Get to Know Dee
“ “As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has- or ever will have- something inside that is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.” ”
Dee Brooks, MS, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Hi, I’m Dee, a Counselor here at Restorative Pathways. You might also call me the purveyor of play, Self-care supporter, or Mrs. Cool in Crisis. I work with the young and the young at heart who are experiencing stressful and crisis situations. The clients I work with are seeking ways to express themselves and be heard in the middle of the chaos of their lives. Many times, children and adults do not know what to do or how to communicate to others when it feels like their world is crumbling around them. I am here to listen and understand your world, while helping you find the strength to move away from chaos and into calm.
The Art of Play
“When you’re free, you can play – and when you’re playing, you become free.” – Heidi Kaduson
Play is the first language everyone learns no matter where you were born or what your spoken language. Children learn to first express themselves through play, adults learn to destress themselves through play. Play is an art form, a talent, and a necessity to all people including the young and young at heart. As stressors in life mount up, play is the prescription to express and release those feelings in a healthy and therapeutic manner. I work with kids, youth, and adults using elements of play therapy to help destress, relax, and fully express themselves.
Self-Care is NOT Selfish
With everything going in the world and our lives today, how often can you say you took a little bit of time out just to care for you? Did you know, even Jesus, who was self-less, displayed areas of self-care? In numerous passages we went alone to pray, meditate, or rest. Implementing elements of self-care (including play) can and will greatly reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, frustration and will improve physical health too! You feel better and more ready to tackle the next “to do” or handle the next crisis situation. I work with children, teens, and adults in finding areas where they can implement self-care and be ready for whatever life throws their way.
Crisis Care
“When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” That’s what they say, but what if it feels like your lemons are rotten and you only have vinegar? Now what? To each person crisis looks different and feels different. Sometimes in crisis situations people can feel like they do not have the tools (or sugar) to make it work and lose hope. As a counselor, I work to understand your crisis and help you find the hope, strength, and tools to overcome.
How I Help
I want to help you feel understood and empowered so you can tackle life’s challenges and stressors with confidence. I use different theories and techniques to help you equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to conquer challenges and trials of life. The goal is to ensure you have all the tools you need to get through the difficult times and crises of life.
More about Me
You can find me at home, snuggled on the couch with my husband and dog, watching movies or playing board games. When I’m not at home with my family, I’m taking photos of nature, people, and dogs, going out to eat with my husband at all the local restaurants, or you can find me outside walking my dog, going on hikes, or riding my bike.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Ashland University (2009)
Master of Science in Education in School Counseling from The University of the Southwest (2016)
Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The University of the Southwest (2020)
Professional Associations
American Counseling Association
Association for Play Therapy