Meet Britney Bryson | Mental health therapist and educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Britney Bryson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Britney, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I have learned to be passionate about the destination while being flexible with the direction. If something is not working or if I am meeting many obstacles, I take time to pause and pivot. I can let go of my “how” without giving up my “what”. Rejection is not the end, it’s a redirection. I do the same thing my GPS will do when a road is closed- redirect. It may be more turns, it may even take longer, and yet the destination is the same. I get this from my mom. As a single mom, she made sure she showed me how to snap back when things change. How else do you graduate college while having a young child? And that’s what she did. She graduated college while I graduated kindergarten, setting the foundation to strive for excellence.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have thought about starting my own business for years. So many different ideas and visions have come and gone. This time it was more than just a thought; it was a necessity. The needs of my life changed, and the way I met my needs had to change as well. I needed flexibility and the space to put my family first. As a new mom, I needed the harmony of forming my identity as a parent and maintaining my gifts that I cultivated for 8 years as a therapist. My very first step was to reach out to all of my friends and colleagues who were business owners, asks them questions, and learn from their lessons. At some point, I finally organized enough to get started. I will not say I was ready. I do not know if “readiness” is appropriate when embarking on the unknown. However, I was willing. Willing to try, willing to fail, willing to learn, willing to win.

And so far, I am most proud of my willingness and ability to expand. Taking the risk was the biggest barrier to starting my business. I had to learn that it was not the risk itself that stopped me, it was the fear. I took the same risk I could have taken years ago, I just learned how to do it with fear instead of believing I had to become fearless first. Not only have I been able to do therapy, I have also been able to present mental health education to various audiences and create content! It has been exciting to embark new opportunities and continue to grow a different set of strengths.

None of it is easy, however my support system gives me a soft space to land. Dr. Maya Angelou once said, “I come as 1 but I stand as ten thousand”. Any time I show up, any time I win, I have the gift of support from those close around me. My name is spoken in places I haven’t entered, my work is credited and remembered, and my insecurities are gently redirected as I am often reminded of who I am and Whose I am.

As a therapist, I am honored to hold space for the vulnerability and growth of my clients. Therapy is a catalyst for life changing ripple effects. When I share space with someone, I am mindful that it is never “just us” present. People bring their past, their parents, their most pivotal interactions into every place they occupy. In that same vein, this person in front of me will hold the same spot for other people in their life, making impacts and influences- sometimes unintentionally. I believe that for every insight or healing that occurs in 1 person, several other people are impacted as well.

Maybe a teacher has more patience for their students, a leader increases their emotional intelligence to understand the people they serve, a college student practices compassion with their friends when there is a misunderstanding, or a creative now expresses themselves clearly to inspire others. Now, therapy is not some magical transformation box. However, it is an opportunity to be curious about the past to learn how we got to the present, and to compassionately pivot in the present to welcome a future where they feel belonging. Begin With Brit is a place where clients can start that process of normalizing mental health and making it a priority in everyday life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Memphis is know for 2 things, food and music. So, a good time is never too far away, especially if you come in May! When you visit Memphis, just make sure you pack your extra stretchy pants because we will EAT. Some of the best bites will come from Brother Junipter’s, Owen Brenneans, Another Broken Egg, Big Bad Breakfast, or Rise- and that’s just the first meal of the day. To walk it off, and let the kids have some fun, we hit the Zoo to explore amazing exhibits, or the Botanical Gardens to be in awe of art and nature. If the festivals are happening you have Music Fest, Barbecue Fest, Crawfish Fest, Greek fest, Italian Fest, and more! If we are in the mood for music, the Overton Park Shell has a free concert series every summer and fall. We can pack our own yummy goodies from places like Elwoods Shack, TacosNganas, Central Barbeque, Slim and Husky’s, Crumpy’s, or Flame Ramen. At some point we need to walk of some of this goodness right? Cool, we will head to Shelby Farms for some outdoor fun or the Civil Rights Museum for sobering moments about our history. Now if you have a sweet tooth like me? We need to swing by Gibsons Donuts, Frost bake shop, Sweet LaLa’s, Muddy’s or BluffCakes! At some point, if we feel like getting cute, and yes still eat, we can check out Venice Kitchen, Southern Social, Mahogany, Coastal Fish, J. Alexander’s, Char, or Hog and Hominy! Memphis is an eclectic city with many opportunities for fun, food, and learning. And guess what! There is always something new to discover too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I am dedicating my shoutout to my mom, my husband, and my daughter. They are my support system and the momentum behind every motivation. My mom has been my north star and my safe place in every part of my journey. She has also been the same for thousands of other kids during her 27 year career in education. My mom has not only taught children, she has loved them and made them see the best versions of themselves. I have witnessed her give endlessly in her life and the way she pours life into me makes me feel like I can do anything. My successes are because of her sacrifices.

My husband has been so solid and consistent throughout our entire relationship. I’ve told him many times that I prayed for him and he is truly the answers to my prayers. He is so hard working and makes sure his family is well taken care of. I have always admired his spirit of calm, focus, and ambition. He has a heart for taking care of others and giving his best. I am blessed to know him and to do life with him.

My daughter aka my twin is an adventurous and bold being with loads of energy. She inspires me to be truly authentic and always learn. Her laugh brightens my whole day, and her voice is my favorite thing to hear. Everything I am doing, I think of what I want her to witness, what I want her to learn.  Children are an important part of our legacy. I hope she carries with her the same seeds of love and excellence I have been given, and continues to grow. 

Website: https://beginwithbrit.com

Image Credits
Incredibly Wee Photography