The nonprofit mental health agency Beautiful Minds is founded on the premise that the brain is not fixed—it is wired for change.
“That’s the beauty of neuroplasticity. Our brains have the innate ability to adapt, rewire and grow, even after years of pain, trauma or unhealthy patterns,” says Jeff Cox, LPC, LCADC, ACS, director of clinical services. “At Beautiful Minds, we harness this capacity by using evidence-based practices that are designed not just to reduce symptoms, but to actually help the brain form new, healthier pathways.”
This brain-based approach to mental health transformation has helped Beautiful Minds grow into a multi-state agency serving communities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida—most recently with its newest office in Cape May Court House. Therapy is offered in person, at home and virtually for children, adolescents and families.
“We follow the clients’ needs and assist them with any challenge they may be facing or consider a challenge. Clients at times may come to services with one challenge and after a few weeks, are able to uncover more underlying concerns or patterns that may be causing challenges in their lives,” explains Jenny C. Beasley, MS, LPC, ACS, manager of clinical services.
Techniques to rewire the brain
Beautiful Minds utilizes practical techniques for brain health. These evidence-based strategies encourage active participation from clients, empowering them on their healing journey.
“At Beautiful Minds, we don’t just talk about healing, we give people real world tools they can use in their everyday lives to help their brains start working with them instead of against them. These tools and techniques to some might seem simple, but they’re incredibly powerful when practiced consistently,” Cox says.
These tools and techniques include:
- Intentional gratitude: Cox calls this one of the “most impactful shifts” for clients. It focuses not just on positivity, but on learning how to make space for the good things even on hard days. “When someone starts writing down just a few things they’re thankful for each day, a kind word, a moment of peace, a small win, it actually helps rewire the brain to focus more on what’s working rather than what’s missing,” Cox says. “Over time, that builds resilience, hope and even joy.”
- Naming and reframing negative thoughts: This technique encourages clients to catch their internal negative thoughts of self doubt and criticism and say them out loud. This creates an opportunity to reframe the negative into something positive. “It might feel awkward at first, but every time they challenge that inner voice, they’re literally creating a new pathway in the brain, one that leads to self-compassion and confidence,” Cox explains.
- Experiencing something new: This could mean trying a new hobby, walking a different route or saying yes to something previously avoided—all actions that wake up the brain to possibility. This technique helps clients start to feel unstuck by reminding their brain that change can be possible.
Cox stresses that these practices are not quick fixes, but can help build a life that “feels lighter, more connected and more in tune with who they truly are.”
“We don’t just believe in change, we see it happen every day,” he says.
Neurogenesis in healing
The team at Beautiful Minds understands that harnessing the concept of neurogenesis—or the brain’s process of creating new neurons in areas associated with learning and memory—can be life-changing when it comes to therapy. It can enhance cognitive function and emotional resilience, improving a client’s mental well-being.
It’s not always an easy journey, but it’s a worthwhile one, and active client participation is key.
“Clients may enter into therapy a bit apprehensive and the willingness and openness to explore their thoughts and feelings will assist with their ability to fully engage in the therapeutic process. We strive at Beautiful Minds to meet the clients where they are, and not force a client into processing or exploring concerns until they are ready,” Beasley says.
Cox adds that client participation is not only “ethically required,” but it matters because healing doesn’t just happen. A client needs to work at it.
“At Beautiful Minds, we always say that therapy works best when it’s a collaboration. We’re here to guide, support and offer tools, but the real change comes when clients start using those tools in their own lives,” he says.
Expanding the Beautiful Minds community
On Tuesday, June 4, a grand opening celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Beautiful Minds’ new Cape May Court House location. The new agency meets the growing needs of the community and will also offer in-home, in-office and telehealth services.
“We chose this location due to the lack of mental health services accessible to the Cape May County areas and increasing the community’s ability to receive these therapies in their own community,” Beasley says.
She and Cox encourage everyone to come out to the grand opening.
“Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma or just needs support navigating life’s challenges, we’re here and we’re ready,” Cox says. “We invite everyone: families, educators, health providers, community leaders and neighbors to join us on June 4.”
Beautiful Minds
Muliple locations
(609) 350-5007
BeautifulMindsSTC.com
