Meet Brooke Langford

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brooke Langford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brooke, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I’d say my work ethic comes from a combination of the values I grew up with and my experiences as a therapist. Growing up, I watched my family approach their responsibilities with dedication and care, and that left a strong impression on me. Hard work was always modeled as something important, not just for success, but for contributing meaningfully to others.

In my career, that foundation has been reinforced. As a therapist, I’ve seen how impactful it is to show up fully present and committed to the therapeutic process. Knowing that my effort can make a tangible difference in someone’s life inspires me to continually improve my skills and maintain a high standard of care.

Ultimately, my work ethic is driven by the belief that what we do matters. That sense of purpose motivates me to give my best every day.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with children and young adults, particularly those navigating challenges like ADHD and anxiety. My practice, Sunshine Horizons Marriage and Family Therapy, PLLC, is based in New York City, and we focus on fostering confidence, emotional expression, and personal growth.

What excites me most about my work is witnessing the transformation that happens when clients begin to recognize their own strengths and capabilities. Therapy is a collaborative process, and being able to guide children and young adults as they develop new skills and build a sense of resilience is incredibly fulfilling.

A key approach I use is play therapy, which allows children to express themselves in a way that feels natural and safe to them. Play is a powerful tool for helping children process their emotions, navigate social situations, and develop coping strategies. It’s especially effective for younger clients, as it gives them the opportunity to work through challenges without the pressure of traditional talk therapy.

Sunshine Horizons Marriage and Family Therapy, PLLC is also growing, and I’m thrilled to be expanding our services to better meet the needs of our clients. We’re exploring ways to integrate more community workshops and resources for families, aiming to create a holistic support system for the children we serve.

I want readers to know that Sunshine Horizons is more than just a space for addressing challenges; it’s a place for fostering growth, confidence, and a sense of thriving. Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child or an adult navigating life’s complexities, my goal is to provide a compassionate, solution-focused path forward.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a therapist are empathy, a commitment to lifelong learning, and the ability to build trust with clients. These qualities have shaped my approach to therapy and allowed me to truly connect with and support my clients.

-Empathy: The ability to truly understand and feel with others has been foundational in building strong therapeutic relationships. It’s important to not just listen, but to listen with the intention of understanding and validating a person’s experiences. For those starting out, I’d advise making empathy a priority—not just in your work, but in your everyday interactions. The more you practice being present with others, the more naturally empathy will come into play in your sessions.

-Lifelong Learning: This field is always evolving, and staying up to date with new research, techniques, and therapeutic approaches is key to growing as a clinician. Early in my career, I made it a point to seek out continuing education opportunities and connect with colleagues for supervision and consultation. For those early in their journey, I’d recommend investing in your professional growth by attending workshops, reading widely, and asking for feedback from more experienced colleagues. Don’t hesitate to explore new methods or perspectives.

-Building Trust: Trust is the cornerstone of effective therapy. If clients don’t feel safe and supported, it’s difficult to make any progress. I focused on developing an authentic, non-judgmental approach that made clients feel heard and respected. For those just starting out, I’d say it’s vital to be consistent, reliable, and genuine in your interactions. Building trust takes time, but by showing up with sincerity and respect, you’ll lay the groundwork for deep, meaningful connections.

For those early in their journey, I’d encourage you to be patient with yourself and stay committed to your development. Therapy is a lifelong practice, and the more you nurture these qualities, the more you’ll see them shape your work in profound ways.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Yes, one challenge I’m currently facing is managing the growth of my practice while maintaining the level of personalized care that my clients expect and deserve. As my practice, Sunshine Horizons Marriage and Family Therapy, PLLC, expands, it’s important to balance the demands of seeing clients with the logistical aspects of running a business—such as marketing, hiring, and managing operations.

I’m working on finding the right balance and delegating more tasks so that I can focus on what I do best—working with clients. It’s a process, and while it’s rewarding, it does require ongoing adjustments. My goal is to maintain the integrity of the therapeutic work while building a sustainable practice that can better serve the community.

It’s an exciting challenge, but one that requires a lot of intentionality and planning.

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