We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Brown. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.
Hi Michelle, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
There have always been people who don’t understand or fully support what I do as a therapist. I’m lucky to have loved ones who do, but for every person who believes in me, there is at least one other who does not. What has always kept me going in my journey to be a therapist is knowing that I am not doing this just for me. I am doing this for the people I aim to help. No matter what others may think, I know there is someone out there for whom I am the right therapist, the one who understands them in a way they need.
It becomes harder to doubt myself when I have a client tell me I’m the first therapist they’ve ever felt comfortable enough with to fully trust and open up to. Nothing compares to knowing I’ve been there for someone at a low point in their life, offering them the support, compassion, and validation they’ve been searching for. Some people may believe that I’m not good enough or that what I’m doing won’t make a difference, but I see the difference every time I help a client feel safe, understood, and valued. That is what makes it all worth it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
It has taken a great deal of time and effort to reach this point in my career. In the past, I have been part of other private practices that taught me valuable lessons about the field and the kind of therapist I aspire to be. Last year, I had the opportunity to join Chasing Nine Therapy, a new private practice, which has proven to be a great career decision. Chasing Nine Therapy was founded by Allie Wojcik, also a therapist, with the mission of empowering individuals to release what no longer serves them, embrace new opportunities, and move forward toward the future they desire. I am extremely proud to be part of the Chasing Nine Therapy team.
As a therapist, I work with clients navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, boundary setting, communication issues, and self-esteem. One of my main specialties is providing LGBTQIA+ and gender-affirming care. I am dedicated to helping individuals in this community embrace their true selves and live authentically.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
For me, the most important things I have learned on this journey are compassion, communication, and perseverance.
In this field, I believe it’s especially important to show compassion toward our clients and the challenges they may be facing. But it’s equally important that we, as therapists, offer ourselves the same compassion and kindness we give to our clients.
Developing strong communication skills is another essential part of becoming an effective therapist. We must learn to listen closely and truly understand what our clients are saying in order to help them in the best way possible.
Perseverance is also crucial in this line of work. It’s important to teach our clients to never give up on themselves, just as we must continue to believe in ourselves while offering the best care we can.
For anyone starting out in this field, my biggest piece of advice is to prioritize good self-care. We can’t help others if we’re not taking care of ourselves. Be aware of your limits, and know when it’s time to push forward and when it’s okay to step back.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents have always been very supportive of me. My father passed away when I was a teenager, but he was always one of my biggest supporters. He knew about my desire to become a therapist and my passion for helping others, and he always encouraged me to pursue my dream. I miss him every day, but I continue along my journey in this career, knowing he would be proud of me every step of the way.
My mom has been there for me through it all. She has never given up on me and has celebrated all of my achievements. She’s been my biggest cheerleader, and I will always be forever grateful that she is here for me when I need her.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chasingninetherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasing.nine.therapy?igsh=MWZvNzJmM29wbm9jMA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19vv7YsXRL/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1400081
Image Credits
Marie White
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