Why the Sunflower? A Symbol of Growth, Light, and Healing

I’m often asked why I chose a sunflower to represent Brighter Life Therapy, it was a very intentional choice.

Part of the inspiration comes from one of my favourite artists, Van Gogh, and his famous sunflower paintings. To him, sunflowers were a symbol of gratitude, ruggedness and beauty. They have grown to be so iconically connected to him that they also represent brilliance, and resilience - even in the midst of personal struggle. They represent light and warmth, and can remind us that even when things feel hard, we can still turn towards something brighter.

In nature, sunflowers do something incredible - they literally follow the sun (a process called heliotropism), it’s their way of instinctively turning toward what nourishes them. To me, that’s such a beautiful reflection of the work I do with clients - helping people gently shift out of overwhelm, stress, or old patterns, and turn toward clarity, calm, and growth.

Sunflowers are also healers and nourishers. They regenerate soil, help remove toxins, and restore balance to the environment. They provide food and oil. Quietly doing the work of cleaning and nourishing. In much the same way, therapy is about clearing what no longer serves you, making space for renewal, healing, and nourishing real change.

The sunflower reminds us to stay grounded, while still reaching for something brighter. They embody growth, strength, light, and nourishment - everything that sits at the heart of Brighter Life Therapy.