Melinda Brett, LCPC, LMHC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist
I believe that I was meant to be a Professional Counselor. I feel I was called to this work when I was twelve years old. When I was in seventh grade, I had a best friend whose mom died that year. I remember the evening of her death, my dad came into my room to tell me that we were going to her house. I was scared about the idea of going to deal with death, 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 came and went and I saw the interactions. I watched the people who awkwardly smiled and walked quickly away and those that offered platitudes as they moved from one family member to another. But some people sat. 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 during that time, 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. Years later, 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. Pain is always moving us forward toward the new, even when it can appear that we are stuck and staying still. Most importantly, the power of having our pain witnessed through connection with others is phenomenal.
The lessons from that experience so long ago, also led me to be passionate about bringing people together for healing and sharing. I began offering group programs early in my career and I watched as the pain was transformed in those healing circles of people coming together. It opened the spirit. This level of emotional connection between people who are sharing their wounds, hurts and fears is how we have the deep spiritual experiences and tap in to the healing we all long for. Today, I offer a variety of group programs uniquely designed to lead people through the journey of healing.
So that’s what I do and who I am. I show up. I sit with people individually, with their partners and families and in groups to share my favorite emotion, “Laughter Through Tears.”
Peace and Love,
Melinda
Lilly
"Pet Therapist"
This is Lilly..she is the People Whisperer and "Pet Therapist."
Unfortunately with Virtual Therapy you can’t pet her or have her sit next to you, but you can see her and visit with her and you may hear her bark now and then during your session..thank goodness for the “Mute” button! lol