Meet Faythe

What many people search for in a therapist is someone who will be their advocate, a compassionate, committed, and curious person who has their best interests at heart. Faythe Brennan, a therapist and social worker at Nova Mental Health Services, encapsulates all of that and more. Let’s dive into who Faythe is!

MOTIVATIONS AND BEGINNINGS
"I would say I've always had a strong desire to advocate for people, and I've always been a very empathetic person,” Faythe begins. Based on her background in sociology, Faythe has a strong understanding of the ways in which she and others can build people and communities up and give voice to those who don’t always have a place at the table. She also attributes her identities of BIPOC and queer as part of the reason for her deep-seated care for others.

As a lifelong learner and advocate for mental health care, Faythe is fueled by the disadvantages she sees many face, such as within the education system. This is one of the many reasons why she chose to become a therapist and social worker. “I feel like I'm doing real work on the ground, helping people and advocating,” she says. Faythe sees advocating as especially empowering and impactful.

HOW TO DESCRIBE FAYTHE
Faythe always wants to be welcoming and genuine. She says she hopes people will always say she brings a new perspective or thought to chew on to discussions. She wants to be thought-provoking and creative and someone who leads people to ponder what they are capable of. She hopes to inspire others towards better change. 

WORKING WITH HER CLIENTS
Faythe sees a wide range of clients, but she especially loves working with youth and parents. They fill her with a drive and passion to make change. “I have a lot of drive to make change and be a change maker in social work,” she says. 

However, Faythe recognizes that she is not the only one making change in and outside the therapy room. One of her favourite things is seeing parents change and grow with their kids! She knows that parents can be their kids’ whole world, and seeing parents have a growth mindset, support their kids, and learn new things is something she loves! “I think that's one really impactful and beautiful thing,” she exclaims, “Challenging, but also really, really amazing.”

WHO ARE SOCIAL WORKERS?
“Everyone assumes we’re CPS,” Faythe laughs, “or we’re just case managers.” While she recognizes the value of those professions, Faythe wants everyone to know social workers are so much more than that. Faythe says that social workers are advocates; they’re change makers. 

“I also would love more people to understand that being a social worker/counselor also can mean we're working in policy,” she remarks, “It can mean we are taking on those bigger roles in leadership and empowering other people.” Social work and therapy are not just listening and validating, according to Faythe. They also include recognizing where systems are failing clients and going back to the drawing board to advocate for various policies. 

FOREVER LEARNING
As a curious counselor, social worker, and person, Faythe has a passion for learning. Right now, in terms of her work, she is focusing on neuroscience and neurodiversity. “I'm an ADHDer, so I know my experience, but I think a better understanding of neurodiversity when it pertains to autism and understanding modalities and how to really provide people with the skills and the support that they need…are two subcategories of neurodiversity I really enjoy working with and learning about.”

In her personal life, Faythe is trying to get better at sewing. She reports owning a sewing machine for a year and only using it twice, so it is something that she really wants to pick back up. “It's so practical. I can fix the holes in my socks!” she exclaims. 

BECOMING INSPIRED
When asked what or who inspires her, Faythe had to ponder for a moment before excitedly deciding on Becoming by Michelle Obama. Faythe says that the book has remained in her subconscious for a long time with the focus it has on the grind and hustle to enact change and help people alongside the desire to not lose one’s passion or give up. 

FUTURE ADVICE
When asked about future advice for new counselors and social workers, Faythe offers these empowering words: “You are worth so much. Don't take low pay. Don't take crappy hours. I think you have worked your butt off to get your degree, your internships, and you deserve fair pay that reflects the amount of schooling you have done and all the knowledge that you have. I would say definitely always, always remember that you have so much to offer people.”
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Faythe also has words of wisdom for everyone, too. She believes that self-care has become a buzzword that is not put into practice. To her, it begins with financial stability and continues on with self-compassion. According to Faythe, the greatest self-care routines are advocating for fair pay and work hours and allowing yourself time and space to reflect and be yourself.