Rebecca Brasfield’s Journey: Innovating Mental Health Recovery at C4

Rebecca Brasfield, a dedicated recovery support specialist, joined the Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) in August 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenging circumstances, Brasfield felt a strong calling to return to work in the mental health field, especially given the increased need for mental health support during the pandemic. Her position at the C4 Drop-In Center required in-person interaction, a rarity during that time, but it allowed her to build genuine connections with clients and provide hands-on support that was crucial for their recovery.

Her journey to C4 was marked by personal challenges and professional growth. Before joining C4, Brasfield had been out of work for three years following a layoff from a director position at a mental health facility. This period was transformative for her, as she faced her own mental health setback, underwent personal development, and engaged in volunteer work. These experiences deepened her empathy and understanding of the individuals she would later support at the Drop-In Center.

At C4, Brasfield found inspiration under the guidance of Herbert Cobbs, Associate Director of Specialized Services and a leader in the recovery support community. “Herb gave me a chance after being out of work for some time. I was out of work for about 3 years and he gave me a chance,” Brasfield explained. Herb introduced her to innovative methods of recovery education, particularly in group settings.

During the pandemic, “we were doing groups five days a week during the pandemic. Nobody was doing that.” This intense involvement revealed a gap in resources for group facilitation, prompting Brasfield to write 365 Wellness and Recovery a book designed to provide daily ideas, topics, and activities for group sessions.

Herb’s expertise in group dynamics greatly influenced Brasfield’s approach. She learned to recognize and address various group behaviors, such as dominant speakers and reticent participants, creating a safe space where individuals could practice new skills and resolve conflicts. These group sessions mirrored real-life scenarios, offering participants the tools to handle similar situations outside the center.

Brasfield’s book is a testament to her dedication to the field. It includes over 365 topics, each with a famous quote and an activity, catering to both new and experienced professionals. The book aims to empower peer support specialists by providing them with practical resources to enhance their group facilitation skills. Despite the labor-intensive process of writing the book, Brasfield’s primary motivation was to support her profession and improve the lives of those served by peer support specialists.

In the dedication of her book, Brasfield honors C4, acknowledging that her work would not have been possible without the organization’s support. Brasfield’s commitment to recovery education is shared by C4’s leadership, including Herb and Kelsey DiPirro, who are working to expand recovery education beyond the peer profession to include social work providers. This vision aims to position C4 as a leader in recovery education, not only in Illinois but potentially on a national level.

As C4 continues to expand its recovery education efforts, Brasfield’s influence and leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of the organization and the broader field of mental health support.

You can purchase Brasfield’s book on Amazon. However, if you are a therapist or peer support and unable to purchase the book at full price, you may receive a discounted PDF version upon request.