A powerful calling can emerge at any age. For Devon Brown, certified mental health practitioner and founder of Brown Counseling and Company, that moment came in middle school when he encountered a classmate struggling with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. This transformative experience ignited a lifelong mission to help others navigate their invisible emotional burdens.
During our candid conversation, Devon shares how the therapeutic journey works both ways—while guiding clients toward better mental health, he continuously applies those same principles to his own life. "When I'm talking to somebody about their struggles, so many times we're talking to ourselves as well," he reveals, highlighting why mental healthcare is aptly called a "practice."
We dive deep into what throws people out of mental alignment in today's fast-paced world. Social media tops the list, with Devon explaining how our brains weren't designed to process information at the rapid pace these platforms demand. The constant comparison, shortened attention spans, and boundary challenges create profound obstacles to mental wellbeing. As he wisely notes, "Mindset is everything," pointing to research suggesting depression and gratitude cannot simultaneously occupy the brain.
The discussion takes a particularly poignant turn when addressing youth mental health. Identity formation, bullying, and unprecedented access to potentially harmful online content create a perfect storm for young people. Devon advocates for providing youth with professional support outside the family unit, as they often won't share certain struggles with parents. His insights on navigating sexual identity questions, especially in the conservative South, illuminate the non-judgmental space therapy provides for exploring complex personal journeys.
Devon's innovative approach extends beyond traditional therapy sessions. His guided journals for men, women, and those seeking prayer-focused reflection help overcome the common barrier of "not knowing where to start" with journaling. These practical tools support daily gratitude practice, affirmations, and emotional awareness—small but powerful steps toward better mental health.
Ready to transform your relationship with mental wellness? Listen now to discover how, as Devon powerfully states, "Everybody's story has power." Whether you're struggling personally or supporting a loved one through difficult times, this episode offers compassionate guidance for the journey ahead.