Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Heppner.
Hi Brooke, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my first private practice in Los Angeles. My supervisor at the time was a very specialized clinician in EMDR, and so I had the privilege of getting trained by her, which was an invaluable experience, both personally and professionally. I was able to listen and learn from her as she shared about her own clinical experiences, and hearing how she was able to help clients process around a variety of traumas, gave me hope for the effectiveness of this modality. I closed down my practice in Los Angeles to move back home to Kansas City, and then started by own practice thereafter.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Going out on your own as a business owner, is a very daunting task. When working with my old supervisor in LA, I was able to see how she ran her practice, and I was able to glean a lot of that knowledge to take with me when I started my own practice. I’m so glad I decided to take the risk, because I’ve learned so much about myself in the process.
I liken it to the risk I ask people to take as they embark on their own work in therapy. I acknowledge that the way forward can feel really scary and hold many unknowns, but you will never know the freedom and healing it can bring if you never try. It’s often reminded me of my own moments of growth and discomfort, and yet I can look back on the journey now and know it’s been one of the best things I’ve done learning how to run a business, and also one of the things I’m most proud of. I feel like that also tends to be true of the work my clients do. They report leaving the work feeling so much more congruent, clear and confident. It’s a truly incredible thing to be able to collaborate with them on.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in stress-related body issues and love working with professionals with are wanting to recover from burnout. I am also an Approved Consultant in EMDR and have specialized in trauma work for 13 years. I really enjoy helping people process around areas they feel stuck (both physically and emotionally, possibly due to trauma, burnout, life transitions, etc).
Because I’ve been able to work with so many different variations of trauma or distressing events, I feel very comfortable helping people navigate through what can feel like very daunting work. I think this is what I’ve been most known for. I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of training with the EMDR modality, which has given me confidence about the effectiveness of this modality, and knowing how to lead people through the work in a very safe, thoughtful and collaborative way.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I think having a clear framework of what to expect within the therapy context, especially at the onset of the work, has been a crucial component of doing the work well. I believe my clients have often reported feeling very safe knowing what to possibly expect as they do more somatic/trauma informed work, and they understand that committing to weekly sessions often provides the most benefit. I am very committed to my clients, and I find that I work best with those that are also committed to the process. We talk openly about fears, concerns and questions that come up throughout the work, and I think having this kind of open dialogue really helps to give people the support and care they need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brookeheppner.com
