We were lucky to catch up with Becca Hart recently and have shared our conversation below.

Becca, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

The advice I give clients is two-fold. First, the biggest predictor of success in therapy is the therapeutic relationship, or therapeutic alliance. Second, find a therapist that offers a therapeutic approach that targets the midbrain.

I encourage clients to interview as many therapists needed in order to find the “right fit.” Your therapist should be an attuned presence, a soft landing pad for you. They should also help you set treatment goals so you know if you are on track. Weekly or biweekly therapy doesn’t need to last forever. A good therapeutic relationship will serve you as you move through life, and may need support from time to time along the way.

Talk therapy can only access a small portion of our brain, the neocortex, which is our human/thinking brain. Midbrain approaches bypass the neocortex and access the limbic system brain, or midbrain. This is our animal/feeling brain, where trauma gets stuck and our emotions are felt. The alarm system of the brain is also located here. When we have trauma, the alarm system of the brain goes off too often, many times when it’s not actually needed in the present moment. This is what we call “triggers” from the past that show up in the present day. Midbrain approaches will help you process trauma and heavy emotions, and as the result, alleviate triggers. Many triggers show up for us in interpersonal relationships, especially when we are working with complex trauma. Therapy models that access the midbrain are Brainspotting, EMDR, IFS, Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and more.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

First, the personal stuff about me.
I’m from a small town in Georgia, but that didn’t stop me from thinking big! In fact, I knew I wanted to move to Colorado because of the mindset that supported my journey in good physical and mental health. So in 2006 I took the leap and flew to Denver with two suitcases in hand. I knew I was headed in the right direction- my intuition told me so. I just didn’t know how my life would unfold. I knew I wanted to be in the helping profession, as that seed had been planted a long time before. Soon enough, it all began to come together.

I had a journey too.
Everyone goes through their own share of personal struggles and even trauma. Even your counselor is not excused from this mandate in life. Yes, it’s true. Though I maintain a level of confidentiality about my personal history, and yours of course as well, it’s fair to say that every single person has some level of trauma from just the act of living. From both my personal, educational, and professional experience, counseling helps heal life trauma. I feel honored to be in the position to help you get to a point of healing as well. In a safe space, with a trusted confidante.

Professionally….
I am acutely aware that negative life experiences can have a profound impact on how we view the world. Due to my understanding of the pervasive nature of trauma, I set out to find a therapeutic modality that was not only impactful to me on a personal level, but also something I thought would benefit my clients. That is when I found Brainspotting.

Brainspotting (BSP) is a cutting-edge therapy designed to help people access, process, and overcome trauma, negative emotions, and pain, including chronic physical pain. Many times this is accomplished without needing to relive traumatic events that have occurred during the lifespan.

As a Brainspotting practitioner, I have found this approach to be an effective form of treatment for a variety of mental health concerns, along with aiding in peak performance. As a Brainspotting Consultant, I get great pleasure in working with other clinicians to reach Brainspotting Certification. Brainspotting Certification requires many hours of training, along with extensive experience, and consultation with a Official Certified Brainspotting Consultant.

My mottos are:
1. We are always changing and I will always meet you where you are, without placing my own agenda on your healing process. I promise to incorporate various healing modalities to match your unique journey.
2. We are partners in this process. I might be an expert in the field of mental health counseling but you are the expert in your life. I get the privilege of walking alongside you as we navigate. Together.
3. No judgment here. I know trauma cannot be universally classified as ‘big’ or ‘small’. Trauma is subjective, and it is all about how we perceive a situation in the moment that it occurs. My goal is to help you positively process your reaction to the memories.

And, just a few last things you might not know about me…
I am the proud mother of a beautifully hilarious and charming daughter. Also, you may have guessed by my tagline urging you to “find your soul song” that I am a huge music lover. In fact, I have attended over 500 live music performances and intend to keep that number rolling. I hope to meet with you soon. Here for you, Becca.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy I have found for growing a private pay therapy practice is word of mouth. When a client receives helpful therapy services, they are very likely to refer friends and colleagues.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

100% Yes! I love my job. It is such an honor and privilege to get the opportunity to witness my clients healing journeys.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beccahartcounseling.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulsongcounseling
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulsongcounseling
• Other: I also have another business – Wash Park Neurofeedback. :)
  https://washparkneurofeedback.com/

Image Credits

Nicole Nichols Photography