About Kathleen
(she/her)
You are so brave, and I’m genuinely glad you’re here.
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My clients are often perfectionists - highly capable, high-achieving individuals who experience symptoms like anxiety, panic, crying, or feeling they can't turn their brain off. Can you relate? You might also be highly sensitive, empathetic, caring, and/or creative. We'll go at your pace so you don't feel pressured or overwhelmed, and use techniques to help you make sense of your life and steady your emotions.
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I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, OCD, trauma issues, and identity/dissociative issues, frequently overlapping with neurodiversity including ADHD and autism. My clients often experience cathartic "lightbulb" moments when we connect the dots between their life experiences, mental health symptoms, the brain, and the body. The therapy methods I use include CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), EMDR, ERP (exposure and response prevention therapy), mindfulness, intersectional feminism, and creative expression.
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My approach is rooted in collaboration and honest, open communication. You’re encouraged to bring your full, authentic self to our therapy sessions – laughter, tears, anger, silliness, silence, geekiness, all of it! Based on your unique goals I integrate various therapy methods to address your concerns as well as gently challenge you to foster your personal growth. Together we'll harness your unique strengths to help you work through blocks, discover joy, and get unstuck in your life.
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If you're ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment, I’m here to offer steadfast support every step of the way. I offer all new clients a no-cost, no-pressure 15-minute phone consultation to see if we might be a good fit. I can be directly reached at kathleen@thebrannencenter.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
My Philosophy
I affirm all LGBTQIA+/queer sexual orientations, all gender identities and expressions, and am poly-affirming and kink-affirming. I embrace neurodiversity as an authentic aspect of self, not something to be molded into social norms. I’m disability affirming and welcome service animals in sessions. (Please note: due to allergies I’m unable to accommodate birds.) Given my background in the arts, I value the opportunity to work with artists, musicians, and creatives of all kinds.
With over 20 years of professional experience across diverse fields, I’ve engaged with people from a wide range of socioeconomic, personal, and cultural backgrounds. I hold a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia and am pursuing clinical licensure. My own experiences in therapy, along with the holistic approach of social work - viewing people as far more than a medical diagnosis - are what ultimately led me to become a therapist.
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In my free time I enjoy reading fantasy books, playing video games, making art, photography, browsing thrift/vintage stores, and spending time outdoors with my dog.
Education, Training, and Certifications
Education
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Master of Social Work - The University of Georgia
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Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art - University of Georgia, 2000​
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Training
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EMDR Therapy - Ricky Greenwald, Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute
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Flash Technique Training for EMDR - Ricky Greenwald, Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for OCD (Exposure and Response Prevention) – Sabine Wilhelm, Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy
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Professional Memberships
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International OCD Foundation
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Georgia Society of Clinical Social Workers