Introducing Dr. Brooke Bluestein
By the time I was a sophomore in high school, I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was going to be a chemical engineer. I always excelled in STEM subjects at school, and my all-girls high school made it a point to encourage us to pursue careers in fields that were traditionally dominated by men if we were interested. I did a summer program at UC for women in engineering, and I was admitted early to my dream college of engineering with a hefty scholarship.
Then, the entire plan I envisioned for my future was upended by what at the time felt like a minor decision – I signed up for AP Psychology. My high school had never offered this course before, but the students campaigned to make it a reality and the school agreed. The only way to fit it into an already busy course schedule was to make it an “early bird” class, which meant that the class would begin and end before the school day officially started. I grew up in the country and already had a 45-minute commute to school on a good day, so I promised myself that I would only stay in the course if I felt that it was truly worth it. By the end of the first week of class, the entire trajectory of my life changed (for the better, I think!). I have always been a staunch night owl; there are very few things in this world that can convince me to get out of bed early in the morning. But there was something about this course that had me enthralled; I loved the subject matter, I loved the memoirs we read, and I loved the lively discussions we had in class. I was hooked! People are endlessly fascinating. They can somehow be simultaneously strong, beautiful, resilient, frustrating, funny, broken, hopeful; people are chockfull of contradictory thoughts and emotions. I discovered that at my core, I am continually curious about why we as people do what we do, and that curiosity has served me well in my life and my career.
I enrolled in the one non-engineering college I applied to – a small, liberal arts school called Denison University – and I declared my major in Psychology from day one. I also met my future spouse day one, but that is a story for another time. Despite my confidence that I chose the perfect career path for me, it has not been an easy experience getting to where I am today. My confidence has been shaken more times than I can count (and remember, I’ve always been good at math), and I have shed enough tears to fill a swimming pool. Ultimately, I now recognize that being forced to develop a bit of grit and resilience has made me a better person, and it has certainly turned me into a better clinician. The ability to provide a safe space for people to share their stories and emotions is a cornerstone of my work, and it is deeply gratifying to witness their progress and growth,
Being a psychologist is more than just a profession: it’s a fulfilling journey of understanding and helping individuals navigate the intricate landscape of their minds. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to witness the transformative power of human resilience. The privilege of being a clinical psychologist lies in the profound impact one can have on individuals' lives, promoting resilience, healing, and the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling existence. By fostering understanding and compassion, I believe we can create a society that values mental well-being as much as physical health. I am so excited to be working with this team of truly amazing clinicians at Hello Mental Health.
I work with clients from adolescence through adulthood, and I would be honored to help you find your path to healing and personal growth (despite my wordiness in this blog, I promise I am an amazing listener as well)!
