Getting to Know HFC! - Brittany Gilpin

Getting to Know HFC! -Brittany Gilpin, M.S., LPC, LMFT

Getting to Know HFC! - Brittany Gilpin, NCC, LPC, LMFT

What inspired you to become a therapist?

I always knew I wanted to help people, but I wasn’t sure exactly how I’d do that. Growing up, I played sports, so I initially thought I’d become a physical therapist and started studying kinesiology in college. But after taking a few classes, I realized it just didn’t feel like the right fit.  Around that time, my stepmom was going back to school for counseling, and I found myself really inspired by her journey. I loved how diverse the field was, and I felt deeply drawn to the idea of working one-on-one with people. Psychology has always held a special place in my heart, especially because of my own experience in play therapy as a kid.

Funny story — I still remember this Scooby-Doo punching bag in my therapist’s office. That was the first time I really began to process my emotions. I hit the bag so hard, I actually broke it, and she had to buy a new one! So when kids come into my office now and need to let something out, I get it. I say, “Let it out, kid,” because I know how powerful that release can be. That experience helped me so much, and if I can create that kind of space for someone else, then I know I’m making a positive impact. After taking a few psychology courses, everything clicked. I knew this was where I was meant to be. My heart feels fullest when I’m helping others.

What is your favorite part about your work?

There’s so much I love about being a counselor. One of my favorite parts is building deep, meaningful relationships with people. I truly believe that connection is one of the main reasons we’re all here, and the fact that I get to walk alongside someone on their journey is incredibly powerful and meaningful to me. I also love the creativity and intuition involved in figuring out what might best support each unique person. Therapy is definitely not one-size-fits-all — it’s not The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants! Each client is different, and I enjoy adapting my approach to fit who they are and what they need.

When I work with kids, it brings out my inner child in the best way. I’m constantly surprised by how much I learn from my clients. Honestly, I wouldn’t even know how to play chess if it weren’t for creating space in therapy for kids to share their interests with me.

What continues to inspire me is witnessing people’s resilience, vulnerability, and bravery in the face of difficult times. It motivates me to grow, too. To be more present, more compassionate, and a better version of myself. Watching people grow, gain confidence, and eventually spread their wings beyond therapy is one of the most rewarding parts of this work. Seeing all of their hard work come to life is truly beautiful.

Has your approach to mental health changed over the years? How?

My approach to mental health has definitely evolved over the years. I still remember my very first session during practicum. It was the summer of 2020, right in the thick of COVID. It was such a unique and uncertain time to be entering the field. I was so nervous. I dressed up, wore my cute earrings, and honestly… I think I just did too much. After the session ended, I had this moment of clarity that I don’t have to overperform in this space. I just need to be myself.

Over time, through being both a therapist and a client, I’ve learned how to blend what I was taught in school with who I am as a person. That’s where the real growth happened, discovering who Brittany the counselor really is. And that version of me has grown and changed over the years. Now, I offer more self-disclosure when it feels right. I try to show up as fully human, not just a face on a screen or a therapist who’s robotic and polished. A little vulnerability on my end helps me connect more deeply with my clients and keeps the work feeling real and grounded.

These days, everything feels more natural. I’m not overthinking every moment. I remind myself often: sometimes, just showing up for someone, fully and genuinely, is enough.

What are some important themes that tend to come up in your sessions?

An important theme that often comes up in session is, “How do I stay grounded when everything feels out of control?”. Something I like to tell my clients, and something that’s just part of life is: how can we pivot when things don’t go as planned? (Shoutout to my basketball days for that one!) We work together on building coping strategies and grounding techniques instead of catastrophizing or spiraling into worst-case scenarios. I often say, “Let’s reel it back in.” It’s about creating space to make choices that feel aligned with who they are, while also allowing for flexibility in the moment. 

Resilience-building is a big part of the work. I help clients find their strength in uncertainty and navigate change with confidence. And speaking of confidence, that’s another theme that shows up a lot in sessions. So much of growth and adaptation is tied to trusting yourself, even when things feel shaky. One book that really shifted my perspective was Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo. It taught me that when things don’t go as planned — yeah, it can be frustrating — but it doesn’t mean we’re stuck. Maybe Plan A didn’t work, but there’s almost always a Plan B, C, or D. We just have to trust that we’ll figure it out.

How do you create a safe, welcoming space for your clients?

I like to say I have a bubbly and warm personality, and from the very beginning, I want you to feel comfortable — like you’re entering a safe space that isn’t intimidating or scary. I understand that walking into that first session can come with a lot of anxiety. You might not know what to expect, so I try to make the experience feel conversational. I don’t want to be just a face behind a screen or a figure sitting stiffly in a chair.

I’m all about meeting my clients where they are. I don’t believe in pushing too hard during that first session, it’s really a time for us to start building a connection. Especially when I work with kids, those first sessions are usually all about getting to know each other. We talk about their favorite things, and I share a bit about mine too. I want it to feel like a two-way exchange, not an interrogation.

With adult clients and couples, I focus on learning their story which includes understanding their history and who they are as individuals. I bring empathy, calm, and patience into every session, and I really try to follow the client’s lead. I’ll gently guide the conversation as needed, but always with sensitivity to where they’re at emotionally.

At the end of each session, I like to check in to hear how the experience felt for them, and to see if there’s anything we can adjust to make the next session even more comfortable and effective. Creating a safe, responsive, and open space is my priority.

How can someone prepare for their first session with you?

In preparation for your first session, just come as you are. You don’t need to do anything extra or have it all figured out. All emotions and feelings are welcome. If you show up crying, that’s okay. I can hold space for that. And if you’re more quiet or reserved, that’s okay too. We can take it slow. If you’re ready to tell me your whole life story, that's cool too. Honestly, just showing up is enough.

If you're someone who likes to prepare, it might help to think about a few goals you’d like to work on in therapy. But if you’re not sure what those are yet, that’s completely fine. We’ll collaborate and figure it out together as we go. All I ask is that you come in with an open mind and a willingness to trust the process. Therapy isn’t a quick fix, it’s a journey. And the good news is, we’re in it together.