Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Branche-Brown.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am couples and family therapist from Baltimore, MD. I was born and raised in the city of Baltimore, raised by a single mother. I knew from an early age that our connections were what create meaning, purpose, and depth in our lives. Our relationships with the people we love, the ones who love us, often can make or break us. I set out to “save” marriages when I initially decided to become a couples therapist. I remember being in college and hearing that the divorce rate was 50% in the united states. I was appalled, but it resonated with me. It hit me because I realized that I had seen very few people in happy, healthy, long-lasting relationships that they seemed content in. So, not knowing what I was actually capable of, and what I was not, I set out on a bit of a co-dependent journey. Don’t get me wrong, it was one that was fruitful, growing, and healing.
One that created a safe space, growth, and deeper connection and clarity for my clients, and honestly for me. I eventually realized that I cannot be the one who “fixes” anything outside of myself. I realized that my role was seed planter, space holder, human mirror, and question asker, not “fixer”. It was a loss. To realize that I could not “save” marriages or people. That I could just grow with them. I am now trying to create a safe space for other traditionally co-dependent healers in the world. Safe space to explore their limitations and passions. Safe space where they can be free to forgive themselves for the times that their humanity is harmful to the very people they desire to help. To celebrate when and how their humanity is what connects them to their work. We are not above anything or anyone.
We are not beyond any issue. I teach other therapists how to safely be a part of the systems that they are setting out to help heal.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been bumps along the way to getting where I am today. Starting a business from scratch, when you are the first of your family to graduate with a master’s degree, was an identity shaker. Lots of pressure to do it well, and do it right. Perfectionism created lots of obstacles; not only my own perfectionism but the perfectionism that lies within our field. The perfectionism that eventually led to burnout, being mistreated and mishandled by burnt-out supervisors, imposter syndrome, and self-limiting beliefs. The field of mental health will have you convinced that in order to help others, you must somehow be less human.
Above the problems. This is not true, it’s honestly dangerous. It will have you misaligned with your passions, dreams, and your very humanity. Your very identity. I have had to do a lot of work around training myself to know that I belong here. Doing what I’m doing. Imperfectly and humanly so. Also, no one tells you as a therapist how to start, run and maintain a practice. Much of this learning was on the go, which definitely created some struggles, hurdles, and hardships along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Branches of Life, LLC.?
We provide safety for human therapists by challenging perfectionism and self-limiting beliefs. We offer groups (teen healthy relationship group, women empowerment group, self-care group).
We also offer workshops and resources including Unshaming and Untaming the human therapist, YOU matter workshops, and communication and attachment workshops/programs for couples. We offer couples, individual, and family therapy to help foster healthy connections and systems.
What matters most to you?
Debunking the myth that we have to be perfect to be worth it. Creating safety for all of humanity to be more of themselves more of the time.
Unshaming what it means to be a regular, normal human person. Helping people to accept and love what it means to be a human more fully. What it means to be themselves.
Pricing:
- $135 Couples, individual, and family therapy sessions
- $1500 3-day Couples retreat (10.5 hours of therapy)
- $90 supervision/consultation services
- $50 workshops & groups
- $39 monthly subscriptions for support for therapists
Contact Info:
- Website: www.branchesoflifetherapy.com
- Instagram: @branches.of.life.llc
- Facebook: Branches of Life, LLC.
- Tiktok: @branches.of.life.llc
Image Credits
Jessica DeLeon
