Nourishing, connecting, and uplifting therapists
through transformative learning and community
Caring for therapists is caring for communities.
The Brave & Sage Foundation is a nonprofit founded by Dr. Jenny Hughes and Dr. Laura Spiller to support the well-being, growth, and sustainability of mental health professionals.
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Dr. Laura Spiller is a licensed psychologist, educator, and co-founder of the Brave & Sage Foundation. With more than two decades of experience as a clinician, teacher, and supervisor, she is deeply committed to helping therapists sustain their work through connection, learning, and authentic community.
Laura is the founder of Heights Couples Therapy, where she specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. Her approach emphasizes presence, compassion, and the healing potential of secure relationships—values that anchor the Brave & Sage Foundation’s mission.
A former university professor and clinical training director, Laura has taught and mentored dozens of emerging therapists. Her research and publications have explored family violence, trauma, and attachment, and she continues to offer workshops on ethical practice and emotionally focused therapy.
As a co-founder of the Brave & Sage Foundation, Laura brings both her scholarly and clinical wisdom to the design of restorative learning spaces for mental health professionals. She believes that when therapists are supported and resourced, they are better able to bring their full, human selves to the work of healing.
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Dr. Jenny Hughes is a licensed clinical psychologist, trauma specialist, and co-founder of the Brave & Sage Foundation. Her work centers on the belief that healing professionals deserve the same compassion, support, and care that they offer to others.
Jenny is the founder of The BRAVE Trauma Therapist Collective and Brave Providers, communities that help therapists prevent burnout, integrate self-compassion into their work, and reconnect with meaning in their professional lives. She draws from her extensive clinical experience working with survivors of trauma and loss to create spaces where helpers can process their own experiences, build resilience, and find renewal.
As President of the Brave & Sage Foundation, Jenny leads initiatives that bring together education, embodiment, and belonging—transforming professional development into restorative practice. Her teaching and facilitation style blend clinical depth with authenticity and humor, inviting therapists to be fully human as they grow in skill and self-awareness.
Through her leadership, Jenny continues to advance the Foundation’s mission: to nourish, connect, and uplift those who care for others, ensuring that no therapist has to do this work alone.
Ou r Mission
We exist to nourish, connect, and uplift therapists by providing transformative, in-person learning experiences and ongoing community support.
Through accessible training, authentic connection, and resource-sharing, we help mental health professionals sustain themselves and their work—so they are not alone in their care for others.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every therapist feels supported, resourced, and empowered to bring their full self to the work of healing.
A world where professional development is not only educational but also restorative.
A world where access to community and care is a right—not a privilege—for those who provide it.
What We Do
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Professional Trainings & CE Programs
Experiential learning that restores and inspires.
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Scholarships
Increasing access to quality training for underrepresented and early-career therapists.
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Community Events
Spaces for reflection, renewal, and connection.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Feb 5-7, 2026
PractiSage Therapist Collective
Houston, TX
Getting to Know the IFS Model: An Experiential Approach for Helping Professionals
This three-day experiential training introduces the foundational principles of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy. Designed for therapists and healers who wish to feel the model from the inside out, the weekend combines teaching, guided practice, and real-time exploration of your own inner system. Participants will gain a relational and embodied understanding of IFS concepts, preparing them to bring more Self-energy and attunement into their clinical work.
Trainer: Jenny Fiebig, LPC, Lead Trainer at IFS Institute
18 CE hours (pending)
How to Get Involved
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Your donation helps create restorative learning environments, expand access to mental health training, and build an inclusive community of care. By giving, you ensure that therapists have the support, resources, and renewal they need to continue their vital work with compassion, presence, and courage. Together, we sustain the helpers. here
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Your organization can make a tangible impact while aligning with a mission that supports mental health providers and their sustainability. Read about sponsorship opportunties here.
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Join the Brave & Sage Foundation in supporting therapist well-being and professional growth. We welcome volunteers and potential board members who share our mission of sustaining the helpers. Use our contact form to reach out—we’d love to connect and learn more about you.
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Join the Brave & Sage community to receive gentle reminders, upcoming training announcements, scholarship opportunities, and resources to help you sustain your work—and yourself.
We promise no spam, just meaningful updates that support your growth and well-being.
FAQs
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The Brave & Sage Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Houston, Texas, founded by Dr. Jenny Hughes and Dr. Laura Spiller to support the well-being and professional growth of mental health providers. We offer in-person trainings, community events, and resources designed to help therapists sustain themselves and their work—so they are not alone in their care for others.
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Our programs are created for therapists, counselors, social workers, and helping professionals at all stages of their careers. We also welcome students, educators, and community partners who share our commitment to compassionate, trauma-informed, and inclusive mental health care.
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We believe professional development should be restorative, not depleting. Our programs are intentionally designed to nourish both skill and spirit—combining clinical excellence with reflection, embodiment, and authentic connection.
At Brave & Sage, we also hold a deep commitment to accessibility and inclusion. We believe training should be available to all therapists—regardless of income level, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, neurodiversity, age, or geographic location. We actively remove barriers to participation through equity-based scholarships, accessible venues, flexible pricing, and trauma-informed learning environments that honor diverse experiences and ways of being.
Because when every therapist has access to growth and community, our entire field becomes more compassionate, connected, and sustainable.
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Absolutely. We reserve equity-based and student registrations for each training and are committed to making our programs accessible to clinicians from historically underrepresented or marginalized communities. Rate details are listed in each event registration form.
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Yes! You can join our mailing list to hear about upcoming trainings, donate to our scholarship fund, or volunteer at community events. We also welcome collaborations with organizations aligned with our mission of therapist well-being and equitable access to care.
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The Brave & Sage Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization and has submitted its application for federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Form 1023-EZ submitted August 15, 2025). Our EIN is 39-2482405.
While our application is pending IRS approval—delayed due to the current government shutdown—donations made during this period are considered contributions to an organization that has applied for 501(c)(3) status. Once our exemption is approved, all donations will be tax-deductible retroactively to our formation date (June 2025), as permitted by IRS rules.
We are deeply grateful to our community for supporting our mission to nourish, connect, and uplift therapists.
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Our administrative office is located at 1225 North Loop W, Suite 935, Houston, TX 77008. Most events are held in the Houston area, though we occasionally host retreats and partner programs in other regions.
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Email us anytime at braveandsage@gmail.com or use the contact form on our website. We do our best to respond within 3–5 business days.