Lapis Healing Arts: Jessica "Chiara" Viscomi, LMFT #104851

09/06/2025

Narcissism and lack of empathy aren't just interpersonal issues—they're global ones.

Wetiko is a character or archetype described in Algonquin myths as a cannibalistic spirit driven by insatiable hunger. The wetiko archetype has been explored by both contemporary Native American and non-Native writers to understand the psychospiritual root of our current global polycrisis.

In my most recent blog post, I share how the wetiko archetype:
• Can be seen as a metaphor for narcissism and the endangerment of empathy
• Represents a part of our collective dark night of the soul, a challenge that we are all being tasked to address
• Has informed how I work with people who are recovering from narcissistic abuse and navigating the current polycrisis

As a therapist specializing in narcissistic abuse recovery, grappling with the idea of wetiko and its implications has greatly enhanced the way I think about and work with people healing from narcissistic abuse and the endangerment of empathy. Learning about wetiko has also shaped my understandi

06/01/2025

We've all heard of passive-aggressive behavior. But what about passive-coercive behavior?

In my latest blog post, I explore this often subtle but insidious form of manipulation that can have a detrimental impact on our lives and relationships.

None of us is immune to it--practically all of us at some point have used passive-coercive tactics. Moreover, passive-coercion is often modeled for us and normalized in the overculture.

Passive-coercion is tricky because it can be challenging to identify in oneself and others. This is especially the case for people who are recovering from a history of codependency or narcissistic abuse.

It’s critical to learn to identify and respond to passive-coercion effectively, as failing to address it can result in unhealthy relationship dynamics and unvoiced resentment. Check out my blog to learn how to recognize and address passive-coercive behavior—in yourself and others:

Learning how to recognize and address passive-coercive behavior—in yourself and others—is a process that takes time. The good news is that, with continued practice and support from trusted people in your life such as family, friends, and a therapist with expertise in codependency therapy, it is ...

05/16/2022

Feeling burnt out, depleted, or uninspired with your self-care? I've got just the thing for you in my upcoming workshop, where you'll learn a unique, intuitive approach to self-care. Come fill up your cup in this in-person, hands-on playshop, "Fill Your Cup: Creative Movement, Art, and Writing for Replenishment" at The Scarlet Sage Herb Co. in SF on Sat., May 28, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For more info and to register, visit https://scarletsage.com/collections/classes/products/fill-your-cup-for-replenishment.

05/01/2022

https://www.facebook.com/shamantube/photos/a.281586071898124/483603605029702/?type=3&av=106412804405374&eav=Afan3ULUHZsRwCHPncKBy_75dHuM4GH3ZwxeS36_Mu9S16SWG4XnGqJgYW1rah3rzEM

“You have the need and the right to spend part of your life caring for your soul. It is not easy. You have to resist the demands of the work-oriented, often defensive, element in your psyche that measures life only in terms of output -- how much you produce -- not in terms of the quality of your life experiences. To be a soulful person means to go against all the pervasive, prove-yourself values of our culture and instead treasure what is unique and internal and valuable in yourself and your own personal evolution.”
-Jean Shinoda Bolen

Art by Lucy Campbell

03/26/2021

"Many people accept the idea that life is like a competition.... But there is a big difference between games of sport and reality, competition and real life. Life is growth; life means helping, and being helped by, everyone around us; life is an eternal force that brings increasing insight and wisdom—things which are outside the realm of competition."—Sobonfu Somé

03/23/2021

More to come, but to start, here's a list of therapist directories, organizations, and other mental health resources for the AAPI community.

With the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes - the Stop AAPI Hate National Report covered 3,795 incidents from March 19, 2020, to Feb. 28, 2021, which only represent a fraction of the hate incidents against the AAPI community each year - it is more important than ever for Asian American Pacific Islander....

03/22/2021

Our moods and outlook can significantly improve when we embrace movement as medicine:

Movement is incredibly effective at lifting mood and reducing symptoms of many mental disorders.

02/27/2021

We can all use a tension tune-up. Check out my blog post for The Anxiety Relief Center on 6 powerful daily habits to manage anxiety:

by Chiara Viscomi, MA, LMFT ( #104851) Anxiety comes in different forms—sometimes, it can feel like low grade but constant worry buzzing in the background. Other times, you might be caught off guard by a sudden panic attack. Or, you might regularly deal with a phobia, such as feeling anxious in con...

10/06/2020

Why do therapy appointments tend to be once per week (as opposed to once every 2 weeks, or even once a month?). This article does a great job of explaining why:

Weekly therapy or counselling sessions - is it really necessary to attend so often? Therapists explain the reasoning behind weekly sessions.

09/04/2020

Great article on the connection between creativity and well-being:

Is there a connection between a happy life and creativity? Research says 'yes.' See how you can life a happy and fulfilled life with creativity.