Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Hewitt.
Brittany, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My personal issues have always been related to my weight and self-confidence. I have battled my weight since childhood until binge eating and a horrible self-image led to me being over 300 lbs in my early 20s. I lost the weight, but I realized my low self-esteem issues and self-destructive patterns lingered long after I was wearing my ideal dress size. I decided to try therapy once my problems seemed too overwhelming for me to handle by myself. I found a wise, compassionate therapist, and I was able to get to the heart of issues that went even deeper than body image. I was taught the skills to change my thought patterns which completely changed my life. She helped me figure out how to love myself and how to feel whole again. Therapy helped me get back to being the healthy, resilient, enthusiastic woman I’d always known myself to be.
Gloria Steinem said, “The final stage of healing is using what happens to you to help other people.” So, I decided to leave my career in the bridal fashion industry and go back to graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling so that I could help others get to the heart of their problems and do the same. Now, I’m grateful that I’m able to help others find their own inner strength by helping to heal the issues that are troubling them.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has certainly been a challenging journey. I struggled with chronic health issues that seemed to increase my anxiety and depression. During graduate school, I dealt with a tragic and traumatic death in the family that shook me to the core, as well as a tough breakup. With the support of my family, my therapist and my friends, I kept marching on toward my dream as I knew the hard work would be worth it.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am the clinical director of Heal ATL Counseling & Wellness in the Brookhaven area of Atlanta, GA. I do individual, couples, and group counseling for adults and teens 14+. I specialize in and am known for treating the areas of depression, anxiety, grief & loss, low self-confidence, past trauma/PTSD, binge eating, obesity-related issues, life transitions, and chronic health-related problems. I also love helping women heal body image issues and reframe the “diet” mindset inflicted by our culture.
I am so proud of Heal ATL and the work we are doing. I co-founded Heal ATL Counseling & Wellness in 2018 because I wanted to create a space for my clients where they could feel the utmost comfort to support their healing and success in therapy. The practice really focuses on the client, evidence-based therapy practices, and holistic wellness: merging the mind, body, and spirit.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My biggest cheerleaders have been my parents. They have supported me and encouraged me to continue when I was sure I wanted to quit. I had an amazing supervisor during my associate years who challenged me with constructive criticism yet always guided with a kind and compassionate voice. Brilliant co-workers have always encouraged me with their work with clients and their inspired perspectives on life. And of course, my business partner Shayda Nematollahi. She is an amazing human being and it an honor to work alongside her every day.
Contact Info:
- Address: Heal ATL Counseling & Wellness
1756-A Century Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30345 - Website: www.brittanyhewitt.com
- Phone: 833-HEAL-ATL ext. 1
- Email: brittany@healatl.com
- Instagram: @brittany.hewitt.lpc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittanyhewittlpc/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/heal-atl-counseling-and-wellness-atlanta
Image Credit:
Images by ZKVisuals
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