Brenda Atkinson

(MSSW, LCSW, MAC)

About Me

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!

Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Relationship issues
  • Family conflicts
  • Trauma and abuse
  • Depression
Also experienced in:
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 , Read more...

Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 24

Services Offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

LCSW #CSW004649 (Expires: 2022-09-30)

Reviews

Written by K.A. on Jul 31, 2021 after counseling 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

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 by D.A. on Jul 21, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 7 months on issues concerning relationship issues

I have found our relationship quite helpful

Written by E.L. on Jul 08, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and adhd

Even though we've only had 2 sessions she is definitely the best therapist I've ever had she really makes me really feel heard and the first therapist that's really made me feel valid

Written by C.A. on May 28, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 7 months on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and compassion fatigue

Wonderful counselor!! Very understanding & great listener!!!

Written by J.E. on May 01, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 4 months on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, and coping with life changes

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 by S.Y. on Apr 28, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse

Brenda is so kind and capable. Her help made all the difference in my life and mental state when I really needed help.

Written by K.I. on Apr 22, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts

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 by A.M. on Apr 22, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd

Brenda is awesome! Very compassionate and kind , great listener! Thank you brenda!

Written by C.A. on Apr 16, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 4 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, and career difficulties

she is very helpful...great listener

Written by J.O. on Apr 15, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue

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 by C.O. on Mar 22, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem

I absolutely love Brenda. She has been so helpful. I would 100% recommend her and BetterHelp!

Written by J.E. on Feb 26, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety

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 by A.M. on Feb 16, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

I have greatly enjoyed working with Brenda. Very insightful, knowledgeable, and helpful.

Written by S.A. on Feb 14, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and intimacy-related issues

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 by L.E. on Jan 28, 2021 after counseling with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues

Brenda is a kind and compassionate listener. I felt heard and respected.

Written by F.A. on Dec 13, 2020 after counseling 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

Ms. Brenda is so helpful and knows exactly how to guide the conversation.

Written by E.M. on Nov 03, 2020 after counseling with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder

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 by A.N. on Oct 23, 2020 after counseling 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

Very helpful and easy to talk to.

Written by I.M. on Sep 21, 2020 after counseling 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

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 by N.I. on Sep 20, 2020 after counseling 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

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 by N.I. on Sep 11, 2020 after counseling 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

Brenda is very helpful. She makes me feel listened to and she comforts me. I'm glad she was chosen as my therapist.

Written by V.A. on Sep 02, 2020 after counseling with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, 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.