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I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years’ experience. Much of my expertise is in working with individuals struggling with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, parenting concerns, blended families, substance abuse and career challenges. My most prolific area of expertise is assisting individuals who want to grow emotionally and spiritually through all of life transitions such as early adulthood, middle age and later life.
My education was in Psychology and Social Work completed at the University of Louisville with an emphasis on Family Systems Theory. My approach in therapy is sensitive to individual needs and goals as well as structured in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic theories, mindfulness, humanistic and existential therapies. I believe that the individual and therapist relationship is foundational in that I strive to be genuine and compassionate to offer you the best opportunities for growth and healing.
I admire your strength and courage for reaching out for assistance and hope to be a part of your growth and success!
Professional experience
24yrs in practice
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, LGBT, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Antisocial Personality, Attachment Issues, Blended Family Issues, Caregiver Issues and Stress, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication Problems, Control Issues, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Dependent Personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Divorce and Separation, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Emptiness, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and Shame, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation/Loneliness, Jealousy, Life Purpose, Midlife Crisis, Mood Disorders, Narcissism, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks, Personality Disorders, Phobias, Post-traumatic Stress, Prejudice and Discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Self-Love, Sex Addiction, Social Anxiety and Phobia, Trichotillomania, Women's Issues, Workplace Issues, Young Adult Issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Brenda Atkinson. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I haven't been with her long but Brenda is great and has been there for me when needed. Highly recommend!
Written on May 22, 2023 after therapy with Brenda for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
I highly recommend Brenda as a therapist. She is a wonderful listener and is so patient.
Written on Apr 08, 2023 after therapy with Brenda for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues
Brenda has been such a steady, trustworthy presence in my life. I have gone through major transitions in my life over the last year and my sessions with Brenda have been vitally important during that time.
Written on Apr 06, 2023 after therapy with Brenda for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Brenda has been such a support when I experienced high anxiety and change in life. She provided a safe space, reassurance, and a listening ear. As a mental health professional, talking to someone like Brenda, who understands the obstacles one faces while working in the mental health field, was helpful to my own work. I highly recommend Brenda's services!
Written on Mar 28, 2023 after therapy with Brenda for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
I like working with Brenda, she is very down to earth and easy to talk to.
Written on Mar 24, 2023 after therapy with Brenda for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, and coping with life changes
Brenda has been a godsend for me these last several months. I
Written on Mar 06, 2023 after therapy with Brenda for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Brenda is a wonderful therapist who really helped me challenged intrusive thoughts and be mindful to manage my anxiety.
Written on Feb 24, 2023 after therapy with Brenda for 2 years and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
I had my first session with Brenda. It was terrific and I felt very comfortable opening up to her. Looking forward to our sessions to come. A+
Written on Jan 28, 2023 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Brenda is an amazing therapist who truly cares about her patients. She has a great personality and makes you feel heard.
Written on Jan 26, 2023 after therapy with Brenda for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, co
MS. Brenda is spot on, friendly and knowledgeable
Written on Dec 15, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
I've never felt more at home and comfortable than with Brenda. She helps me see the things that I couldn't identify before. Shes personable and very sweet. I love how she always sounds so intrested in the little things. It doesn't feel like I'm talking to a therapist at all. I'm talking to a friend.
Written on Nov 18, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 1 year and 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and coaching
Brenda is the therapist I’ve been waiting for. She is kind, warm and is an excellent listener. I feel like I’m talking to an understanding family member when I speak with her. She never makes me feel rushed in my thought processes or judged. She is like a warm hug. I very much enjoy my sessions with her.
Written on Nov 15, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
She’s been amazing!
Written on Oct 29, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
She is taking her time to get to know me so she can offer me the best support.
Written on Oct 16, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Great listener, and wonderful advice.
Written on Sep 15, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I highly recommend Brenda! She is an amazing and reliable therapist. I look forward to our sessions.
Written on Aug 30, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Brenda is the best. She is a great listener, thoughtful, intuitive, and insightful. I can’t say enough. I’m so grateful to have Brenda as my therapist.
Written on Aug 18, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Brenda is absolutely phenomenal. 100% recommendation! Very happy in our work together.
Written on Aug 10, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Brenda is great! Very compassionate and empathetic. She is skilled in her approach and very good at therapeutic communication.
Written on Aug 09, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, and compassion fatigue
Brenda has the best personality! She’s uplifting but not fake. She supports me and laughs with me. She celebrates with me and I feel like she hurts with me. She’s the best!
Written on Jul 09, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
She is helpful
Written on Jun 25, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Brenda I think you are absolutely amazing. I have never felt so comfortable with a therapist. I truly believe out of all of the therapists I have seen you were the one that truly could have helped me. However I cannot financially afford to continue with Betterhelp. I am so grateful to have met you.
Written on May 31, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
In over 15 years and several different therapists, I’ve finally found the best match for me in Brenda.
She knows what she’s doing and can say the appropriate words in the most concise manner while maximizing impact.
I’ve worked with Brenda now for nearly two years and made incredible progress with her support. I can speak the facts of my life as well as how I’m interpreting and processing them and she enables me to stay focused without pushing me into feeling embarrassed and exhausted.
Instead, I feel encouraged, energized and even empowered. Brenda helped me understand the time that makes up my life is valuable and therefore, my decisions are valuable even without perfection.
She really keeps me going, even when life is presents seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Written on May 06, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
Ms. Brenda is very kind and attentive. She’s made my healing journey a very validating experience.
Written on Mar 26, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
I highly recommend Brenda! She definitely helped me get my mind unstuck. She met me where I was at and offered help and encouragement in a very nonjudgemental and hopeful way. She's a great listener, she's encouraging, and she's very compassionate. I always left our conversations feeling built up not deflated!
Written on Mar 16, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 1 month on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, and intimacy-related issues
I've only met a few times with Brenda so far, but she has is kind and insightful and I have enjoyed my sessions so far and found them to be helpful.
Written on Jan 25, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, and intimacy-related issues
Brenda is terrific. It's quite obvious that she's a professional. My only complaint is I wish our chat sessions could be longer. This is because preference is chat over video or call. We don't get to cover much in 45 minutes of typing back and forth.
Written on Jan 18, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue
Brenda is so kind and caring, very easy to talk to. She also has a ton of experience and wisdom, and gets back to you quickly. Very thankful to have found her.
Written on Jan 01, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and bipolar disorder
So far the experience has been great. I’ve been struggling with a lot lately and she really respects how I feel. I can appreciate her not taking over the sessions with her personal opinions or feelings. She allows me to open up, express how I feel, and gives me professional advice. I feel like we are working out great!
Written on Dec 23, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
Brenda is amazing! She listens and asks insightful questions and is so validating about some of my experiences. 10/10!
Written on Dec 16, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
She is attentive and offered advice based on personal and professional experience.
Written on Nov 29, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and self esteem
I would absolutely recommend Brenda. She is amazing. I love her approach and I always leave feeling more clarity than I started with. I am so excited to continue this journey with her.
Written on Nov 23, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
strongly recommend
Written on Nov 20, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, and coping with life changes
I have started my therapy. Mrs. Brenda Atkinson so far is very understanding and she is giving me insight on myself
Written on Nov 15, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and bipolar disorder
Brenda Atkinson is probably the best therapist I've ever had. She really understands me and what I need. Shes always there for me and makes me feel seen and heard and valid. She is exactly what I was looking for. Wonderful therapist.
Written on Nov 11, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and adhd
Brenda is very considerate and caring and offers great advice.
Written on Oct 13, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
So far Brenda has been warm, reassuring and listens well. It has been easy to speak with her.
Written on Aug 09, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 3 months on issues concerning self esteem, and career difficulties
Brenda is awesome.
Written on Aug 05, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and adhd
Brenda is a caring compassionate soul. She was there for me during one of the darkest moments of my life and helped me make lifestyle changes to cope with my depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms.
Because of Brenda I was able to change my perspective on the events of my past that haunted me. Those memories and the people that hurt me no longer have a hold on my life. I found so much joy and freedom out of my despair and I couldn't have gotten through it without her support.
I highly recommend her to anyone struggling with depression as I was in the depths of despair when I found her. She is an angel to me, and I know is will continue to be a blessing to others.
Written on Jul 31, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue
I have found our relationship quite helpful
Written on Jul 21, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 7 months on issues concerning relationship issues
Wonderful counselor!! Very understanding & great listener!!!
Written on May 28, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 7 months on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and compassion fatigue
Brenda is very genuine and really takes the time to listen. I find her to be easy to talk to and always feel comforted by her words of support and encouragement.
Written on May 01, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 4 months on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Brenda is such a genuine and compassionate soul with a very calming nature. She is a wonderful listener and offers logical and wise solutions to issues that seem so very complicated - until you talk them through with her. She has a way of getting to the root of an issue quickly and helps you discover new ways to look at the things - not to mention some sound advice on how to proceed. She has been enormously helpful in helping navigate through some family "drama" and I look forward to our next session!
Written on Apr 22, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts
Brenda is awesome! Very compassionate and kind , great listener! Thank you brenda!
Written on Apr 22, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
she is very helpful...great listener
Written on Apr 16, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 4 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, and career difficulties
It has been a wonderful experience to work with Brenda. It has been very helpful for healing things that I wasn’t quite sure how to tackle.
Written on Apr 15, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I absolutely love Brenda. She has been so helpful. I would 100% recommend her and BetterHelp!
Written on Mar 22, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Brenda has been a tremendous help to me! She has really helped me take som big steps toward healing and battling my anxiety! I really look forward to our time together each week and am super thankful for her encouragement, help, and expertise!
Written on Feb 26, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
I have greatly enjoyed working with Brenda. Very insightful, knowledgeable, and helpful.
Written on Feb 16, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Brenda is a wonderful soul! She is such a joy to talk to and hold a conversation with while also providing really good insight and advice to any situation.
Written on Feb 14, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and intimacy-related issues
Brenda is a kind and compassionate listener. I felt heard and respected.
Written on Jan 28, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Ms. Brenda is so helpful and knows exactly how to guide the conversation.
Written on Dec 13, 2020 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
I have only been working with Brenda a few weeks now but instantly felt a connection. She is warm, encouraging, thought-provoking, and offers great assurances that though the work we are doing is difficult, it is pertinent in my healing process. Being able to connect with her from my home has been wonderful.
Written on Nov 03, 2020 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder
Very helpful and easy to talk to.
Written on Oct 23, 2020 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Brenda is very kind and patient. She is reassuring towards the progress I’ve made. I’m saddened to have to switch counselors due to her personal concerns, but I do believe she was a great fit for me. Brenda is very personable and accepting. Best wishes, Brenda :)
Written on Sep 21, 2020 after therapy with Brenda for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Very honest and very kind. Advocates for healing and not just problem solving but to get to the root of triggers and learned behaviors.
Written on Sep 20, 2020 after therapy with Brenda for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Brenda is very helpful. She makes me feel listened to and she comforts me. I'm glad she was chosen as my therapist.
Written on Sep 11, 2020 after therapy with Brenda for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, and anger management
This was our introduction. Brenda is very easy to talk to. We had a good rapport.
I look forward to speaking with Brenda again and
see the direction and or depths we reach with our next appointment.
Written on Sep 02, 2020 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and anger management
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