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Redefining Mental Health Through Compassion, Community, and Critical Practice: Meet Breann Hirst
During Mental Health Awareness Month, we are proud to feature Breann Hirst, a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Tell us about your journey.
My journey begins with growing up in the Quad Cities with my mom, dad, and two cats. I was constantly on the move playing multiple sports and spending a lot of time learning different crafts. I worked in a variety of roles in the community throughout both my undergraduate and graduate programs. Initially after graduating with my master’s Degree, I worked in a non-clinical role, until it was no longer funded. I then found myself in various clinical roles as a mental health therapist at different sized agencies and organizations, eventually becoming a Licensed Independent/Clinical Social Worker. I also taught as an adjunct Professor at two of the institutions I attended and held the role of Field Practicum Supervisor.
Shortly after welcoming our first son in October 2022, I established my own business and private practice, Wholehearted Connections, in an effort to more equitably and sustainably meet the needs of myself and our growing family. Operating as an individual business owner, I am grateful to be an Associate with Blue Tree Counseling and Consultation where we operate autonomously while having a community of colleagues. Since welcoming our second son in January 2025, I have been working on resuming individual and group healing-centered services, continuing to learn how to decolonize and politicize my practices, starting the Interconnections with Madi and Bre podcast, and beginning to plan for future trainings and learning-based community projects.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
There are many pivotal experiences that come to mind in shaping my path, one of which was when my grandpa coached our eighth-grade underdog softball team to winning the championship that year! When providing pitching lessons, he would often have me pause and use my ‘Mind's Eye’ to visualize the movements before proceeding. While I might not have fully understood or appreciated the practice then, I now find myself frequently pausing for interoceptive grounding and to attune my ‘Mind's Eye’ as a daily thriving strategy for living in my values.
Another pivotal experience that shaped my current path was an interaction with a professor at Black Hawk College. I arrived early, hoping to begin the test early to give myself some rest time between academic work and income work for the day. She asserted I should not take the exam today because I didn’t feel well and thus would likely not do well. I can still remember the shock and confusion at this compassionate response.
Lastly, holding the role of Field Practicum Supervisor was a pivotal experience for me. In this role I was given the opportunity to learn alongside and support a Social Work learner and colleague in their journey to graduation. In this role, I prioritized compassion, collaboration, and transparent communication, intentionally reserving time for ‘reverse supervision’ as learning from our mentees is a valuable experience for reflection and growth in our own understanding. The meaningful conversations that occurred in that relationship dynamic paved the way for what is now the Interconnections with Madi and Bre podcast.
What are the most valuable lessons you've learned through your life and career?
I am continuously learning valuable lessons as a lifelong learner. Some of the most valuable lessons include practicing compassion as a crucial strategy to support our health and wellbeing, that we can reshape our mental models of success to match our values, and that we can build systems of thriving and sustainability for earth's inhabitants.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
I can always remember wanting to ‘make a difference’ and becoming a Social Worker seemed to be a natural academic and career fit to fostering that part of myself. Currently, my desire to make a difference is oriented towards decolonizing and politicizing my therapy practices which is informed by Dr. Jennifer Mullen’s book, Decolonizing Therapy. This process has meant thinking critically about living in my two identified values of authenticity and community while embracing the courage and vulnerability to share differing perspectives. One example includes challenging the idea that we should be non-judgmental and non-bias and rather we could make judgments informed with the bias of compassion and by our knowledge, experiences, and the information available.
From my perspective, making informed judgments and being transparent about what biases are influencing our daily practices can create more authentic, inclusive, and meaningful conversations for equitable sustainability. Neutrality more often than not suits and sustains the oppressive and exploitative parts of our systems and thus remaining non-judgmental and non-biased do not seem to align with my efforts to make a difference by decolonizing and politicizing my therapy practices.
If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?
If I could advise my younger self, I would affirm that her brain and body are doing the best they can to navigate the complexities of humanity. Remarks from teachers indicating I moved around too much, talked to peers too much, and turned in work too quickly would be met with the assurance these are strengths that just might be used to navigate roles such as the Black Hawk College Student Commencement Speaker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and business owner.
How can GlobalMindED support mental health leaders like yourself in achieving your goals and advancing your aspirations?
GlobalMindED can support mental health leaders by continuing to provide the platform for inter-sector learning and networking opportunities for learners of all ages. Connecting leaders with funding opportunities for projects and visions could expand the opportunities to provide sustainable and equitable employment opportunities that emphasize wellbeing.
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