We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brittany Cephas, LCPC, NCC, Board Approved Supervisior. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brittany below.
Hi Brittany , thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
In my journey from working as a professional school counselor in one of Maryland’s largest school systems to starting my own private practice, I took a bold risk driven by a deep conviction to better serve children and adolescents. While my time in the school system was rewarding, I faced numerous challenges that hindered my ability to provide comprehensive support to students. The demands of the job often overshadowed my primary goal of helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Frustrated by the bureaucratic hurdles and lack of support to implement effective counseling programs, I recognized a crucial missing piece in the puzzle of student success: parental involvement and support. Hence, I founded Growing Young Minds Counseling on the principle that children and adolescents flourish when equipped with practical skills and nurtured by supportive parental relationships. My practice emphasizes leveraging love languages to foster healthy communication between children and their parents, thereby empowering young minds to thrive both in therapy and in life.
Brittany , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a believer, wife, mother, and seasoned professional in the mental health field, I offer a unique blend of services and creative works aimed at supporting families and individuals on their journey to holistic well-being. As a board-approved supervisor and clinical counselor trainer, I provide mentorship and training to aspiring professionals, ensuring the highest standards of care in our field. My private practice caters to clients seeking personalized counseling and parent-specialist services, with a focus on fostering strong familial bonds and empowering children and adolescents to thrive. Additionally, as a self-published author and content creator, I share valuable parenting advice through various mediums, including books, articles, and social media platforms. My passion for helping children and adolescents navigate life’s challenges extends to public speaking engagements, where I deliver impactful presentations on topics ranging from effective communication to nurturing parent-child relationships. I take pride in my dedication to ongoing education, currently pursuing a Ph.D., to deepen my understanding of human behavior and better serve my clients. What sets me apart is my multifaceted approach, grounded in empathy, expertise, and a genuine desire to see my clients flourish. Potential clients, followers, and fans can trust that my work is driven by a commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening family connections for generations to come.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Navigating the responsibilities of being a business owner and a Ph.D. student simultaneously is no small feat, and when faced with unexpected challenges, resilience becomes a crucial asset. During my journey, one particularly defining moment occurred while I was pregnant with my twins, who are now thriving one-year-olds. At four months into my pregnancy, I fell severely ill and was prescribed bed rest, a daunting prospect given my already demanding schedule and personal/family obligations. Balancing my health, family, academic pursuits, and professional responsibilities was an immense challenge. However, the true test of resilience came when my twins were born prematurely and spent 30 days in the NICU. The stress of their medical journey weighed heavily on me, compounded by the needs of my other children at home, my academic commitments, and the demands of my clinical practice. Yet, through it all, my faith remained unwavering, providing me with the strength to persevere. I trusted that God would see me through the trials, and indeed, He did. This experience taught me the power of resilience in the face of adversity and reinforced my belief in the importance of maintaining faith and perseverance in all aspects of life.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
Without a doubt, I would choose the same profession and specialty again. The fulfillment and joy I derive from helping others and contributing to my local community are unparalleled. I firmly believe that I am called to this profession, and every day reaffirms my passion for the work I do. Despite the challenges and obstacles along the way, the sense of purpose and impact I have on the lives of others make it all worthwhile. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and make a difference, and I wouldn’t change a thing about my chosen path.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.grow-minds.com
- Instagram: @mrs.childtherapy
- Youtube: @BrittanyCephasTV