In a world where beauty and mental health might seem like distant relatives, the story of Heather Brooke, a woman seamlessly integrating these seemingly distinct realms, challenges stereotypes and boundaries we often create. Heather’s journey from a beauty queen to a respected therapist not only defies expectations but beautifully intertwines these worlds in a way that is empowering and inspirational.
“I know self-esteem and self-worth are huge factors in how we see ourselves and how we respond to others,”
Heather’s path wasn’t conventional. “I actually started out as a therapist,” she reveals. “My own personal struggles with trauma and Trichotillomania led me into my therapy career, and then I have used my pageantry platforms to promote mental health awareness.”
The intersection of her roles as a therapist and beauty queen may seem perplexing at first glance, but Heather beautifully articulates how her experiences in both fields remarkably align. “I know self-esteem and self-worth are huge factors in how we see ourselves and how we respond to others,” she emphasizes. Her personal journey through trauma and struggles with Trichotillomania instilled in her the understanding of the importance of self-worth, a facet she now incorporates into her therapeutic approach.
Confidence, a quality she notes as a critical factor in both worlds, forms a bridge between beauty and mental health. “Beauty is subjective, but confidence is noticed,” she explains. Her insights highlight the necessity of self-confidence, a trait she exudes not just on stage as a beauty queen but also in the therapy room, resonating deeply with her clients.
Navigating the dichotomy of her roles as a behavioral therapist and a beauty queen brings its challenges, as misconceptions often surface. “I had a mother schedule a session for her child and then express skepticism upon learning about my background in beauty pageants,” she recalls. Her response was to let her work speak for itself. “Beauty queens aren’t shallow; many of us are ambitious professionals who use our platforms for promoting messages rather than mere appearance.”
“I share my story and encourage others to seek help when needed,”
Heather’s approach to counseling embraces the fusion of beauty and self-care practices for the benefit of her clients’ mental health. “I developed a self-esteem group curriculum and always incorporate self-care into treatment plans,” she shares. “It’s not selfish to practice self-care, it’s selfish not to.”
Her unique perspectives and experiences in the beauty industry echo through her therapeutic approach, offering a lens through which she addresses self-esteem and self-worth concerns. “We function based on how we see ourselves, stemming from our upbringing,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of self-image in various facets of life.
Amidst challenges and prejudices stemming from her beauty world background while working as a therapist, Heather emphasizes the importance of understanding and overcoming misconceptions. “I challenge clients to give me a chance to show my depth as a person and a professional,” she states, aiming to break down barriers and stereotypes.
“God can give our pain purpose, just as he did mine.”
Utilizing her platform as a beauty queen, she advocates for mental health awareness and reducing the stigma associated with seeking therapy. “I share my story and encourage others to seek help when needed,” she remarks, breaking the silence around mental health struggles even in seemingly glamorous spheres.
Heather not only encourages self-confidence in her clients but also aims to break the misconceptions surrounding beauty queens and therapists. She envisions new initiatives and projects that combine her experiences in the beauty industry with her expertise in mental health. “I’m turning my self-esteem group curriculum into a course for therapists and individuals,” she reveals, envisioning a future where her expertise can reach and empower more people.
Heather’s journey stands as a testament to the integration of seemingly diverse worlds, shedding light on the beauty behind the convergence of beauty and mental health, ultimately empowering individuals to embrace their true selves.
As Heather aptly puts it, “God can give our pain purpose, just as he did mine.”
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