Brigette Pender

LICSW, 18 years of experience
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I help with navigating stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and the lingering effects of trauma—with a special focus on the healing power of the human–animal bond. Many of my clients come to me during seasons of emotional overwhelm, life transitions, or deep worry about a beloved animal companion. I support adults who want to feel calmer, more grounded, and more connected to themselves, their values, and the animals who bring meaning to their lives. Whether you're caring for a sick pet, grieving a recent loss, or feeling the emotional weight of that journey, you don’t have to go through it alone. I offer a compassionate, steady space where you can process the fear, sadness, guilt, and love that often arise when our animals are suffering, nearing the end of life or have passed. Together, we explore ways to honor your bond and support your own nervous system during these tender experiences. My therapeutic approach blends practical, evidence-based tools for stress and emotion regulation with deeper mind–body awareness. I work collaboratively , helping you build resilience, reconnect with your sense of purpose, and move through life (and pet-related challenges) with more clarity and steadiness.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session is a collaborative space where we’ll explore your history, what brings you to therapy, and the unique role your animals play in your well-being. We’ll identify your goals, discuss treatment options, and outline a path forward—so you feel supported, understood, and guided with compassion from the very beginning.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

People often share that they feel deeply seen and supported in my presence. I offer a warm approach, grounded in practical strategies, mindfulness, and a strong respect for the emotional depth of the human–animal connection. My goal is for you to leave each session with insight, tools, and a sense of empowerment.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I’m especially well-suited to work with adults who are: Experiencing stress, burnout, or overwhelm at work or home Navigating major life transitions Processing current or past trauma Caring for a sick or aging pet Coping with anticipatory grief or the recent loss of a beloved animal New to therapy and wanting a structured, supportive, gently guided experience My approach is structured yet compassionate. I often provide between-session practices to help integrate what we discuss.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Other specialties

ADHD

Grief

Health/Medical Issues

Trauma and PTSD

I identify as

Serves ages

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I can help with overwhelm and even burnout. ACT has helped dozens with anxiety. We will use focus on how to handle stress, anxiety, or life transitions by accepting emotions, detaching from unhelpful thoughts and taking actions that align with your core values. There are many metaphors and strategies I will use to help you understand how to navigate challenges without being controlled by all the mental noise. This approach is motivating and encouraging.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I help you challenge reoccurring thoughts . I use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life. I use CBT with structured exercises to develop practical skills for life's array of challenges.

EMDR

I can help you process with anxiety, performance anxiety, depression caused by distressing memories. We will work together to build resilience and change unwanted behavioral patterns like unresolved emotional distress and negative beliefs that have resulted from trauma.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

I can help people who's mind is sweeping into the past or future and feeling on autopilot. I will help you with self compassion and living in the present moment with purposeful non judgmental attention.

Positive Psychology

I can help you focus on growing into your best self through self development and building a meaningful life.

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This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.