MENUBrandi Simmons, LMHCA
Brandi Simmon’s Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)
Your values and understanding of yourself create a lens through which you view the world, and sometimes, it can feel hard to know how you fit into what’s going on in your day to day life. I aim to provide a safe and comfortable space to explore what’s important to you and how you want to exist in the world, while exploring new perspectives and ideas to aid you in reaching your goals.
I know that coming to therapy can feel weird, especially if you’re not used to talking about how you feel. I recognize and respect when space is needed and I am always happy to work at a pace that works for you. It’s important to me to recognize the two humans in the room and to always give space for that humanity (whether that’s tears, laughter, big emotions, or the need for a good snack).
I am trained and board certified as a music therapist. I know for many, music can be incredibly therapeutic and I love to incorporate music into our work together. Whether that’s sharing songs that explain how you feel or finding ways to use music to achieve your therapy goals, I’m always open to approaching struggles with creativity. In the past, I’ve utilized music therapy in a physical rehabilitation center for individuals re-learning skills like walking and talking, as well as in an inpatient psychiatry unit for adults.
When I’m not therapy-ing, I love to hang out with my wife and daughter, read new books (I’m a sucker for a good whodunnit) and eat delicious vegetarian food, ideally with homegrown veggies.
Specialties and areas of focus
- Music Therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Self-esteem
- Relationship issues
- Teens
- Young Adults
- LGBTQIA+
- Life Transitions
Q&A with Brandi
1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?
I am often of the mind that in order to address the deeper issues, we need to get immediate problems to a more manageable place, but I will also offer exploration into the deeper areas if it feels necessary to support daily experiences. Ultimately, you are the expert in your own life and I am here to support you through the small and big things.
2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?
I tend to encourage using the space however you feel that you need to each week. With that being said, I’m happy to take the lead if you feel uncertain or overwhelmed by which way to go. I view our time in the therapy space as a collaboration that might ebb & flow in both directions!
3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?
I am empathetic and curious! I love learning about why humans are the way they are and find it such a privilege to get to be curious on a daily basis. I’m also a pretty laid-back human and I think I do well at building a respectful, empathetic, therapeutic relationship with clients.
4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would love to be able to instantly learn how to make a recipe as soon as I eat it. I could make all my restaurant favorites at home!
5.) What makes you laugh?
Admittedly, it is not hard to make me laugh. I especially love those unexpected moments of humor in day-to-day life.
6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?
I’d have to say Brandi Carlile, Sara Bareilles, and Noah Kahan. They’re up there in my current favorite artists and I’d love to pick their brains about how they write music that hits all the good parts of your brain.
