Catherine Brenen

Supportive Michigan therapist focused on practical change

LMSW Michigan

Experience: 16 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Catherine

Catherine Brenen is a licensed social worker in Michigan with 16 years of experience helping people navigate complex life stressors. She focuses on issues such as anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship and family concerns, trauma and grief, and challenges that accompany aging.

Background and approach

Catherine blends practical strategies with a compassionate presence to help clients address emotional and behavioral patterns that interfere with daily life. Her therapeutic manner emphasizes respect, empathy, and positive regard, grounded in a nonjudgmental stance and a belief in each person's capacity to grow.

She draws from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), client-centered methods, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing, adapting interventions to match each person's goals and circumstances. Sessions are shaped collaboratively so that treatment plans remain responsive to changing needs.

Catherine aims to create an engaging, supportive environment that avoids fear-based approaches and condemnation. She encourages those ready to take the first step toward change and offers guidance through the process of identifying priorities, building coping skills, and pursuing a more satisfying, high-quality life.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Many clients benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy because it helps identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns; CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, and coping with life transitions. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a supportive, empathetic space where the person’s values and goals guide the work and helps strengthen self-awareness and self-directed change. Dialectical behavior therapy offers practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and tolerating distress.

Finding the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work together with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and will adjust the plan as progress and circumstances evolve.

Online therapy with this clinician is available through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which makes it easier to attend sessions from different locations and at varied times. These options provide flexibility for people balancing work, caregiving, or other commitments and allow continuity of care even when schedules change.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?

Catherine works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, eating and parenting struggles, anger, self-esteem, career challenges, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.

What is the therapist's general approach and style?

The style is warm, engaging, and nonjudgmental with an emphasis on respect, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Interventions are tailored to each person's needs and may include solution-focused conversation alongside cognitive and dialectical techniques.

How much clinical experience does the therapist have?

The therapist brings 16 years of experience as a mental health provider working with adults on a variety of emotional and behavioral concerns.

What credentials and location are listed?

The clinician holds an LMSW credential with licence details MI LMSW 6801096367 and practices in Michigan.

Which languages are available and are international clients accepted?

Services are provided in English, and the therapist is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats does the therapist offer?

Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How does cost and scheduling work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time; session specifics depend on availability and plan details.

What are the steps to begin working with this therapist?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule appointments according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Also works with

Trauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes Compassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

16+ years

Licensed

Michigan

Languages

English