Dec 19, 2024 | Career Advice, Thoughts and Reflections
The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, and patients often feel the weight of navigating family dynamics, financial strain, and even painful memories. Here are three practical, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based strategies you as a nurse practitioner can...
