Catherine Brenen, LMSW
Michigan LMSW supporting stress and trauma recovery
- 16 years experience
- Client-centered and CBT
- Video phone chat text
About Catherine Brenen
Catherine Brenen, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker), is a Michigan-based therapist with 16 years of experience supporting people through a wide range of life challenges. She works with individuals facing anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, health-related stress, and the transitions that often accompany aging. Her practice centers on helping clients identify practical steps forward while honoring each person’s values and strengths.
Respect, empathy, and a deep faith in God and in people inform her work. Catherine’s manner is warm and engaging; she intentionally avoids judgement and fear-based approaches, offering instead unconditional positive regard as clients explore change. Her therapeutic style blends solution-focused techniques with client-centered, dialectical, and cognitive-behavioral methods, and she may integrate psychodynamic ideas when they suit a client’s needs.
Catherine customizes conversations and treatment plans to reflect each person’s unique situation, goals, and preferences. She aims to create an environment where people can move forward toward a higher quality of life, and she welcomes the courage it takes to begin therapy. Catherine is prepared to support clients through the process and to collaborate on finding practical, meaningful ways to cope and grow.
Respect, empathy, and a deep faith in God and in people inform her work. Catherine’s manner is warm and engaging; she intentionally avoids judgement and fear-based approaches, offering instead unconditional positive regard as clients explore change. Her therapeutic style blends solution-focused techniques with client-centered, dialectical, and cognitive-behavioral methods, and she may integrate psychodynamic ideas when they suit a client’s needs.
Catherine customizes conversations and treatment plans to reflect each person’s unique situation, goals, and preferences. She aims to create an environment where people can move forward toward a higher quality of life, and she welcomes the courage it takes to begin therapy. Catherine is prepared to support clients through the process and to collaborate on finding practical, meaningful ways to cope and grow.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Trauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion 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 Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Catherine Brenen have?
Catherine Brenen has 16 years of experience as a mental health provider.
Is Catherine Brenen a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LMSW credential. LMSW stands for Licensed Master Social Worker and her license is listed as MI LMSW 6801096367.
In which languages does Catherine Brenen provide therapy?
Catherine provides therapy in English.
Where is Catherine Brenen located?
She is located in Michigan.
How can I work with Catherine Brenen as my therapist?
You can work with Catherine through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Catherine Brenen work with international clients?
Catherine does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Catherine Brenen cost?
Costs 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 and Online Support
Client-centered therapy focuses on the person’s own goals and experiences, offering a supportive, nonjudgmental space where the therapist follows the client’s lead and helps clarify values and priorities. This approach is useful for relationship concerns, self-esteem, and navigating life transitions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical strategies to shift unhelpful patterns. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and managing stressors with concrete skills and behavioral changes.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) brings together acceptance and change strategies, teaching emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT techniques can be especially helpful for intense emotions, relationship challenges, and coping with strong urges.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic work. Catherine collaborates with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan over time so therapy remains relevant and effective.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and maintain continuity of care when life circumstances change, while still allowing meaningful therapeutic connection with licensed professionals.