About

Hi there! My name is Brecken, and I am a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania. I graduated with my masters in social work from the University of Pittsburgh in 2018, and I'm also a Penn State alum, having studied psychology there for my undergraduate. I have been working in outpatient community mental health for over two years and also have experience working in nonprofits as well as private practice. Being a relatively young clinician, I feel I connect particularly well with adolescents and young adult populations and the stressors and life changes that come with such significant life transitions. I also have experience working with all ages and a wide span of mental disorders, with the most experience working with depressive disorders, anxiety, stress management, and borderline personality disorder.

My main therapeutic approach is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), though I utilize many other evidence-based practices in a manner that best fits you. I also draw from CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), ACT(acceptance and commitment therapy), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness therapy. I am in the process of becoming a nationally certified DBT skills trainer, and also working towards EMDR certification. I have a passion for learning different modalities to assist clients in their wellness journey.

I have a laid-back, warm approach with clients and I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most critical part of one's counseling journey. From a social work perspective, it's important to me that as your therapist, I meet you where you're at. This means that we will start exactly where you are, and identify and work towards goals that fit YOUR needs and current environment using the resources you have available, outside of any diagnosis or external expectations there may be. Sessions will be tailored to what you want to work on for the day, whether that is active learning of coping skills or simply processing your feelings.

I look forward to working with you during this stage of your life!