- CBT approaches
- ACT techniques
- Gottman principles
About Brenden
Dr. Brenden Troster is an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) practicing in Minnesota with seven years of clinical experience. He also brings a long background in coaching and years supporting clients across school, residential, and outpatient settings. He works with adults who face depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, ADHD, relationship strain, grief, and many life transitions.
He has worked in school-based mental health, addiction treatment, residential care for children and teens, and outpatient settings supporting people with severe and persistent mental illness. That range informs a practical, problem-focused approach. Sessions begin by listening to the client’s story and identifying concrete goals.
Dr. Troster uses familiar, evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Client-Centered Therapy, and the Gottman Method. He combines strategies from these approaches to address symptoms and day-to-day challenges. Expect skills practice, pattern spotting, and plain talk about next steps.
When blended household issues or parenting stresses come up, he helps people sort roles, set boundaries, and manage loyalties without taking sides. He also supports work on anger, intimacy-related problems, sleeping, self-esteem, and career decisions.
Sessions focus on practical strategies clients can use between meetings. The emphasis is on clear goals, repeated practice, and straightforward feedback. People leave with tools for coping, communication, and steadying routines.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and values-driven action. It helps when someone feels stuck or is weighing competing responsibilities in a blended household. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and provides skills to change unhelpful patterns such as sleep problems, anxiety, or anger. The Gottman Method offers practical communication and conflict skills that can be useful when navigating stepfamily routines and co-parenting conversations.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options and collaborate on a plan that reflects a client’s goals, values, and pace. That means trying techniques, evaluating what helps, and adjusting the approach over time rather than committing to a single method up front.
Confirm the session formats before booking because the biography does not specify which online or in-person options are used. Online work can make sessions easier to fit into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or remove commuting time so more time is available for practice and reflection. Therapists can use exercises, homework, and communication skills during virtual sessions so progress continues between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
7+ years
Listed in
Minnesota, Iowa, Massachusetts
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, ADHD, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, parenting and blended family issues among others.
How does he approach therapy?
He starts by listening to your story and setting clear goals. Sessions use practical techniques from CBT, ACT, DBT, client-centered work, and the Gottman Method.
What is his professional background?
He has seven years of clinical experience and many more years as a coach, with work in school-based mental health, addiction treatment, residential care, and outpatient settings.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an MA LMFT and a Minnesota LMFT based in Minnesota.
Does he offer sessions in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English. He does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking as the biography does not list specific formats.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.