Hello friendly faces! It’s a new Chicago North Shore Moms spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law. We are so excited to introduce you to a Lake Forest mom of four and the founder of Courage to Connect, Brianne Clatch!
Brianne Clatch believes in the power of hard work and perseverance. In 2014, Brianne joined her husband’s practice, Courage to Connect Mental Health Center, as the managing director, just two years after having established the business and with their second newborn in tow. Her cheerful and hopeful demeanor is exactly what the doctor ordered! Together with their stellar team of providers, each who go above and beyond, treat their patients with uttermost care and compassion. With a diverse set of therapeutic modalities, Courage to Connect strives to be a practice that serves patients of all ages, and supports individuals and family needs in one place. Get to know more about Courage to Connect (5 locations!) and Brianne: Her painful four-year battle with fertility issues, why she chose Lake Forest to raise her family, favorite hangout spots worth checking out, an invaluable list to of critical mental health signs to watch for and ways to address them with children, and Brianne’s own drive and passion behind lifting up her community. Welcome, Brianne!
Hi Brianne. Please introduce yourself.
Hello, Chicago North Shore Moms! My name is Brianne Clatch and I’m thrilled to be a part of this wonderful community. I’m a 44-year-old wife and mother of four beautiful children who bring so much joy to my life. As a mental health entrepreneur, I’m passionate about supporting others in their mental wellness journeys.
I consider myself a cheerful and hopeful person who believes in hard work and perseverance. I love a large cup of coffee, a good book, a delicious gluten-free meal (I have Celiac) and Beatles music. I’m excited to connect with all of you and share our experiences as moms.
Me signing the wall of Abby Road Studios in London where the Beatles recorded many of their famous songs.
We are excited to connect with you! Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Wheaton, a western suburb of Chicago, with my younger brother and sister. My parents still live in my childhood home, and we visit as often as we can. Growing up, my neighborhood was the kind where we played outside until the streetlights came on and spent our days filled with adventures on bikes and playing at the park with friends.
And now?
My family and I live in Lake Forest, a town and community we absolutely adore. We enjoy spending time at the beach, the library, Gorton Center, Market Square, and Open Lands. The first time we saw the 4th of July fireworks over Deerpath Park was a magical moment for us. The community is wonderful, welcoming, and proud. My children participate in sports through the park district, the Lake Forest Swim Club, and various activities at the School of St. Mary. It’s been a joy watching them grow up in such a supportive academic and athletic environment.
What brought your family to Lake Forest?
My husband grew up in the northern suburbs, and I fell in love with the history and charm of the North Shore. In 2017, our daughter started 1st grade at the School of St. Mary in Lake Forest, and, soon after, we bought a home in Lake Forest and have been nestled there ever since! We live close to downtown and can bike to the grocery store, ice cream shop, bookstore, and beach! The Lake Forest Days parade and carnival are the highlight of our summer.
Brianne, what are one or two fun facts to know about you?
I ran track for seven years, all the way through high school, and was an All-American athlete, ranking third in the nation for the Medley Relay. I really enjoyed the Olympics this year!
My second fun fact is if I could be anything in the world, I would breed Ragdoll cats and live on a farm.
What are you reading and watching?
I am currently reading Tom Lake by Ann Patchett and just finished The Women by Kristin Hannah. I am watching “The Bear.”
Your mantra?
Good things come to those who work hard!
The soundtrack to your life?
‘Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane.
Let’s get down to business. Please introduce Courage to Connect Mental Health Center.
Courage to Connect Mental Health Center is an outpatient practice offering counseling, neuropsychological & psychological testing, psychiatry and nutrition services to patients of all ages.
We have 5 locations throughout the North Shore with offices in Glenview (2), Glencoe, Wilmette, and Lake Bluff. We accept all major commercial insurances and provide affordable self-pay options. With over 50 + diverse providers; we treat all mental health diagnosis and pride ourselves on seeing patients within a week.
Our patient service is exceptional, and my staff goes above and beyond to treat the individuals and families who choose us for their mental health needs with the uttermost care and compassion. We strive to be “the” trusted referral source to primary care doctors, pediatricians, school counselors, higher level of care facilities, other mental health professionals and of course our best referral source – our current patients sending their family, friends and neighbors to Courage to Connect. The heart of our business lies within the connection we have to our surrounding communities.
Courage to Connect Service Day at Feed My Starving Children.
When was Courage to Connect established?
My husband, Dr. Michael Clatch, is a Clinical Psychologist and the owner of our practice. Together, we founded Courage to Connect in 2012, opening our first location in “The Glen” of Glenview. Initially, the practice focused on counseling and group therapy for adolescent, teen, and young adult males with Autism, ADHD, OCD, self-esteem issues, depression, and anxiety, among other specialties. We would wait by the phone all day, all week, hoping for new patients to call. At that time, our first daughter was 16 months old, and I felt like I had two babies: my daughter and our newly opened practice! We had no “how to” book for starting a private practice (or having a baby), it was a lot of trial and error and asking for help.
Brianne, what inspired you personally to pursue a career in mental health, and how did you come to join Courage to Connect Mental Health Center over a decade ago?
My husband told me on our (blind) first date he was going to doctorate school to become a Clinical Psychologist and that he wanted to open a group Psychology practice. After dating for a while, I learned when he was 14 y/o, my husband’s father was killed in a car crash. Due to the lack of support services during his teenage years and beyond, his intention was to give back to those suffering with mental health issues by opening a counseling center with accessible and affordable care. It was an ambitious and unique concept at that time, but I loved the idea and passion behind it.
When Courage to Connect opened in 2012 I was working in corporate healthcare and going to night school to earn my MBA. Years prior, I had worked in the nonprofit sector and found serving others a very rewarding and emotionally fulfilling line of work. It took two years before the practice could fully financially support our family, and, in 2014, just 8 weeks after my 2nd child was born, I excitedly joined my husband at the practice!
The mental health industry can be fragmented requiring multiple appointments with different providers. I understand first-hand the challenges of driving across the North Shore to get the support and answers you need, often with waitlists and providers who do not accept insurance. The community deserved better and I knew I could build the solution. I saw the need for a practice that could see patients of all ages and support needs in one place. I quickly began building up the practice, adding more specialties and expanding services.
Moms find comfort in relating to one another about the mental health struggles. Is there a time in your life like this you’d like to share?
I have experienced mental health struggles personally, particularly during a four-year battle with fertility issues. During that time, I suffered from depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. I credit much of my successful journey to motherhood to the support and guidance of my therapist. It was during that time I learned first-hand how incredibly important the therapist-patient connection was for the healing process. I have taken that simple lesson and incorporated it throughout the center as one of our main missions.
How does Courage to Connect Mental Health Center address the unique mental health needs of young children vs. teenagers and young adults?
Our therapists use a variety of methods and tools to fit the developmental stages and preferences of different age groups. It is so important for building trust and engagement, and it helps create a more comfortable and effective therapeutic environment.
The therapists work with children ages 5 (+) and definitely know how to keep the young ones engaged and entertained during session. We have closets filled with toys, fidgets, dollhouses, coloring books, art & craft supplies, soccer balls, tennis balls etc. Each month we have a “Courage Craft” with a special mental health themed art project, such as “inspiration rocks” and the therapists can incorporate the project into their work.
Additionally, our therapists incorporate play therapy, art therapy, walk & talk therapy, music therapy, all sorts of creative ideas to connect with the age-appropriate patient. Teens also like to play games, put Legos together and arts & crafts projects, whereas young adults love creative or expressive writing, listing to music, adult coloring books or taking a walk outside.
The most important thing is connection; when the therapist and patient connect – it’s magic and the real work can begin. It’s difficult for children, adolescents, and young adults to sit across the couch from an adult and talk about their problems. It’s much easier to connect when they have an activity or additional element to the session.
What signs should parents look for to identify if their child might need professional mental health support?
Here are some key signs parents should look out for when considering whether their child might need professional mental health support:
- Significant Changes in Behavior: Look for sudden shifts in behavior, such as increased aggression, irritability, or withdrawal from family and friends.
- Decline in Academic Performance: A noticeable drop in grades or loss of interest in schoolwork can indicate underlying issues.
- Changes in Sleep or Eating Patterns: Difficulties with sleep (insomnia or excessive sleeping) or changes in appetite and eating habits might be signs of emotional distress.
- Physical Complaints: Frequent, unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches can sometimes be linked to emotional or psychological issues.
- Loss of Interest in Activities: If your child loses interest in activities or sports, they previously enjoyed, it could signal an underlying problem.
- Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions, friends, or family members can be a sign of emotional difficulties.
- Increased Risky Behaviors: Engaging in dangerous activities or substance use may indicate a need for support.
- Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness: Ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness that don’t seem to improve over time should be taken seriously.
What’s some advice as to how parents can approach the conversation with their child?
When approaching the conversation with your child, it’s important to:
- Choose a Comfortable Setting: Have the conversation in a relaxed, private environment where your child feels safe.
- Be Open and Non-Judgmental: Approach the discussion with empathy, expressing concern rather than criticism.
- Listen Actively: Give your child space to share their thoughts and feelings without interrupting and validate their experiences.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage your child to express themselves by asking questions like, “How have you been feeling lately?” or “What’s been on your mind?”
- Provide Reassurance: Let your child know that seeking help is a positive step and that they won’t be judged or criticized for needing support.
- Explore Options Together: Discuss potential options for professional help and involve your child in the decision-making process.
- Be Patient: It may take time for your child to open up or for therapy to show results. Continue to offer support and understanding throughout the process.
Thank you for introducing Courage to Connect to our audience! How can we reach out and get started?
My email is: [email protected] – I would love to hear from you!
For information about Courage to Connect Mental Health Services or to schedule a first-time appointment at any of our locations; please call central registration at: 847-730-3042 or email [email protected].
About our Meet of Mom Sponsor
A very heartfelt thank you to CNSM Meet a Mom sponsor, Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here! Contact Mary directly here: [email protected].
