smudgedinkblot.com
Smudged: A doctor, her cats, and the inkblots they walk through.
We're Happy You’re Here (feline associates included).
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Hi! I'm Tracy Brottem and I'm a Post-doctoral Resident at Northfield Dynamic Therapy. I love being a therapist (especially for college/grad students), I love to write, and I love cats (especially mine but really ALL cats) so it seemed like a good idea to combine them. I wanted to include tea and chocolate but got tired of wiping off my laptop. I hope you enjoy your time here as I share mental health tips, self-care ideas, things that amuse me (because it's my blog), and a lot of encouragement to treat yourself with all the love, kindness, and compassion you can muster, and more importantly, that you deserve. So, let's get Smudged!
Dr. Molly Mouse, CFO (Chief Feline Officer), Site Editor, and Ghost Writer. Known for her keen instincts, excellent grooming, and unplanned "speed rounds" to monitor the perimeter and defend against invisible enemy combatants. Enjoys seafood, long naps, solving the mystery before Sherlock, and birdwatching.
Dr. Lil' Bit, Adjunct Professor of Philosophy (when she's not distracted by everything). Performs operatic renditions of The Song of her People at random intervals when not searching for empirical evidence that everyone else has a better meal than hers. Always voted "Dressed to Impress" by her colleagues.
Dr. Maeve, co-therapist and on-site supervisor of Dr. Brottem. Believes her advice is best transmitted via lap osmosis and purring. Relaxes by dipping her paws into glasses of ice water without the owner's consent. Highly empathetic but remorseless when ice cubes are involved.
Looking for a Therapist Who Truly Gets It?
Whether you're a college student overwhelmed by academic pressures, a student-athlete struggling with performance anxiety, or someone recovering from the deep wounds of relational trauma, therapy can be a place to find clarity, healing, and self-trust.
I specialize in working with young adults navigating anxiety, self-doubt, burnout, and identity challenges. I also have extensive experience helping survivors of narcissistic abuse—those who are trying to make sense of toxic relationship dynamics, break free from trauma bonds, and rebuild their lives with strength and confidence. If you're feeling lost, exhausted, or unsure of how to move forward, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back, reconnect you with your inner wisdom, and help you build the kind of life and relationships that feel safe, fulfilling, and yours.
Schedule a Free Consultation at Northfield Dynamic Therapy and take the next step toward healing.