Danielle Reynolds had her "aha moment" in college when she realized she wanted a career in psychology. “Picture this: I’m sitting in a lecture hall, trying to blend the theories of Charles Darwin, Noam Chomsky and Carl Jung,” she recalls. “Somewhere between survival of the fittest, language acquisition and archetypes, it dawned on me: this was the key to unlocking the mysteries of human behavior! Plus, it was way more exciting to me than any frat party.”
As exciting as she views her work, Reynolds also knows it to be incredibly important. “Let’s face it, the human brain is the original overthinker!” she says. “It’s like the control center for our insight, emotions, thoughts and behaviors, and sometimes it needs a little help to keep things running smoothly. The mind is a superb instrument if used correctly. If used wrong, it becomes destructive and takes over. Plus, in a world where stress can come from everything from traffic jams to social media, having a therapist is essential. We make life a bit more manageable and a lot more joyful!”
Joy—and good mental health—are, in Reynold’s opinion, found through “tuning into life's natural rhythm and finding your unique groove. It's about balancing your energy and emotions without judgment and discovering inner peace without constantly searching outside yourself,” she explains. “Cultivating a harmonious relationship with yourself, others and the environment is crucial for maintaining a sense of balance and well-being. I believe in the importance of community, resilience and fostering a sense of belonging. As a society, we need to re-engage with activities and practices that promote real-world connections and support mental well-being.”
Reynolds herself engages in practices that help her maintain a healthy emotional outlook and good mental health. “Every day, I head out for a brisk hike, immersing myself in nature to find my center,” she says. “Also, I view challenges as puzzles. I confront them head-on, never backing down. I cherish the small joys, like a perfect cup of coffee or a cozy evening by the fire. My emotions are my compass; I embrace them all, even the messy ones. When I stumble, I'm quick to apologize and make things right, staying true to myself no matter what. Love is my guiding star, leading me back to center every day. And, of course, a good dose of humor and the occasional mind-bending adventure keep life interesting.”