Melinda Brett, LCPC, LMHC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor,
Licensed Mental Health Counselor,
I believe that I was meant to be a psychotherapist. I feel I was called to this work when I was a young tween. When I was in seventh grade, I had a best friend whose mom died that year. I remember the evening after her mother’s passing, my father came into my room to tell me that we were going to her home to pay a Shiva call. I had never really been exposed to the idea of death and I was scared about the idea of going, but my dad told me that “when someone you love is in that much pain, it is your responsibility to be there for them and to show up.”
As her family sat Shiva for several days, I had the privilege of getting to be with her over that time. I watched as people milled around or spoke with the adults. But some came and sat with her. They sat with her and shared stories about her mom and how loving she was and also how clever and smart and funny she was as well. I watched my beautiful friend move in and out of all the emotions of grief including crying, sobbing and sometimes laughing through those tears. It was through these conversations that she was able to do that. It was by having those people surround her, she didn’t feel alone. It was being connected with others in such a deep way that allowed her to begin the process of grief.
The adults, friends, and other family members that were part of her healing, taught me what it means to show up and be there. To be fully present with another person, to be comfortable with other people’s strong emotions and to allow them time and space to express their feelings at whatever pace is needed without pushing or trying to fix the situation or to rush them to the other side of their experience.
Who would have known then, that I would come to seek that kind of experience through my work. through years of offering counseling and “sitting” with thousands of people, I have come to understand key Truths: We are all so amazingly resilient and absolutely have the ability to cope with any and all circumstances in ways that are healthy and productive. that Pain is always moving us forward toward the new, even when it can appear that we are stuck and staying still, and Most importantly, the power of having our pain witnessed through connection with others is phenomenal.
The lessons from that experience so long ago, continue to guide me today and I feel incredibly blessed and honored to work with people in such a deep and meaningful way.
Much Peace and Love,
Melinda
Lilly
"Pet Therapist"
This is Lilly.. she is the People Whisperer and "Pet Therapist."