Brenda Atkinson, LCSW, CSW
Brenda Atkinson compassionate LCSW
- Mood and anxiety support
- Relationship and family focus
- 31 years experience
About Brenda Atkinson
Brenda Atkinson is a licensed clinical social worker with 31 years of experience helping people navigate mood disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, blended-family dynamics, substance use, and career transitions. She holds the credentials LCSW and CSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Social Worker - and draws on a long clinical career to support emotional growth and practical coping across life stages.
Trained in Psychology and Social Work at the University of Louisville with an emphasis on Family Systems Theory, Brenda blends structured and relational methods to meet each person's needs. Her work frequently integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques, attachment-informed perspectives, and humanistic approaches to address patterns in relationships, self-esteem, and coping. She often supports clients who are focused on emotional and spiritual growth through transitions from early adulthood to middle age and later life.
Brenda emphasizes a genuine, compassionate therapeutic relationship and aligns treatment around each individual’s goals. She aims to create a collaborative environment that helps clients clarify priorities, develop skills for managing stress and emotions, and make meaningful changes in relationships, parenting, and daily functioning.
Trained in Psychology and Social Work at the University of Louisville with an emphasis on Family Systems Theory, Brenda blends structured and relational methods to meet each person's needs. Her work frequently integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques, attachment-informed perspectives, and humanistic approaches to address patterns in relationships, self-esteem, and coping. She often supports clients who are focused on emotional and spiritual growth through transitions from early adulthood to middle age and later life.
Brenda emphasizes a genuine, compassionate therapeutic relationship and aligns treatment around each individual’s goals. She aims to create a collaborative environment that helps clients clarify priorities, develop skills for managing stress and emotions, and make meaningful changes in relationships, parenting, and daily functioning.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Brenda Atkinson have?
Brenda Atkinson has 31 years of experience.
Is Brenda Atkinson a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credentials LCSW and CSW. License details are GA LCSW CSW004649 and VA LCSW 0904015906.
In which languages does Brenda Atkinson provide therapy?
Brenda Atkinson provides therapy in English.
Where is Brenda Atkinson located?
Brenda Atkinson is located in Virginia.
How can I work with Brenda Atkinson as my therapist?
You can work with Brenda Atkinson through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Brenda Atkinson work with international clients?
Brenda Atkinson does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Brenda Atkinson cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the Start Therapy button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the Start Therapy button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Brenda frequently integrates Attachment-Based Therapy to explore how early and current relationship patterns influence feelings of security and connection. This approach helps people address issues like intimacy concerns, attachment injuries, and recurrent relationship difficulties by focusing on emotional bonds and how they shape behavior.She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship and supports clients in finding their own solutions. This approach is useful for building self-esteem, clarifying values, and working through life transitions at a comfortable pace.
In addition, Brenda applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to anxiety, depression, and everyday stress. CBT offers practical skills for managing moods, developing healthier habits, and improving problem solving.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Brenda works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors treatment as goals evolve to ensure the work remains relevant and effective.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging allow clients to access care from home or other convenient locations. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and choose the format that feels most comfortable for each person.