Brook Brown (Bonnema), LPCS
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Welcome! I’d like to share my background, experience, and what I can offer through our work together. I earned my B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences from The University of Texas in 2004, followed by a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Since 2008, I have worked extensively with forensic and underserved populations and am currently the Assistant Director of Mental Health and Programs for the Travis County Jail System.
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You may be wondering how my experience working primarily with forensic populations translates to supporting an intern interested in private practice, telehealth, group work, or working with youth. In short, I have worked with nearly every diagnostic category outlined in the DSM. I have many years of clinical diagnostic experience, assessing and managing suicidality, creating intensive behavior modification plans, and crisis management.
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I have provided both individual and group therapy, and my undergraduate training was focused entirely on child development. In 2022, I opened my private practice, Well Heard Mental Health, where I currently see approximately ten clients per week with a wide range of backgrounds and presenting concerns. My primary treatment modalities include CBT, DBT, and EMDR.
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In addition to clinical work, I have gained extensive experience in the practical aspects of owning and operating a private practice—areas that are often not fully addressed in graduate training. I look forward to sharing both clinical and real-world knowledge as part of our supervision relationship. My approach is rooted in science and research. I am direct yet compassionate, and I maintain a strong solution-focused orientation. I use Rogerian techniques to build rapport quickly—a necessity in my current role—while intentionally shifting early toward behavioral and cognitive-behavioral interventions to address maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress.
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I welcome diversity of thought and lived experience and value thoughtful debate as a catalyst for growth. I am a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ community and remain deeply aware of the privilege I hold. My life and career have been dedicated to serving individuals and communities who are marginalized and often overlooked.
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In addition to my clinical work, I bring extensive experience managing and supervising fellow therapists. I believe this perspective strengthens my ability to support and guide you throughout your journey toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
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Feel free to message me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Style
Each supervisee has differing needs during their internship/journey to obtain full licensure. In the beginning, there will be many teaching moments where I am happy to provide a lot of guidance, education, and research in order for you to gain confidence in your skills and move to the next stage of supervision. Next, most supervisees naturally move towards more autonomy where I will become more of a counselor who will challenge your thinking in a therapeutic manner. I may ask you some hard questions for reflection, bias, and cultural competency. From there, I become a consultant. I have no doubt that towards the end of our supervision relationship, you will move towards becoming more and more autonomous. I, and your peers, will be there for you to provide consultation on cases as you become more and more comfortable with what you have learned and treatment modalities practiced.
Method
I offer individual and group supervision and available by phone when you may be dealing with an ethical dilemma or crisis. While I understand that recording sessions is anxiety producing and not always feasible, I challenge my supervisees to try this out at least once during their supervision. In order to fully immerse yourself into this process, it is helpful to have first hand experience with the session. In order to determine progress, interventions, problem areas, we will also use observation, role play, practice using inventories, and reflection exercises. Recording a session is not required if unable to attain at your place of employment. When I provide supervision to those who are in a separate location from my current employment, we will work together to resolve any problems internally and, as a last resort, involve your current supervisor. I want our relationship to focus on client care and your development in this profession.
