We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristen Brooks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?

When I look back on my academic and professional career, there is one internship experience that stands out the most. In the first year of my MSW program, I was placed in the local Department of Social Services agency where I live, and met the woman that has forever shaped me into the social worker I am today. I remember being nervous about going into the homes of clients, wondering if they would be receptive to me, if I would be able to support them, and most of all, if I had the ability to “fix” their circumstances. My field instructor, Ms. Carnell Windley-Ginn, very quickly helped me realize that my job was not to “fix” anyone–she taught me that I only had the power to impact one persons life at a time with how I treated them. She taught me to be compassionate to every client I came in contact with, to support my fellow colleagues and provide aide when needed, but most of all, she taught me that being a phenomenal social worker starts with being an even better person. Carnell’s work as a social worker and my field instructor had an influence that carried well past my time as her intern. After graduating in 2012, I began working in the same agency that I served as an intern and had the pleasure of seeing her on a regular basis. Despite no longer being my supervisor, I could stop by her office at any time and share anything I needed guidance and support with. She always greeted me with a pleasant smile and kind words, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Now, 10 years later, I serve as a field instructor to Masters level social work and counseling interns and I find myself embodying the same qualities that Carnell extended to me as an aspiring clinician. I pride myself on treating my team with respect, creating an environment where they feel safe and empowered enough to ask questions and learn, and recognize that they are capable of making an impact on someone’s life just by simply showing up as the best versions of themselves.

When I was asked to do this interview, I immediately knew that I wanted to highlight the impact that Carnell Windley-Ginn has had one my life as a social worker, field instructor, and woman. Unfortunately, shortly after receiving the interview request, Carnell passed away. While I am going to miss her unwavering support and love, I know that I will continue to carry forth her legacy of growing competent, compassionate, fierce social workers to continue to advocate for those that may not be able to advocate for themselves. I feel privileged to have been under the tutelage of such a remarkable and unforgettable woman. I have no doubt that the world will forever feel the impact of her greatness.

Kristen, 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?

My name is Kristen Brooks and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Perinatal Mental Health Specialist in Maryland and Washington D.C. I initially entered the field of social work with the intention of working with children and families, however, after my own experience with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, I realized the need for Perinatal Mental Health support in my community. I am currently the Director of Building Beyond Therapy Inc., a mental health practice located in Prince George’s County, Maryland that specializes in creating safes spaces for Black women and other women of color in their journey through pregnancy, postpartum and all things motherhood.

The transition into motherhood is one of the most difficult times in a woman’s life and it is important that we normalize and validate those experiences. Our practice takes pride in treating clients with respect in some of the most challenging times of their lives to help them grow and establish tools to use beyond their therapy experiences.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I have worked under the leadership of some really great leaders and some equally not so great leaders (to say the least). One common theme I notice in those that were good leaders is the willingness to accept accountability and be open to feedback. Being a leader comes with its challenges, however, those that recognize the value of each of their team members will likely pour into those individuals in ways that allow them to grow and flourish, even if that growth takes them outside of that team. I often tell my current team members and previous supervisees that I care about them as people more than I care about them being on my team. My focus is on empowering people to feel that they can perform at their greatest level, encourage my team to maintain balance between work and their personal lives and always be open to feedback for how I can best support them.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

While training and knowledge are integral in the field of social work, I believe personality is equally as important. In my experience, clients connect best to those that they feel they can connect with on a personal level. I have heard from many clients over the years that they had difficulty finding a therapist that they “clicked” with–often times noting that they did not feel understood or that the other person exhibited humanity. I think that people assume therapists are supposed to be robots with no facial expressions (I am DEFINITELY not that way) and are often surprised when they come into my therapy space and I treat their sessions like a normal conversation between two people. I believe that therapy with the right person should feel like a natural connection where you just happen to spill all of your guts and can be blatantly honest without judgment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.buildingbeyondtherapy.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/buildingbeyondtherapy
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/buildingbeyondtherapy

Image Credits
Alexandré Wing