- Mood and anxiety
- Relationship focus
- Practical coping skills
About Brenda
Brenda Atkinson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 31 years of experience. She supports people facing mood disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship strain, parenting challenges, substance issues, and career questions. Brenda focuses on helping people navigate life transitions from early adulthood to later life.
She trained in psychology and social work at the University of Louisville and studied Family Systems Theory. That background informs how she looks at family patterns and how individuals fit into them. She holds the credentials LCSW and CSW and practices in Virginia.
In sessions she uses clear, practical methods drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment-based ideas, and client-centered work. She also draws on elements of dialectical behavior therapy and emotionally-focused approaches when helpful. Conversations are grounded and straightforward so clients can try small changes between meetings.
Brenda describes the therapist-client relationship as the heart of the work. She aims to be genuine and compassionate while offering structure and tools. People who want emotional and spiritual growth during big life changes often seek this kind of balance.
Her style balances practical skills with deeper reflection. She helps people identify patterns, learn new coping skills, and rebuild connection where it has been strained. The overall goal is clearer choices and more steady day-to-day functioning.
She trained in psychology and social work at the University of Louisville and studied Family Systems Theory. That background informs how she looks at family patterns and how individuals fit into them. She holds the credentials LCSW and CSW and practices in Virginia.
In sessions she uses clear, practical methods drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment-based ideas, and client-centered work. She also draws on elements of dialectical behavior therapy and emotionally-focused approaches when helpful. Conversations are grounded and straightforward so clients can try small changes between meetings.
Brenda describes the therapist-client relationship as the heart of the work. She aims to be genuine and compassionate while offering structure and tools. People who want emotional and spiritual growth during big life changes often seek this kind of balance.
Her style balances practical skills with deeper reflection. She helps people identify patterns, learn new coping skills, and rebuild connection where it has been strained. The overall goal is clearer choices and more steady day-to-day functioning.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
31+ years
Credentials
Georgia, Virginia
Languages
English
Approaches that translate to online work
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early bonds shape current relationships and emotional responses. It helps people who struggle with trust, closeness, and recurring relationship patterns learn new ways of connecting.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them with practical experiments. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress when people want clear steps to change day-to-day thinking and behavior.
Finding the right approach is part of the process, and the therapist will collaborate with each person to choose what fits best. This means reviewing goals, trying methods, and adjusting the plan together as needs evolve.
Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, such as scheduling check-ins during work breaks or avoiding travel time to an office. It can also allow for shorter focused sessions when a quick strategy or coping skill is needed. Confirm the current session options before booking so arrangements match your schedule and preferences.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Brenda commonly address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy-related issues, addictions, parenting and career questions.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style mixes practical skill-building and deeper reflection, using client-centered care with CBT, attachment ideas, DBT strategies and emotionally-focused elements.
How long has she worked in the field?
She has 31 years of clinical experience working with mood disorders, life transitions, family concerns, and related issues.
Where is she based and what are her credentials?
She practices in Virginia and holds LCSW and CSW credentials, with training in psychology and social work from the University of Louisville.
Can sessions be conducted in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are costs and payment organized?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working together?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.