Brooke’s Inside Voice

Being Human, Feeling Together: Mental Health and the Ties That Bind

Monthly Column By Brooke Bertrand

Hi, I’m Brooke Bertrand and welcome to Brooke’s Inside Voice. I’ve spent over 20 years helping people navigate the messy, beautiful, complicated world of relationships. One thing I’ve learned? Mental health and relationships are inseparable. How we feel inside affects how we show up for the people we love—and how our relationships unfold affects our sense of self.

Modern life doesn’t make this easy. Life moves fast. Between work deadlines, parenting, and trying to “do it all,” it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time—or energy—for ourselves or the people we care about. These pressures can leave us stressed, anxious, or exhausted—and those feelings inevitably ripple into our relationships. Minor disagreements escalate, communication breaks down, and emotional closeness can fade without us even realizing it. When one part of us suffers, the other follows. Stress and burnout don’t just live in our heads—they show up in how we relate.

But here’s the thing: relationships can also be a source of incredible strength and healing. Healthy connections ground us, lift our mood, and remind us we’re not alone. They help us manage stress, build resilience, and provide a sense of safety and belonging. The challenge is making space for connection amid the constant busyness. That means being intentional about communication, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care—because your mental health and your relationships deserve attention.

When we understand and connect with what’s happening inside ourselves, we can show up more honestly and with more care in our relationships. My work with couples builds on that same foundation: connection over perfection to build a stronger, more loving bond. It’s about presence, attunement, and learning to navigate life’s pressures together. I believe that even in our busiest, most overwhelming seasons, love can still be a steady place to land—something that restores us, not something that drains us.

That’s what Brooke’s Inside Voice is all about: bringing the kinds of conversations that often happen in therapy into the public space, exploring the quiet forces that shape our sense of self and our relationships. From the hustle of modern life to the everyday work of being human and seeking connection, I hope this space helps you understand yourself, your loved ones, and the ties that bind us.

A couple's therapist who has heard it all… and is still betting on love.

Brooke Bertrand, MA, RP, owner of Bright Raven Psychotherapy and brings over 20 years of experience helping clients navigate relationships, anxiety, burnout, addictions, and relational trauma. Trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, she guides partners toward real connection—and even reaches those who never thought therapy was for them.

 Off the clock, she’s chasing two teenagers around hockey rinks. She believes life is lived best with humor, the love of cats, great books, good tea, and a great playlist.

 Brooke’s Inside Voice will bring common therapy topics into the public spotlight, exploring the issues that quietly shape our relationships. From mental health and the hustle of modern life to the joys and challenges of being human and seeking connection to ourselves and others, Brooke shares insights that help readers understand themselves, their loved ones, and the ties that bind us.