About
Brandy Martin
Hey there! Here is a little bit about why I am so passionate about this work. I've been on a road to health for many years now. I'm 42, almost 43, and can say that for more than half my life I have been dipping into holistic health. As I look back I struggled with severe anxiety in my teen years that caused brutal shyness. It morphed into depression in my college years which resulted in all kinds of numbing and unhealthy coping styles. Then I got pregnant and after having my sweet boy I got sick. The kind of sickness that lasts a long time and doesn't go away with Advil. I was having migraines, extreme fatigue, nerve pain in my face and body, muscle weakness, hair loss, brain fog a, and yes, more mental health challenges as well. This lead me to my primary care doctor who told me everything was fine because my lab work was normal.
I was offered birth control and antidepressants as a solution. I am not anti-medication you all, but goodness I think there is so much more that can be done before/with these tools. For all you people out there who feel "crazy" because you are being told everything is "normal" on your lab draws so it must be in your head. I hear you and I believe you! You are not making this stuff up. Something is off and your body, mind, and soul know it! Please keep listening and trusting you.
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I know the pain of feeling like you don't know what to do and that your only solutions are medication. I'm here to tell you there is soooo much more you can do and it works! That is what lead me to see a nutritionist - whoa, I was blown away! Not only did many of my physical ailments improve significantly and or go away completely my mood and anxiety did as well. That second part was way unexpected. This is when I was like "I need to know more! This is incredible!." So that sent me down the very intriguing, life-changing road of functional medicine and functional nutrition.
Like I do, I went back to school to become a functional nutritionist so that I can learn a shit ton about the body and why healing our body helps to heal our brain/mental health disorders. It's all connected and I can't wait to share it with you!
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Why Spiritual Health - I believe that we are all spiritual beings living in a human body. You are an intuitive and sensitive soul that is so wise and knows what you need more than I do. When we can live from this place we feel guided and supported along not only our healing journey but our life. So how could we leave this out? I could not have made it to where I am today without learning how to connect and love myself deeply.
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I would love to hear your story and help you peel back a few more layers to what might be causing your mental health challenges. Click here to schedule a 30-minute consult.
Qualifications and Experience - if that matters to you :)
2003
Bachelors Degree in Sociology
Northwestern University
My journey began with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from the prestigious Northwestern University. This institution's rich academic environment allowed me to delve into the intricate workings of human society, providing me with a deep appreciation for the complexities of individual experiences within the broader social fabric.
2012
Masters Degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy
Naropa University
I earned my Masters Degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy from Naropa University, an institution renowned for its holistic approach to mental health. This unique program has equipped me with a profound understanding of the integration between psychological healing and mindfulness practices, enriching my ability to guide clients towards profound self-discovery and inner growth.
2015
Became Licensed Professional Counselor
In 2015, I achieved my goal of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, a pivotal milestone in my journey of providing effective and ethical therapeutic support to individuals in need. This accomplishment reflects my dedication to upholding the highest standards of professional practice while fostering a safe and transformative space for clients to embark on their own paths of healing and self-improvement.
2021
Functional Nutrition Certification
Andrea Nakayamas Full Body Systems
I pursued a Functional Nutrition Certification through Andrea Nakayama's Full Body Systems program, which has deepened my expertise in addressing health from a holistic perspective. This specialized training equips me to identify underlying root causes of health issues and develop personalized nutrition strategies that promote lasting well-being for my clients.
2016 - Present
CEO and Brandy Health Coaching
2013-2016
Bereavement Counselor and Hospice Social Worker
2012-2013
Case Manager at Jefferson Center for Mental Health
prior to 2012
Many years working in Nursing Homes doing various jobs (social worker, activities assistant, marketing, admissions, CNA)