Greetings, fellow adventurers in life and mental health!

I'm Chadwick, a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Trauma Therapist, and Neurodiverse Travel Expert based in the beautiful state of Colorado. My journey is as winding and colorful as the mountain trails and volcanic valleys I love to explore, filled with unexpected turns and breathtaking vistas.

Early Seeds of Compassion

My path to mental health began earlier than I realized. At 17, an impactful church ministry was ending as leadership exited in a storm of unfortunate drama. All I could think about was that humbling moment when grown man embraced me, balling on my shoulder because I gave him a clean, dry pair of tube socks in the dead of Colorado winter. Driven by a deep desire to help those suffering in my community, I ran with the concept and founded a student-led nonprofit homeless outreach in Denver.

Working closely with individuals experiencing homelessness, many struggling with severe and persistent mental illness and substance abuse, ignited a passion for understanding and assisting those facing life's toughest challenges.

This experience led me to pursue studies in philosophy and theology, seeking to understand the human condition more deeply. The works of existentialists and humanists resonated with me, gradually drawing me towards the field of psychology. I was fascinated by the intricacies of the human mind and the potential to promote well-being and make a tangible difference in people's lives.

A Late Discovery That Changed Everything

At 27, I received a diagnosis that would reshape my understanding of myself and the world around me: ADHD. This late discovery illuminated the challenges I'd faced and the unique strengths I'd developed. It sparked a passion for helping others navigate their own neurodivergent journeys, particularly through travel and wellness.

But it isn’t all illuminating sunshine and rainbows. We talk a lot about what we learn with a diagnosis and how so many things make more sense, but not enough about the pain. We trained ourselves to put on a mask for the neurotypical world to see, simply get by under the shroud of misunderstanding.

It is very difficult to try to re-shape and re-understand your own mind and life experiences a third of the way through life. To unlearn all the maladaptive coping strategies and skills you developed, simply to get by in society.

Neurotypicals often cheer and celebrate our success and achievements, but few know the chaos inside of our minds and the mental torment we often endure to get there. Most see the creativity and excitement; few see the overwhelming meltdowns, executive dysfunction, and sensory overload. Most will never know what it is like to feel like you don’t have control of your own mind; while know it is capable of great things.

A neurodivergent life is not any easy life, but it is an incredibly special and beautiful life. There is so much beauty in the chaos. We are some of the wisest and most creative minds to walk this earth.

I hope you will join me on a journey to find joy in the chaos, highlight the unique beauty of neurodiversity, and celebrate minds of all kind.

From Chaos to Creativity:

Capturing Mindful Moments

As I grappled with my ADHD diagnosis, I found myself drawn back to a passion from my high school days: photography. The one hobby I stopped making much time for since college, unless I was traveling. Little did I know, this rekindling would became a profound tool for self-discovery and mental well-being. Journeying through my lens, I discovered a unique blend of hyperfocus and mindfulness that helped me make sense of my ADHD mind.

Photography became more than just a hobby; it became a metaphor for how I view the world and approach mental health. Sometimes, we need to zoom in and focus intently on the details of our lives. Other times, we benefit from stepping back to see the bigger picture. This perspective has deeply influenced my approach to therapy and understanding of self.

I came to realize I capture not just images, but moments of profound mindfulness. Photography has become my meditative practice, teaching me to focus on the present, appreciate the beauty in small details, and find calm in chaos. Join me as we explore how the art of photography can be a powerful tool for mental wellness, helping us to pause, reflect, and find joy in our daily lives and travels.

The Professional Journey

Picture the very first wide-eyed baby intern stumbling through hospital corridors, armed with more enthusiasm and distracted daydreams than experience. That was me, embarking on a journey that would shape my entire career and perspective on mental health.

From those early days, I evolved into a passionate leader for the Help for Heroes program - an experience that stands out as one of the most humbling and rewarding of my life. Working with veterans and first responders taught me more about resilience, courage, and the human spirit than I could have ever imagined. It wasn't just about providing therapy; it was about bearing witness to extraordinary strength in the face of immense challenges and serving those that sacrifice all for us.

This path, punctuated by moments of profound connection, hearty laughter, and yes, sometimes tears, ultimately led me to become a Clinical Director at a rehab center. Each role along the way - from intern to program manager to director - has been a masterclass in empathy, adaptability, and the incredible capacity of the human mind to heal and grow.

Working in high-intensity healthcare settings, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, taught me the invaluable lesson of finding joy and connection even in the most challenging circumstances. It reinforced my belief in the power of humor as a coping mechanism and the importance of authentic human connection in the healing process.

Throughout this journey, I've had the privilege of working with individuals from all walks of life, each facing their own unique struggles. From severe and persistent mental illness to addiction, from trauma to everyday life challenges, each client has left an indelible mark on my professional approach and personal philosophy.

This winding career path has not just deepened my understanding of mental health; it has fundamentally shaped how I view human resilience, the importance of compassionate care, and the transformative power of connection. It's these experiences that I now bring to Clinician's Cache and Find Joy in the Chaos, blending professional expertise with a deeply personal understanding of the mental health journey.

A Pivotal Decision:

From Burnout to Freedom

Despite my love for my work, the intensity of hospital life began to take its toll…and along came everyones favorite word: Burnout.

Burnout is no joke and it is unfortunately spreading like wildfire in the lives of many of our best mental health and healthcare professionals.

Leaving my job at the hospital, especially the Help for Heroes program, was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made, but it opened the door to one of the most transformative experiences of my life.

That’s when I bought a one-way ticket to Tokyo.

For the next 6 weeks I embarked on a solo travel adventure through Japan and Southeast Asia to find freedom from burnout and myself again. This sabbatical became a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and healing. As I explored new cultures, met incredible and unique people, captured breathtaking landscapes, and pushed my comfort zones, I found a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh perspective on mental health and wellness.

Find Joy in the Chaos:

Where Neurodiversity Meets Adventure

This passion for travel and personal growth led to the creation of Find Joy in the Chaos, a platform dedicated to all things neurodiverse travel and wellness. Here, we explore how stepping out of our comfort zones through travel can lead to profound personal growth and improved mental health, especially for my fellow neurodivergent individuals.

Whether you navigate life with ADHD, ASD, or sensory processing differences, I hope to offer practical strategies that will help turn every journey you embark upon into a path toward joyful and balanced living.

I strive to put my mind on display to hopefully encourage each of you one step at a time. I discovered how to navigate this life, and somehow travel the world like I never thought I could, through far to much pain and misunderstanding. If I can help bring you a moment of peace or understanding, all is worth it.

Clinician's Cache: Where Profession Meets Passion

Clinician's Cache emerged from the intersection of my professional expertise and personal experiences. As a trauma and addiction therapist who's worked in intense healthcare settings, including an inpatient psychiatric hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, I've witnessed firsthand the power of humor, connection, and self-expression in navigating life's challenges and wonders.

Our shop offers a unique blend of apparel, decor, and accessories that celebrate the resilience of healthcare professionals with a dash of dark humor *insert Snape “Obviously”*, advocate for mental health awareness, and spread a little joy along the way. Each product tells a story, much like the clients I've had the privilege to work with throughout my career and the beautiful places and people I’ve experience along the way.

The Mental Health Insights Blog is a treasure trove of professional wisdom and personal experiences. Here, we delve into the complexities of trauma therapy, explore the nuances of neurodiversity, and offer practical strategies for mental wellness. From evidence-based interventions to personal stories of resilience, this blog is your go-to resource for understanding and nurturing your mental health journey.

Our mission

At Clinician's Cache and Find Joy in the Chaos, we're on a mission to:

1. Raise mental health awareness through creative expression & discussions

2. Support and celebrate mental health & healthcare professionals

3. Provide resources for personal growth and wellness

4. Foster understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity

5. Encourage exploration and adventure as paths to self-discovery

Whether you're a fellow clinician looking for office art that speaks to your passion, a nurse in need of a smile-inducing coffee mug, or someone on their own journey of self-discovery, you'll find something here that resonates.

Join us in finding joy and understanding in the midst of our beautifully chaotic lives. After all, life's an adventure – let's embrace it together, one step, one photograph, and one mindful moment at a time.

Meet our team

At Clinician's Cache, our team embodies the perfect blend of professional expertise and adventurous spirit. Founded by Chadwick Lukasiewicz, MA, LPC-S, a Trauma Therapist and Clinical Supervisor with a passion for neurodiverse travel, we bring a unique perspective to mental wellness. Joined by our four-legged companions, Baylee and Pippin, we infuse joy and playfulness into our mission of guiding you through life's adventures, both in daily routines and across the globe. Together, we're committed to helping you find balance, embrace your neurodiversity, and discover the healing power of mindful travel and exploration.

Chadwick Lukasiewicz, MA, LPC-S

Trauma Therapist • Clinical Supervisor • Neurodiverse Travel Expert • Mindful Travel Photographer

Baylee

Chief Barketing Officer

Leads the way on every trail with her boundless energy and wagging tail. Always ready for a splash or a hike, she’s the heart and soul of our outdoor escapades.

Pippin

Lil Pip the Mini Doxie Adventurer

Come watch me explore the Rockies one paw at a time with my big sis at @LilPipAdventures