We recently had the chance to connect with Michelle Brown and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Michelle, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was while I was spending time with two of my closest friends. We are all therapists with busy schedules, so we only get to see each other about once a month, but when we do, it feels deeply healing. During our time together, I experience so much laughter, and I’m able to share even the smallest parts of myself without explanation. They make me feel completely seen. The time we spend together is full of a sense of joy, love, and belonging that I know I will carry with me until I see them again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I work in the mental health field as a therapist, supporting teens, young adults, and adults who come to therapy for many different reasons, from anxiety and self-esteem challenges to navigating life transitions. I am especially passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ clients and neurodivergent clients, helping them feel seen, understood, and empowered as they explore who they are and what they need. I also care deeply about erasing the stigma that can surround mental health care, because I want people to feel confident and supported in seeking help.
My goal is to create a space where people can be fully themselves and share both their struggles and their strengths. I currently practice at Chasing Nine Therapy, a space that reflects my values of openness, authenticity, and growth. What I love most about being a therapist is the connection I get to build with each client and supporting them as they explore their experiences, learn from challenges, celebrate their strengths, and embrace their authentic selves.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment that really shaped how I see the world was when my dad died, when I was a teenager. Before that happened, I was still so young and innocent, and in many ways, unaware of how the world really worked. I knew that bad things happened, but I don’t think I fully understood the weight of it all or how much life could challenge you. I had always been compassionate and cared deeply about others, but experiencing that loss taught me so much about what it means to be human and offer that kind of compassion and support to others. It made me want to be there for people as they move through their own struggles and hardships.
As a child, I had always been drawn to the idea of being a therapist. It seemed like such a meaningful way to help people, and I loved listening to others and offering support and comfort. Losing my dad made me realize even more how important that work was and how much I wanted to be a light for people who might feel alone during difficult moments. That experience continues to shape the way I show up for others and how I hope to make a difference in the world.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time when I almost gave up on becoming a therapist. While I was in school and working toward this career, it felt overwhelming at times. It was a lot of hard work and long hours and I put massive amounts of pressure on myself. I was worried that I wouldn’t be good enough, or that I wouldn’t be able to help people in the way they needed, and that I wouldn’t live up to the expectations I had for myself.
Looking back, I realize that worry actually made me a better therapist. It showed how deeply I care about helping people and how important it is to me to meet each client where they are. I want to be the type of therapist who truly listens, supports, and shows up for others in a way that honors their experiences. No one expects perfection, and I’ve learned that I don’t need to have all the answers to make a difference.
I’m grateful that I persevered through those doubts, because this work is exactly what I’ve always wanted to do. I love being able to help people, to witness their growth, and to offer support when it matters most. That period of uncertainty taught me that caring deeply about my work and my clients can be challenging, but it is also what makes it all feel so meaningful and fulfilling.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The belief I am most committed to is that genuine compassion and kindness is something we should never stop striving for, no matter how long it takes. I think the world doesn’t have enough of it, and if we all made a greater effort to be more compassionate and understanding toward others, society could be a much better place. It’s about caring for people’s struggles and hardships, even when they don’t affect us personally, and recognizing the humanity in each other. This is a value I try to live by every day, both in my work as a therapist and in how I show up for the people around me.
If you knew you only had 10 years left what you stop doing immediately.
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop caring so much about what other people think of me. For so much of my life, I have let it be shaped by the real or imagined judgments and opinions of others. It has stopped me from doing things I really wanted to do or going after opportunities because I was worried about being judged or made fun of. I don’t want to carry that fear through the rest of my life. I want to be fully who I am, doing the things I want to do without letting the opinions of others hold me back. I also know this isn’t something I need to wait until the last 10 years to start doing. It’s a practice I want to carry with me and keep working on every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chasingninetherapy.com/
Image Credits
Marie White Photography
