Catherine Brenen profile image

Catherine Brenen

Catherine Brenen

(she/her)

LICSW
1 year of experience
Virtual

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker, in Michigan with over 15 years of experience as a mental health provider. I serve clients by helping them address various stressors such as anxiety, drug use, depression, interpersonal relationships, trauma, health complications, as well as overall life challenges related to aging. Respect, empathy, positive regard, as well as faith in God and people are foundational to the services I provide. I provide mental health support, based on best practices, to help clients resolve dilemmas and challenges that impacts their mental and emotional health. My clients report they feel very comfortable talking to me and that services directly addresses their concerns and helps them to resolve the issues. My goal is to empower my clients so that they have lifelong skills that supports them, now and in the future if they should ever have any challenges again. My method is non-judgmental, friendly, yet professional, rooted in evidence based best practices. I'll help you resolve your issues based on your life goals and values. Services will be practical, relevant, effective and tailored to your needs. My therapy style is warm and engaging. I don't embrace judgment, fear-based tactics or condemning others. I believe in providing unconditional positive regard while helping you to move forward in pursuit of a high-quality life. My approach combines solution focused, client based, dialectical and cognitive-behavior therapy and can be psychodynamic. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I'm ready to support you through this process! I look forward to working with you!

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, I'll take the time to identify what style of therapy works for you. This includes identifying, what you don't prefer and what has been ineffective historically, if you've ever used therapy before. We'll review the presenting problem, factors contributing to your concerns and signs and symptoms of the distress you are experiencing. You're always welcome to ask questions and provide feedback. We'll begin the process of identifying your goals and methods to help you achieve them while resolving the problem. From the first session to the last I'll do everything to make you feel comfortable and relaxed.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I think my greatest strength is my capacity to take my training and knowledge about mental health challenges, interventions and human behavior and transform that into effective services, that will include solutions that resolve your particular problems and meet your specific needs. When it comes to Christian therapy, you'll be able to see how our faith is applicable to the current issues you are facing. You'll be able to effectively apply your faith and beliefs to your concerns in an efficient manner, which doesn't require you to compromise your values and beliefs systems.

About Catherine Brenen

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I provide Cognitive Behavior Therapy to support clients to address a variety of life challenges, from interpersonal conflicts, self-esteem issues, substance use disorders, various forms of anxiety, depression, marital and parenting conflicts. I've been providing CBT for over 15 years to a variety of clients. I utilize a bio psycho social approach to resolve the presenting problem. Moreover, I support my clients so that they can address the root cause of problem, while applying a variety of healthy coping skills to manage the symptoms of distress related to the presenting problem, until it is resolved. The coping skills are internal and external and benefit the client so that they can function in society, complete daily living activities, engage in work and improve relational conflict. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is often incorporated in services and clients who specifically request Christian based services will be provided them, in conjunction with CBT/DBT

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has 4 pillars (Mindfulness, Interpersonal Relationship, Mood Regulation and Distess Tolerance). It is beneficial for managing everyday issues, interpersonal relationships, difficulties with completing daily living activities and challenges in work and school. DBT is also beneficial for individuals living with personality disorders, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, PTSD and a variety of mental health disorders.

Christian Counseling

Christianity is a protective factor to good mental health and an overall quality life. There are multiple components of the Chrisitan faith that easily support the treatment method of CBT & DBT and the treatment of trauma. Prayer, scriptures and faith-based affirmations are incorporated into treatment. All treatment aligns with Christianity and is person centered and tailored to the needs of the individual client. Prayer can also be utilized in the session if the client prefers only.

Couples Counseling

I work with couples dealing with a variety of issues, helping them to identify and resolve the foundational problem and healthy coping skills that reflects their specific goals and values. Services include learning healthy communication skills, effective interpersonal skills and management of individual mental health challenges that are negatively impacting the relationship and problem solving.

Culturally Sensitive Therapy

Culturally sensitive therapy has been provided to clients of specific ethnicities, in which they resolve issues relevant to their culture. Particularly African American's and 1st and 2nd generation migrant children.