Brad Barninger
Hello, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and Connecticut. I enjoy working with motivated clients and have found the most success by following their lead to their own success. A prospective client can expect a warm, supportive, engaging, and relaxed type of approach. Therapy doesn't have to be intimidating, and I intend to offer a welcoming, laid-back yet productive conversation, all the while focusing on achieving the goals the client sets in therapy.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first session will consist of introductions. I will introduce myself, my background, what to expect with therapy, how to schedule, reschedule, stay in contact between sessions etc. I will then address any initial questions as we start therapy. Many questions about the client's background are gathered during the first one or two sessions. It's really important to start to build a relationship and gain insight into the presenting issues; the first few sessions are the focus of this.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Being licensed since 2017, my greatest strength as a provider is building relationships with my clients. Once a relationship is established, therapy is that much easier for both client and myself. I enjoy removing the stigma of therapy, and making therapy less intimating for all involved. Therapy can be cool, casual, and I strive at providing that for my clients. Therapy with me is a collaborative, constructive, and supportive environment.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I love working with clients who are motivated to change. Therapists will not fix the issues, clients have to be willing to listen, be honest with themselves (self-awareness is key!), and ready to work on the presenting issues. It's motivating to me to meet a client on day one and watch change happen as therapy progresses. It work's if you work it!
Specialties
Top specialtiesAnger Management
Anxiety
Men's Issues
Bipolar Disorder
Career Counseling
Coping Skills
I identify as
Man
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
Connecticut
Accepts
Aetna
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) can help people by giving them tools to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic, positive thoughts. Most clients enter treatment with habits that develop over time. Habits develop from life experiences. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) helps understand the foundation or reason for those thought patterns. Once understood, we work together to effectively challenge those thought patterns and create healthier alternatives.
Strength-Based
This approach empowers clients to utilize personal skills and character strengths to foster growth, enhance well-being, and overcome challenges. We often focus so much on what is not going right and our flaws, and they quickly become our internal dialogue. Strength-based treatment attempts to replace that negative internal dialogue with positive feedback. This approach aligns very well with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.