Get to know Brenley Wiley, Associate Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
We are thrilled to introduce a new member of our Steady Hope team today! We had the opportunity to sit down with Brenley Wiley to learn more about what inspires her and fosters a strong connection with her clients. Welcome, Brenley!
What got you into the counseling field?
My journey to becoming a counselor happened for me near the end of my college career. I didn't know a lot about the field at the time, but I knew I had a passion for helpings others and for holding people's stories. I wasn't sure where exactly that would lead me, but after reflecting on my own counseling experiences as an adolescent, I realized I wanted to be for others what a young clinician was for me -- a safe space. After being in the field for four years now, I couldn't imagine doing anything else.
What is the biggest myth you have heard about counseling?
I think a lot of people think you have to be "crazy" or have to have experienced a traumatic event to seek support. Anyone can benefit from therapy and I do mean anyone! Whether that's a young child experiencing anxiety about starting school, a teenager navigating their parents' divorce, a young college student wondering what to do with their lives or a young mother experiencing postpartum depression -- there is space for you no matter your age, season of life or life experiences.
What types of clients do you work with?
I work with teenagers and young adults. I spend a lot of time working with women in the perinatal period (pregnancy to one year postpartum). This looks like supporting new mother's to be as they navigate pregnancy for the first time or sitting alongside women as their grieve their second or third miscarriage. Sometimes this looks like supporting a teenager as they prepare to move away from home and begin college.
What’s your favorite tool/book/recommendation you give to almost all of your clients?
I really love "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents." It's one of my absolute favorite resources because regardless of how you grew up, it walks you through what emotional safety should look like. It's helped so many clients of mine identify how the way they were raised has impacted the way they show up for the people in their lives emotionally. They've been able to learn about emotional attunement and as a result feel more connected and cared for by their loved ones.
What does free time look like for you?
Free time for me looks like being curled up with a new book on my kindle or going on walks on the beltline. I love being out in the sunshine, grabbing a coffee and chatting with family or friends.
What is your favorite thing about the work that you do?
My favorite thing about being a clinician is watching people heal and find hope and purpose again. Life can be so difficult and it's made more difficult when you feel like you have to do it all on your own. Being a support for my clients and having them know that I'm in their corner is the most life giving part of my job.
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