Brooke Dacy (she/her)

Starting therapy can feel scary, awkward, exciting, overwhelming, or all of the above. If you're feeling nervous, you're not alone. Most people come into their first session unsure of what to expect, and that's completely okay. My goal in our first session is simply to get to know you and begin understanding what brings you to therapy. We'll talk about what's been going on in your life, what challenges you're facing, what strengths and supports you already have, and what you hope might be different moving forward. There is no pressure to tell me your whole life story in one session, and there is no "right" way to do therapy.

I view the first session as a chance for us to get to know each other. You are getting a feel for me just as much as I am getting a feel for you. Building trust takes time, and I believe therapy works best when you feel comfortable being yourself. My hope is that you leave our first session feeling heard, supported, and a little less alone in whatever you're carrying.

One of my favorite parts of therapy is helping people make connections between their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and life experiences. I often draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Behavioral Activation, mindfulness, and DBT-informed approaches, but I believe the therapeutic relationship itself is one of the most important tools for change.

I enjoy helping clients identify patterns that may no longer be serving them, increase self-awareness, and develop a greater sense of self-compassion. I often incorporate values exploration, emotion identification, coping skills development, mindfulness, grounding techniques, and reflective exercises into sessions. I also enjoy helping clients reconnect with their strengths and build confidence in their ability to navigate life's challenges.

I have specialized experience working with substance use and recovery, including co-occurring mental health concerns, and I am passionate about supporting individuals through change, growth, and healing. I also enjoy incorporating creativity, curiosity, and self-expression into the therapeutic process when it feels meaningful and aligned with a client's goals. I believe therapy should feel collaborative and personalized rather than one-size-fits-all, and I strive to meet each client where they are.

I am endlessly fascinated by the idea of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to change, adapt, and form new pathways throughout life. I find it hopeful that we are capable of learning, growing, and changing no matter where we are starting from. A fun fact about me is that I genuinely love learning. Whether it's psychology, creativity, human behavior, or random facts about the world, I am usually reading, listening to a podcast, or falling down a rabbit hole of curiosity about something.