- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
About Catherine
Catherine Brenen is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with 16 years of experience in mental health care. She focuses on a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, relationship and intimacy issues, and challenges that come with aging and caregiving.
Catherine uses straightforward conversation to help people sort priorities and find workable steps forward. She avoids judgment and fear-based approaches. Sessions aim to identify practical changes and build skills people can use between meetings.
Her work draws on client-centered principles alongside cognitive behavioral techniques and dialectical behavior strategies. She also integrates mindfulness practices and motivational interviewing when they fit a person’s goals. These approaches are described simply during sessions so people can decide what feels right.
Catherine has experience addressing concerns that often arise in blended households, such as communication problems, co-parenting strain, and commitment or loyalty conflicts. She also supports people facing grief, eating concerns, bipolar disorder, and addiction-related issues.
Conversations usually focus on current problems, coping skills, and small behavior changes that add up over time. The therapist aims to help each person clarify goals and plan steps they can try between sessions.
To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session. Catherine works in English and her practice follows Michigan professional standards.
How Catherine uses therapy approaches online
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting. The therapist uses this approach to understand what matters most to the person and to support their own problem solving. It helps when someone wants a collaborative, listening-based way to sort issues.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It uses simple exercises and homework to change unhelpful patterns. This approach is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress that affect everyday routines.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches concrete skills for managing intense emotions and improving communication. It includes strategies for tolerating distress and for handling conflict more effectively in relationships.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Catherine discusses different methods with each person and helps select what fits best based on their goals and preferences. That choice can change over time as needs shift.
Confirm the available session formats before you book, since the public biography does not list them. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Talk with the therapist about what will work with your daily routine and whether certain session structures should be tried first.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
16+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does she address related to blended families?
She lists blended family issues among her focus areas and works on communication problems, co-parenting strain, and loyalty conflicts that can come up in stephouseholds.
What is her general therapy style?
She describes a direct, nonjudgmental style that uses respectful dialogue and practical steps rather than fear-based tactics.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 16 years of experience as a mental health provider in Michigan.
What credential does she hold and where does she practice?
She is an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and practices in Michigan.
Does she offer sessions in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
The original profile does not specify session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with her practice?
Begin by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling 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.