The wildflower is a symbol that calls us to remembrance, renewal, and resilience:

Remember. Just like each wildflower is unique and beautiful in its appearance, personality, and qualities- so are we.

Renew. Just as the wildflower can grow in the most unlikely places- so can we.

Resilience. Just as the wildflower demonstrates strength, endurance, and courage to thrive in dark and difficult times- so can we.

Inspiration for Courageous Connections

Wildflowers are captivating. Their untamed beauty is wildly attractive to the world around them- simply consider how the bees and butterflies dance around them! The quiet beauty of wildflowers is that they are magnificently free... free from trouble and worry, free from social constructs, free from pain… free to grow, free to show up authentically, and free to connect with the world around them.

THIS IS OUR HOPE for all who come to Courageous Connections- that you would leave this space experiencing a life where you truly feel “among the wildflowers” in a grace-filled freedom that allows you to grow, show up authentically, and courageously connect with the world around you!

Meet Meaghan Brandow, LPC

After earning my Masters Degree of Professional Counseling in 2011, I have served in several roles as a therapist and clinical supervisor. I believe that we were never meant to do life alone- and that the greatest healing happens in the context of relationships.

My professional areas of interest include:

  • couples counseling

  • perinatal mental health

  • parent/child relationships

  • grief & loss

  • faith/spirituality

  • healing systemic racism & inequity

I have completed specialized training in individual and couples counseling through the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT). Being an EFT therapist means that I prioritize emotion and emotion regulation as the key organizing agents in individual experience and relationship interactions.

I have received specialized training as a perinatal mental health clinician through Postpartum Support International and as an infant mental health clinician through MI-AIMH. I have also been trained as a postpartum doula through DONA International (I only provide doula services through the HowUBirth Doula Initiative in Muskegon County). Completing training in these evidence-based practices allows me to provide informed care through the childbearing and early childhood years (pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and children ages 0-6 years old).

Additionally, I am a trained facilitator in Coming Together for Racial Understanding through Michigan State University. As a facilitator, I am trained in the civil dialogue necessary to support professionals in discussing racism and developing collaborative action plans to dismantle racism.

You can see additional information on my Psychology Today profile.

Photo courtesy of Dane & Becky Machiela