We were lucky to catch up with Brent Metcalf recently and have shared our conversation below.
Brent, 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 would say I get my work ethic from my dad. Growing up, I watched him work incredibly hard — often starting before the sun came up and finishing well after it went down. He not only worked full-time, sometimes putting in overtime to help make ends meet, but he also came home and put just as much effort into taking care of our house and the farmland we had. He was always moving, always working, seven days a week. Seeing that level of commitment and perseverance day in and day out taught me the importance of dedication, responsibility, and doing whatever it takes to get the job done — values that I carry with me into my own work today.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a therapist and the owner of Tri-Star Counseling, where we help individuals navigate life’s challenges and find healing from trauma, anxiety, grief, and other struggles. What I find most exciting about this work is the opportunity to walk alongside people as they rediscover their strength, resilience, and sense of hope. There’s something incredibly special about witnessing those moments when someone realizes they are not stuck forever — that change is possible.
At Tri-Star Counseling, we believe in creating a space that is not only professional but also deeply human. Healing doesn’t happen in sterile, one-size-fits-all environments. It happens when people feel seen, heard, and supported — and that’s what we strive to offer every client who walks through our doors, whether it’s in-person or through telehealth.
One new and exciting thing I’d love to share is the release of my Unstuck Workbook. It’s officially out and available for download! The workbook was created to help people who feel trapped by past experiences or overwhelming emotions take the first steps toward reclaiming their lives. It’s filled with exercises, reflections, and practical tools designed to help users move forward at their own pace. If you’re interested, you can learn more and download it here: https://tri-starcounseling.com/unstuck/.
Ultimately, whether it’s through therapy sessions, resources like the Unstuck Workbook, or community outreach, my mission is to help people realize that healing is possible — and that they don’t have to do it alone.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: simply showing up, holding space, and practicing compassion.
First, simply showing up has been foundational. Success isn’t always about having everything figured out — sometimes it’s about consistency, perseverance, and being willing to be present even when things are hard or uncertain. For those early in their journey, my advice would be: don’t underestimate the power of showing up every day with a willingness to learn and grow. Progress often happens in small, steady steps.
Second, holding space — the ability to be fully present with someone without trying to fix or change them — has been critical. It’s a skill that takes time and intentionality to develop. My advice here is to practice deep listening: listen not to respond, but to truly understand. The more you can sit with someone’s story without rushing to offer solutions, the more trust and transformation you’ll see.
Finally, practicing compassion — both for others and for yourself — has been essential. The work I do requires a deep empathy for people’s experiences, but it also requires the ability to extend that same kindness inward. For those starting out, I would encourage cultivating self-compassion alongside compassion for others. You will make mistakes, face doubts, and experience setbacks. Being kind to yourself through those moments is just as important as being kind to others.
Together, these three practices have helped shape not only my professional path but also who I am as a person. They’re not things you master overnight — they’re lifelong practices — but they create a strong foundation for meaningful and sustainable growth.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client isn’t defined by a specific background or diagnosis — it’s more about mindset and readiness. I work best with individuals who are willing to be honest with themselves, even when it’s uncomfortable, and who are open to the process of growth, even if they don’t know exactly what that looks like yet.
I particularly connect with people who are feeling “stuck” — whether it’s in their grief, trauma, anxiety, or major life transitions — and who are seeking a safe space to explore their experiences without judgment. Ideal clients are those who are tired of living on autopilot and are ready to take meaningful steps toward change, even if they’re not sure where to start.
They don’t have to have everything figured out — in fact, they usually don’t — but having a willingness to engage in the process, show up authentically, and be open to new perspectives makes all the difference. Therapy is a partnership, and when both therapist and client bring curiosity, honesty, and compassion into the room, real transformation becomes possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tri-starcounseling.com
- Instagram: tristarcounseling_tn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Tri-Star-Counseling-LLC/100079145915562/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tri-star-counseling-llc
Image Credits
Kari Sego Photography
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