Brave Grand Rapids

Wisdom can come from anywhere, even a round little bear!

Woof! Happy National Dog Day!

There's been a lot of talk about cortisol lately, especially on TikTok. But what does "cortisol" do exactly, other than warn your body about stress? It affects your:
- Metabolism: Cortisol increases the body's metabolism of glucose.
- Blood pressure: Cortisol helps control blood pressure.
- Inflammation: Cortisol reduces inflammation.
- Sleep-wake cycle: Cortisol helps control the body's circadian rhythm.
- Fight or flight: Cortisol helps mobilize energy to confront or flee from danger.

What is said in session stays in session.

If you're chasing after external validation, you'll never feel fulfilled. A great question to ask yourself is, "What would my younger self think of me now?" The answer will probably surprise you!

Therapy, especially talk therapy, can feel slow going. But here are three ways to know that you're making progress.

Starting therapy can be scary, but we know you're brave!

In this breakthrough book, clinical psychologist Lindsay Gibson exposes the destructive nature of parents who are emotionally immature or unavailable. Readers will see how these parents create a sense of neglect, and discover ways to heal from the pain and confusion caused by your childhood. By freeing yourself from your parents’ emotional immaturity, you can recover your true nature, control how you react to them, and avoid disappointment. Finally, you’ll learn how to create positive, new relationships so you can build a better life.

Research by Dr. David Lewis showed that reading as little as six minutes a day can decrease stress levels by 60% by reducing your heart rate, easing muscle tension, and altering your state of mind. 📕 Go ahead and crack open that book!

It's about the journey.

Happy National Friendship Day! Make sure to tell your friends you love them.

We think you should be as comfy as possible during therapy. That's why we made our interiors light, bright, and welcoming.

Interested in being Brave with us? We're taking new patients.

With everything going on in the world, it's hard to feel optimistic. But when you focus on yourself, you'll be okay!

What if?

A World Health Organization report published February 17 estimates that, if everyone in the European Union got at least 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, there would be 3.5 million fewer new cases of depression there by 2050 – a decrease that represents about 10% of the number of E.U. residents currently estimated to have depression.

"It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle" by Mark Wolynn explores the idea that trauma is passed down through generations. Not exactly a beach read, but definitely one that will open your eyes!

Without stress management, your body might always be on high alert. And over time, that chronic stress can lead to serious health problems. It's time you start prioritizing yourself and slow down a little bit!

Five reasons to tell your boss you've GOTTA GO.

Raise your summer vibration.

Brave is different.
Brave is a place where you can be you – exactly as you are.

Stick with it!

Who needs normal?

You're perfect just the way you are!

It's officially summer now. How are you going to take care of yourself?

Father's Day can be a tough day for many people. If you're struggling today, we see you and we're sending you lots of love.

You need both to grow. ☀️💧

How can you support someone who is coming out? With lots of love and affirmation.

Pride for community. Pride for revolution. Pride for love. 🌈 Happy Pride Month!

What are you grabbing?

From "New York Times" best-selling author, psychotherapist, and national advice columnist, Lori Gottlieb, "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" takes the reader behind the scenes of a therapist's world--where her patients are looking for answers (and so is she).

With startling wisdom and humor, Gottlieb invites readers into her world as both clinician and patient, examining the truths and fictions we tell ourselves and others as we teeter on the tightrope between love and desire, meaning and mortality, guilt and redemption, terror and courage, hope and change.

"Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" is rev­olutionary in its candor, offering a deeply per­sonal yet universal tour of our hearts and minds and providing the rarest of gifts: a boldly reveal­ing portrait of what it means to be human, and a disarmingly funny and illuminating account of our own mysterious lives and our power to transform them.