Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Brimhall.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lynn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in Mesa, AZ. I graduated from Mt. View High School and Graduated from ASU with my BA in Humanities emphasis in Art History in 1992; and I graduated with my Masters Degree in Social Work in 2009. From the time I was a little girl people seemed to naturally tell me their stories, and confide in me. I have always been a good vault, meaning what people shared with me, stayed with me. I have had many of my own experiences in life that have taught me empathy and how to observe and really listen to those around me. After staying home and raising 3 kids for 15 years, I decided to go back to school and earn a Masters degree in Social Work. I knew I didn’t want to just have a “job” I wanted a career that I could be passionate about! I knew I wanted to do something I cared deeply about, and I knew I wanted to help people. I love Social Work, I found through my education that I was always a social worker at heart! I started my program thinking I would go into School Social Work, and over the years that desire evolved into becoming a psychotherapist working with adolescents and adults, who have experienced various forms of trauma. I love what I do! From the 2nd year in my Master’s program I began to envision myself having a private practice, and I worked hard to make that happen. Every job I took after graduation to the time I started up my business was a step of progression toward this ultimate goal. Even now I am continually looking forward for ways that I can grow my practice, in order to bring more help to more people. As much as I love what I do, I can only do so much! so I am looking for ways to expand and work on more of a macro level.
Has it been a smooth road?
After graduation in 2009, I had this very rosy picture of what it would be like to work in a real world behavioral health agency. Unfortunately, my experiences in a couple of these agencies were less than rosy. Learning to navigate self-care and the needs of clients has been a huge challenge, but very necessary for longevity in this field. I believe the burn out rate for new therapists/social workers is 5 years. I remember my professors lecturing about the necessity of self-care and I remember blowing it off and taking it for granted. Many lessons in the working world have taught me that my professors were right, and self-care is the only way to be able to move forward and do this work. Think about the oxygen mask going on yourself first, then you can help others.
When you want to become an independently licensed clinician, there are many steps/hoops you must navigate with requirements from the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Requirements such as supervision for many years and direct practice hours with clients. Depending on the supervisor and agency you end up working for, this can be a positive experience or very challenging. It is not intended to be easy, but when you are young and very green in the field, you come into each experience with high hopes for good experiences with colleagues and supervisors. Unfortunately, I had some very difficult struggles figuring out positive healthy places to work at times. These experiences ultimately taught me to trust my gut feelings, and my last place of employment completely restored my faith in myself and why I became a therapist.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with New Adaptations Psychotherapy Services – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am the sole member in private practice. I specialize in working with Adolescents, young adults and adults who are suffering from the effects of trauma. I am particularly known for working with clients who struggle with PTSD and Developmental trauma. I am most proud that I have built this practice from the ground up. I was raised by a father who was very entrepreneurial and I suppose that it rubbed off on me! I have felt fear at times when in the building phases but I just kept going with it, knowing what I wanted and finding ways to make it happen.
I am not sure what sets me apart from others, I know several of my colleagues that have successful practices as well! I can say that I strive for authenticity in all that I do, what you see is what you get! I always tell my clients that I would never ask anything of them that I am not willing to do, or haven’t done myself. I am so passionate about education, and continuing to learn that I make this a high priority, and strive to bring new skills to improve positive outcomes for my clients. My practice is run from my heart with genuine love and compassion for all, no matter what they tell me. I have been in the same boat as many of my clients, and I have learned that genuine empathy, non-judgmental attitudes, and compassion create a safe and calm place to process their grief and pain.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I was driving in downtown Phoenix the other day and I was amazed at how different it looked just since 2009 when I graduated. I was energized by the mix of old and new and love how the area seemed to be alive with great diversity!
I have to say as a native of AZ I live for this time of year. This is when the community seems to take a collective sigh of relief as cooler temps start to settle in (at least at night!). I love the crisp air and again the way it brings things to life after a summer of 120 degrees.
I love the landscapes and desert. I love that you can drive for about 2 hours in any direction and be in a totally different environment from snow, to desert, to forest, to dunes.
Contact Info:
- Website: newadaptations.com
- Phone: 480-447-7073
- Email: lynnsb@newadaptations.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewAdaptationsPsychotherapyServices/
Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
