Brenda Hanson

Experienced clinician blending practical skills and compassion

LSCSW, LISW Kansas

Experience: 41 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Brenda

Brenda Hanson draws on more than 41 years of clinical experience to help people navigating stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and a wide range of life changes.

Background and approach

She works with clients who are seeking clearer direction around career choices, relationship and intimacy concerns, addictions, parenting challenges, or issues with self-esteem and anger. Her practice also addresses eating and sleeping problems, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and specialized concerns such as abandonment, attachment difficulties, chronic illness, caregiving stress, and blended family dynamics.

Brenda brings a compassionate, person-centered stance that emphasizes emotional healing, self-compassion, and practical coping skills. She blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to tailor interventions to each person’s needs.

The result is a collaborative process focused on building resilience, improving communication, and supporting meaningful life changes. Based in Kansas, Brenda holds LSCSW and LISW credentials and offers flexible online session formats.

She aims to create a respectful, growth-oriented environment where clients can explore purpose, strengthen coping strategies, and move toward healthier patterns of living.

Online therapy approaches that balance skills and personal exploration

Brenda commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify unhelpful thought patterns and teach practical coping and behavior-change strategies that can help with anxiety, depression, stress, and many daily-life problems. She also applies Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which helps clarify values and supports learning to accept difficult feelings while committing to meaningful action.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each client to assess needs, goals, and preferences and then recommend or blend methods that fit the situation. That shared decision-making helps shape a plan that feels relevant and manageable for the person in therapy.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care during life transitions, balance treatment with work or caregiving, and access support from Kansas wherever the client is located. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and skills work to each format so the therapeutic work stays focused and practical.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Brenda commonly address?

She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting, ADHD, and many related concerns listed in her specialties.

What therapeutic styles does she use in sessions?

Her practice integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) along with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to match strategies to client goals.

How long has she been practicing clinically?

She brings 41 years of experience working with diverse emotional and life transition challenges.

What are her credentials and where is she licensed?

She holds LSCSW and LISW credentials and is licensed in Kansas with KS LSCSW LSCSW 1607 and IA LISW 135454 noted in her credential details.

Does she work with non-English speakers or international clients?

Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available for online work?

Clients may connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging according to the formats listed for her practice.

How is pricing handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin working together?

To get started select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse GriefCareer difficultiesDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobias Post-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

41+ years

Licensed

Kansas, Iowa

Languages

English