Brandon LaMoon, Graduate Intern

Education:

Mental Health Counseling, Graduate Student at the University of Florida- In Progress

At a Glance:

People are complicated and life is messy. Seeking help can be confusing and intimidating, and mental health stigma is pervasive in so many aspects of our society. I'm here to create a space where we can freely navigate the frustrations and intricacies of simply being a person without judgment.

I'm informed by narrative, existential, and feminist perspectives to assist people struggling with queer or questioning identities, trauma, abuse, depression and anxiety, relational concerns, and more. My goal is to help clients of all backgrounds and identities feel seen, heard, and empowered to make positive change in their lives.

Why did you become a therapist? 

I had my own share of challenges growing up, and my first truly great therapist left such a lasting impact on me and inspired me to pursue this career. I know that having a space to express oneself fully without judgment or fear is invaluable, and I am honored to now hold that space for others. Becoming a counselor is a privilege that I don't take lightly, and I'm grateful for each opportunity that comes my way.

What can a client expect to experience in session with you? 

I hope to create a reflective and comfortable environment for my clients. I'm naturally calm, patient, and inquisitive, and will move with you at your own pace. As a practitioner of narrative therapy, I believe we are all shaped by and make meaning through the shared stories of our communities. Often times, these stories are misaligned with our own vision of ourselves. Together, we will explore what it means to live by an authentic life story and develop strategies to help you get there. As a student, I am looking forward to learning alongside you.

If you could be the therapist to one celebrity, who would it be? 

George R.R. Martin -- maybe I could get him to finish writing Winds of Winter?

How do you spend your free time? 

You will always find me with a cup of coffee in hand and a book under my arm -- I'm an avid reader and I find an immense joy in immersing myself in other worlds, fictional and non-fiction alike. In addition to reading, I love to draw and paint (particularly portraiture!). And, of course, you can't beat gaming with friends.

What's your favorite quirk about yourself? 

One of my hobbies is collecting hobbies. One week it'll be learning an instrument, the next week it'll be building terrariums.

What does social justice mean to you? 

I believe being social justice-minded is an integral part of my identity as a counselor. Recognizing and disentangling ourselves from the systems that bind us is a lifelong process that is often fraught with pain. From my experiences as a client, I know how powerful it can be when a counselor fully understands the reality of living in the margins, and I hope to pay that feeling forward. I'm a firm believer in justice for all and confronting the systems of power that prevent us from living freely and authentically. Incorporating volunteer work and activism is a key part of this idea, too!

How do you believe change happens?

Change is a natural product of self-knowledge and self-compassion. When we open ourselves up to that vulnerability and grow to understand our own wants and needs, we are empowered to make a difference in our lives. As a counselor, I'm present to help you cultivate that knowledge and compassion, and the change will come.