Therapist Brian Mason Photo

Brian Mason, LCSW

Stress, Anxiety Trauma, Abuse Anger management Depression ADHD
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

I have 25 years experience as a licensed clinical social worker. I did my initial training in psychodynamic counseling at the University of Michigan. My training didn't end with graduation but has continued in residential facilities, therapeutic day schools, psychiatric hospitals and outpatient clinics. I have some experience with substance abuse, but mostly have worked with mood disorders, human sexuality, trauma, abuse, PTSD and transitions. I provide talk therapy where the two of us create a safe place to discuss origin stories, look for patterns, learn skills and develop insight. The goal is to achieve a more balanced, productive life experience through mindfulness, authentic relationships, deep feelings and clear thinking. I am interested in spirituality. I have a strong, liberal, Christian background, grounded in science, but I am too agnostic to label myself as a Christian counselor. I am a supporter of LGBTQ community - having worked with several members, and I am continually learning about the historical and structural inequality that has traumatized all of us. My clients have been some of the best teachers. Change takes courage, and it involves lots of layers (learned behaviors, genetics, trauma). It would be a gift to travel that road of self discovery with you. We'll go at your speed, and in your direction; with some tears and hopefully a few chuckles. Let us take the good, leave the bad behind, and engage (yes, an obscure Star Trek reference. Sorry)

Professional experience

25yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Trauma, Abuse Anger management Depression ADHD

Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Attachment issues, Body image, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family of Origin Issues, Forgiveness, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders , Multicultural Concerns, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues

Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

License information

IL LCSW 149007751