Natalia Peters
Angela Ficken is known as a leading psychotherapist specializing in stress management and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but equally intriguing is her ability to balance a thriving private practice with a personal style that reflects her passion for well-being. Angela doesn’t just talk about wellness—she embodies it in every aspect of her life, including her sense of fashion. Her approach to dressing mirrors the mindfulness she encourages in her clients, demonstrating that what you wear can influence how you feel.
The Intersection of Fashion and Mental Wellness
Angela believes that personal style can extend emotional well-being. “How we present ourselves to the world speaks volumes about our mental state,” she says. Getting dressed every morning isn’t just a task—it’s an act of self-care. Choosing clothing that makes you feel good, comfortable, and confident can set the tone for your day. But just because you look pulled together doesn’t mean you are. Some people look good but are internally falling apart, so it’s not all or nothing. Dressing in a way that helps you feel good can boost your mood—and just because you dress well doesn’t mean your mental health is magically fixed. Fashion can be a useful tool for improving how you feel, but it’s only part of the equation.
Her wardrobe reflects her thoughtful approach, favoring black and white, neutral tones, soft fabrics, and clean silhouettes—mirroring the simplicity and mindfulness that shape her work. “I want my clothing to feel like a second skin,” Angela explains. “It’s not about trends but cultivating a closet that works for me, so I’m not wasting energy every morning deciding what to wear.” This streamlined approach allows her to focus more on her work with clients and less on decision fatigue—a concept she often discusses in therapy.
A Capsule Wardrobe with a Purpose
Angela advocates for what she calls a “functional yet stylish capsule wardrobe,” a collection of versatile pieces that align with her values of simplicity and sustainability. “Having fewer, high-quality pieces reduces clutter in both your closet and your mind,” she notes. Her essentials include tailored blazers, breathable knitwear, structured trousers, and timeless accessories that allow her to transition seamlessly from therapy sessions to networking events. Angela’s fashion ethos is clear: what she wears must fit her lifestyle and, more importantly, her mood.
She also incorporates wellness into her wardrobe by noticing how textures and colors make her feel. For example, she opts for soft fabrics in calming hues like sage green or soft beige on high-pressure days. “Your clothing should support you,” Angela shares, “whether you need to feel energized for a big meeting or comforted during a challenging day.”
Mindful Shopping as a Wellness Practice
Angela emphasizes the importance of mindful consumption, aligning her shopping habits with the same intentionality she promotes through her mental health practice. “It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying new things, but it can become overwhelming and contribute to stress,” she says. Instead, Angela suggests that people pause before making purchases, asking, “Will this piece add value to my life or clutter my mind?”
She often encourages her clients to declutter their wardrobes as part of self-care, noting that cleaning physical spaces can also clear emotional ones. “We tend to hold on to items that carry emotional weight, but releasing what no longer serves you can be a powerful step toward wellness,” she explains.
Personal Style as a Form of Empowerment
For Angela, style is not just about looking good—it’s about feeling empowered. “How you dress can influence your mindset, mood, and interactions,” she says. She views fashion as a way to reclaim control, especially on days when life feels unpredictable. “Even if I can’t control everything happening around me, I can control how I show up in the world.”
Her advice for those looking to cultivate their sense of personal style? “Start by identifying what makes you feel most like yourself,” Angela recommends. “Your wardrobe should reflect who you are, not who you think you should be.”
Fashion Meets Wellness: The Future of Angela’s Work
As Angela grows her private practice and online footprint, she hopes to blend fashion and wellness in future ventures. “I’m exploring ways to help people feel empowered mentally but also through how they present themselves,” she hints. This could involve workshops on building a mindful wardrobe or offering styling tips on emotional well-being.
Angela’s seamless integration of mental wellness and personal style demonstrates her philosophy: balance is achievable in both life and fashion. Through her thoughtful approach to dressing, Angela shows that fashion can be more than just clothes—it can be a tool for wellness, a reflection of mindfulness, and a source of empowerment. Whether meeting with clients or attending events, Angela’s style and substance serve as a reminder that looking good and feeling good can—and should—go hand in hand.
Credits
Photography: Elyse Pono
