Mx. Brighton Brooks
M.ED, R-DMT, LPC
Why somatic therapy? I have experienced radical healing through the power of art and dance. Befriending my body helped me tolerate discomfort and stop second-guessing my thoughts and actions. Through expressive art processes, I noticed I not only felt safer and more confident but was also better able to explore different facets of my identity in a more authentic way. Studying group processes, in particular, helped me develop trust in the context of relationships and healing in community.
TLDR
Background in music, art, dance, writing, choir, & theatre
Queer, trans, & neurodivergent affirming
Offering body/brain based individual and group therapies using trauma-responsive movement & expressive arts
Experience with teens/adults/elders on anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, recent psychosis, dissociation, & trauma
Virtual appointments available in Alaska & Minnesota
Accepting Premera BCBS, & out-of-network benefits (see Therapy page for more info) or cash-pay/self-pay
My Experience
The bulk of my professional experience is sitting alongside queer, transgender, and neurodivergent teens and adults, dancers and artists. I view human behavior as adaptive responses to oppressive systems, not broken people. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, neurodivergence, and identity from a neurobiological perspective to facilitate discovery and practice of embodied self-care skills. Choice, play, connection, humor, and compassion are key components in my work as a therapist, teacher, and workshop guide.
I earned my Psychology BA (2005) and Masters of Education in Counseling (2009) from UAF while studying modern group improvisation and international dance styles from around the world. Most recently, my studies with Embodied Neurobiology (2019-2024) allowed me to complete all requirements to become a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I’ve also completed Phase I of Brainspotting and the Trauma Research Foundation’s intensive course in trauma-informed Neurofeedback.
What is it like working with me?
Some people feel stuck in their heads, or experience times when words are not enough. Somatic therapies offer unique “bottom up” opportunities using movement, breath, and neurobiology to understand what you are experiencing and how to better support yourself holistically. Particularly in working with trauma recovery, we can explore and practice ways of being present to create a different perspective and relationship to events in the past.
Expressive arts provides yet another tool for “getting things out” and challenging our own preconceived notions about trust, self-worth, and safety. At any given session I will work with where you’re at that day and can be as flexible or structured as you need. I do not practice out of workbooks or cookie-cutter solutions that are the same for every client, because there is only one you. I will always do my best to empower you, center your voice, and help you access the magic within you.
Chat with me
I welcome and encourage questions! To find out if we’re a good fit or decide which service is right for you, please contact me for a free 20 minute discovery call.