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Dr. Brenden Troster

Dr. Brenden Troster, LMFT

Minnesota

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  • 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

AddictionsFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Gottman MethodJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

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.

Dr. Brenden TrosterLMFT

Continue with Brenden