Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Schank.
Hi Brittany, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into the field of mental health began long before I ever became a therapist. I grew up in a family where mental health played a significant role, though I didn’t fully understand its impact until much later. Those early experiences sparked a deep curiosity in me, not only about how people heal, but how they keep going in the midst of difficulty.
After earning my master’s degree in social work, I began working in various settings, from child welfare to crisis intervention, and I quickly realized how much stigma and systemic barriers still existed around accessing mental health care. In 2018, I founded Solace Counseling to create a space that felt different, one that was approachable, human, and centered on genuine connection.
What started as a one-person practice has since grown into a thriving group with over a dozen clinicians and a supportive administrative team. We’ve expanded to multiple locations, added specialized programs like Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and created a culture where both clients and staff feel seen and valued.
I’ve also continued to evolve as a business owner and leader, which has opened the door to mentoring other clinicians, building out a consultation and supervision directory called Solace Co, and speaking on the business side of therapy. Every step has been grounded in the same purpose that started it all, to make mental health care accessible, compassionate, and real.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road, but I think that’s what has made it meaningful. Building Solace Counseling has been a mix of heart, hustle, and a lot of learning as I go. In the beginning, I was a therapist trying to balance being a new mom, figuring out the business side of private practice, and holding space for other people’s pain all at once. There were many nights I’d be charting with a baby on my lap or questioning if I could really lead a team the way I envisioned.
As Solace grew, the challenges shifted from wearing every hat myself to learning how to delegate, manage staff dynamics, and maintain a healthy culture while still showing up for my clients. There were seasons when imposter syndrome hit hard and moments when I wondered if the weight of leadership was too heavy. But every struggle forced me to get clearer on my values and the kind of practice I wanted to build, which is one rooted in authenticity, compassion, and growth, not perfection.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been worth every bump. Each obstacle has shaped me into a stronger leader, clinician, and person.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner and founder of Solace Counseling, a group practice based in Fargo, North Dakota, with a second location in Bismarck. We have an incredible team of therapists who serve individuals, couples, and families through a variety of specialties, everything from trauma and anxiety to parenting, relationships, and life transitions.
What I love most about our work is that it’s deeply human. We’re not just helping people “cope”, we’re helping them reconnect with themselves, their relationships, and their sense of hope. My own clinical background is in trauma and attachment, and I’m passionate about helping people understand why they do what they do and find compassion for their own story.
I think what sets Solace apart is the culture we’ve built. It’s rare to find a counseling practice where therapists genuinely feel supported, connected, and cared for and that energy translates directly into the client experience. Our team leads with authenticity and humility, and clients can feel that the moment they walk through the door.
I’m most proud of the way Solace has grown while staying true to its heart. We’ve expanded, added staff, and served thousands of sessions each year, but the mission has stayed the same: creating a safe, welcoming place where both clients and clinicians can heal and grow.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing people feel free to be exactly who they are, no masks, no pretending, no “shoulds.” There’s something so powerful about watching someone begin to accept themselves, flaws and all, and realize they don’t have to earn their worth. Whether it’s in the therapy room, with the Solace team, or in my own life, those moments of authenticity make everything feel lighter and more meaningful.
My kids also bring me endless happiness. No matter how heavy the day has been, they have this incredible way of pulling me right back into joy, whether it’s their laughter, their curiosity, or the little ways they remind me what really matters. They keep me grounded in gratitude.
And lastly, looking back at my own story brings me a quiet kind of happiness. Recognizing how I’ve taken some really hard seasons and painful self-perceptions and turned them into healing, purpose, and connection. There’s deep joy in knowing that the parts of me that once felt broken have become the reason I can help others find hope again.
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