New to Grow
Hi, I’m Vivian Bruno, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I work best with people who are outwardly capable but inwardly overwhelmed. Most of my clients are the ones who 'have it all together' for the rest of the world—the reliable coworkers, the supportive friends, the pillars of the family. But privately, you’re exhausted. You’ve likely noticed that you’re stuck in a cycle: maybe it’s the same relationship dynamic that keeps falling apart, a level of burnout that sleep won't fix, or a lingering grief that has made your world feel small. I am a warm, active and direct therapist. My greatest strength is helping you connect the dots. I have a knack for spotting the 'invisible scripts'—the old patterns and systemic pressures—that keep you stuck in these loops. Using a mix of systems-informed and psychodynamic therapy, we’ll look at the big picture of your life to understand the 'why' and, more importantly, build a 'how' for moving forward. Taking the first step is often the hardest part, but you’ve already started by being here. Let’s see if we’re a good fit—reach out to schedule a consultation.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first time we meet, my biggest priority is making sure you feel safe, seen, and heard. There’s no pressure to have your whole life story organized or to know exactly what’s "wrong." We’ll just start where you are. We’ll spend the first few minutes settling in. You can ask me questions about how I work, and I’ll get a sense of what brought you here today. This is a chance for us both to see if we’re a good fit. I’ll ask some gentle questions to understand what your daily life looks like, what’s weighing on you most right now, and what you’ve tried in the past. You only share what you’re comfortable with—we move at your speed. Toward the end of our time, we’ll talk about what you hope to feel or do differently a few months from now. We’ll map out a loose "roadmap" so you leave knowing we have a plan.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength is helping you connect the dots between the world around you and the world inside you. I have a knack for spotting the 'invisible scripts'—the old survival patterns or societal pressures—that are keeping you stuck. I don’t just listen; I help you translate your 'why' into a 'how' for moving forward. I use an approach that looks at the whole picture. We’ll use Systems Theory to see how your environment impacts you, Psychodynamic tools to uncover the 'why' behind your patterns, and CBT to give you practical ways to change those patterns starting today.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My approach is rooted in person-in-environment theory. This means I don’t just look at you in isolation; I look at the systems, relationships, and societal pressures that shape your daily life. I am best positioned to serve those who are navigating "the messy middle"—those transition points where your old coping mechanisms are no longer working, but you haven't yet built the new ones.
Strength-Based
We focus on your strengths and resilience to look for solutions that will meet your needs in a restorative manner. I find this approach to focus on the positive while addressing challenging situations with hope.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Focusing on how to reach resolutions is goal oriented and promotes successful action. This helps to relieve anxiety and encourages problem solving skills.