
Healing isn't about standing still.
It's about gently learning how to flow again.
Feeling our best begins with gently understanding the things that may be getting in the way, and learning to move with yourself, your life, and your inner world in different ways. Choosing you is a beautiful first step, whether you walk through the door or meet online with Grow Optimism. From there, together, we can begin to explore what flow wants to look and feel like uniquely for you.

Nancy Brownsberger
Registered Social Service Worker
Certified Trauma Therapist
Certified Life Coach
Dare to Lead / Daring Teams Member
Group Facilitator & Trainer
Meet Nancy
Nancy Brownsberger is a registered social service worker, trauma-informed counsellor, life coach, corporate trainer, and wellness facilitator whose work lives at the intersection of mental wellness, compassion, and our shared need to be seen, heard, and encouraged. That's Grow Optimism Therapy.
Over the past 30 years, Nancy has worked across many areas of social service and community support, including youth justice and mental health, child protection and risk assessment, developmental services, vocational rehabilitation, community health, poverty alleviation, and food security.
Her work is grounded in the belief that healing begins with connection — and that holding space for another person can be a powerful part of helping them find their way forward.
One-on-One Counselling/Therapy
Support for exploring thoughts, fears, worries, emotions, and patterns while developing tools to help you feel better.
Life Coaching
Goal-setting, planning, encouragement, and accountability for individuals or groups ready to move toward a more intentional life.
Organizational / Workplace Wellness Support
Customized workshops, corporate training, group facilitation, and employee support programs designed around the needs of your team.
Ways We Can Work Together
VIEW ALL SERVICES

Individual Therapy
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Life Coaching
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Social Work Support
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Client Experiences
Real Stories of Transformation
You came into my life when I was without hope and you gently reflected back a life worth living. Your love and trust have been a wonderful gift to me - beyond words. You showed me love and indeed love me, I never thought that was possible - I am forever
grateful.
S.M.
Individual Therapy Client
With new tools and with listening to you, you speak so well, you have compassion and straight talk all in one package, I like that! Thank you so much for leading ( I know you don't want to lead this, maybe it is mentoring at it's best!) this most valuable book study for me and at the right time. I have so much to learn, or so much to acknowledge, let go of and move forward in a direction that is beneficial to me and to the staff I supervise. BUT mostly beneficial to me. In this past year I had checked out and been of no value to myself or the staff I supervise, I was worn down - tapped out. I believe by the end of this book study I will take my power back.
S.M.
Life Coaching Client
Trust is something that does not come easily for me. Nancy's acceptance of who I am and where I am at, all my flaws, my darkness and my struggle to find a way out has enabled me to begin a relationship with trust as the foundation. Nancy's continued to be non-judgemental, supportive and caring throughout the weeks of us working together. Our counselling sessions have been unlike anything I've experienced and
in a few short weeks I have begun to practice new ways of thinking, new ways of looking at the past and feel the start a very positive shift in myself. I'm beginning to breathe in joy.
I look forward to growing more and more optimistic.
S.M.
Individual Counselling Client
Nancy is by far one of the best investments I have ever made into my self-growth, discovery, healing and happiness. She has been a rock every step of this journey and takes each step layer by layer and with such empathy and grit that I look forward to continuing even when it is uncomfortable.
S.M.
Individual Therapy Client
Nancy is an AMAZING therapist!
Her educational background and experience in social work, and advanced training in trauma therapy is incredible.
What makes Nancy an exceptional therapist is her willingness to share her own personal experiences and insights which makes her so relatable and authentic. She is kind and compassionate, and truly cares about each of her clients. She provides a safe, confidential and warm environment and meets you wherever you are on your
life’s journey. She is supportive, professional, and a lovely human being
S.M.
Individual Therapy Client
Client Experiences
Real Stories of Transformation
You came into my life when I was without hope and you gently reflected back a life worth living. Your love and trust have been a wonderful gift to me - beyond words. You showed me love and indeed love me, I never thought that was possible - I am forever grateful.
S.M.
Individual Therapy Client
With new tools and with listening to you, you speak so well, you have compassion and straight talk all in one package, I like that! Thank you so much for leading this most valuable book study for me and at the right time. I have so much to learn, or so much to acknowledge, let go of and move forward in a direction that is beneficial to me and to the staff I supervise. I believe by the end of this book study I will take my power back.
S.M.
Corporate Client
Trust is something that does not come easily for me. Nancy's acceptance of who I am and where I am at, all my flaws, my darkness and my struggle to find a way out has enabled me to begin a relationship with trust as the foundation. Nancy's continued to be non-judgemental, supportive and caring throughout the weeks of us working together. Our counselling sessions have been unlike anything I've experienced and in a few short weeks I have begun to practice new ways of thinking, new ways of looking at the past and feel the start a very positive shift in myself. I'm beginning to breathe in joy. I look forward to growing more and more optimistic.
S.M.
Individual Counselling Client
Nancy is by far one of the best investments I have ever made into my self-growth, discovery, healing and happiness. She has been a rock every step of this journey and takes each step layer by layer and with such empathy and grit that I look forward to continuing even when it is uncomfortable.
S.M.
Individual Therapy Client
Nancy is an AMAZING therapist!
Her educational background and experience in social work, and advanced training in trauma therapy is incredible.
What makes Nancy an exceptional therapist is her willingness to share her own personal experiences and insights which makes her so relatable and authentic. She is kind and compassionate, and truly cares about each of her clients. She provides a safe, confidential and warm environment and meets you wherever you are on your life’s journey. She is supportive, professional, and a lovely human being
S.M.
Individual Therapy Client
A wonderful trainer that exudes joy and a real caring for people, just like the boats at
high tide, she raises up anyone she interacts with.
S.M.
T. Jordan, Executive Director
Community Living Trent Highlands


