According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults and 1 in 6 children experience mental health challenges each year. And, 122 million people live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, highlighting a critical gap in care. This is why Brenda is passionate about podcasting on mental health—both to raise awareness and provide resources for practitioners in the field, creating a community of professionals committed to this important work.

While Brenda often discusses science-based interventions, she’s also drawn to the “art” of psychology—the more intuitive, experiential ways of understanding. Art evokes emotions and insights that can’t always be measured scientifically but are just as valuable in the field of psychology. Brenda believes that integrating these different ways of knowing, as Carl Jung suggested, strengthens our ability to understand others.

One piece of art that illustrates this power of emotional connection is Edvard Munch’s The Scream. The figure’s agonized expression and intense eye contact convey deep pain—an emotion words can’t fully capture. It’s a reminder that eye contact and emotional expression are universally understood.

Brenda also looked to poetry, where many writers have reflected on the significance of eyes. From Rumi to T.S. Eliot, poets suggest that eyes reveal the soul, interpret the unconscious, and help us make sense of the world. These artistic perspectives remind Brenda of the deep, human connection that eye contact represents, beyond clinical practice.

As Brenda continues to explore the role of eye contact in psychology, she’s inspired by the way art and science can complement each other. This blend of approaches allows for a more empathetic, holistic practice—one rooted in curiosity and the power of connection.