Brian Olden, LCSW
Experienced LCSW specializing in relationships and trauma
- 45 years experience
- Trauma and relationships
- Family and transitions
About Brian Olden
Brian Olden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 45 years of clinical experience. The LCSW credential denotes advanced training in mental health and clinical practice, and he holds California license number CA LCSW 10507.
He has worked with people across the lifespan as well as with couples and families, bringing a flexible, client-centered approach to therapy. He emphasizes collaborative goal setting so that treatment priorities are developed together with the person seeking help. Having lived overseas, he is attentive to cultural differences and how they shape life experience and relationships.
He has specialized training in military trauma, sexual trauma, and a range of adult trauma presentations, and he often supports individuals navigating major life transitions such as relationship and family changes, occupational shifts, chronic illness and pain, and caregiver stress. He helps clients identify their strengths, set realistic goals, and develop practical strategies to reach those goals while managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and other concerns.
Brian draws on a diverse set of methods tailored to each person and values a respectful, strengths-based process that helps people move toward meaningful change.
He has worked with people across the lifespan as well as with couples and families, bringing a flexible, client-centered approach to therapy. He emphasizes collaborative goal setting so that treatment priorities are developed together with the person seeking help. Having lived overseas, he is attentive to cultural differences and how they shape life experience and relationships.
He has specialized training in military trauma, sexual trauma, and a range of adult trauma presentations, and he often supports individuals navigating major life transitions such as relationship and family changes, occupational shifts, chronic illness and pain, and caregiver stress. He helps clients identify their strengths, set realistic goals, and develop practical strategies to reach those goals while managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and other concerns.
Brian draws on a diverse set of methods tailored to each person and values a respectful, strengths-based process that helps people move toward meaningful change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsDivorce and separationFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sexual dysfunctionSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Brian Olden have?
Brian Olden has 45 years of clinical experience.
Is Brian Olden a licensed therapist?
Yes. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW. His California license is CA LCSW 10507.
In which languages does Brian Olden provide therapy?
Brian Olden provides therapy in English.
Where is Brian Olden located?
Brian Olden is located in California.
How can I work with Brian Olden as my therapist?
You can work with Brian Olden through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Brian Olden work with international clients?
Brian Olden does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Brian Olden 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 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 by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches for Online Work and Personal Growth
Brian integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and emotionally-focused therapy (EFT) into his online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on meeting people where they are, promoting self-exploration and personal growth by centering the client's voice and choices - it can be especially helpful for self-esteem, life transitions, and building coping resources. CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and provides practical tools to reduce anxiety, manage depression, and change unhelpful patterns. EFT concentrates on emotions and attachment within relationships, helping couples and individuals improve communication, repair connection, and address intimacy-related concerns.
Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Brian works collaboratively with each person to identify goals, preferences, and the methods that best fit their situation, adjusting the plan as needed so therapy remains focused and relevant.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage - video sessions, phone calls, live chat, or text messaging - making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, support caregivers, and maintain continuity during life changes. These options allow licensed professionals and therapists to provide ongoing, accessible care that aligns with each client's needs and daily life.