Catherine Brenen, LMSW

Catherine Brenen is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in Michigan with 16 years of experience in mental health care. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship strain, and changes that come with aging. Her manner is warm and engaging and she centers respect and empathy in sessions.

Clients can expect a nonjudgmental space where faith and hope are acknowledged when relevant. She avoids fear-based or condemning approaches and focuses on practical steps toward a better quality of life. Conversations are tailored to each person’s situation.

Her background combines several therapeutic approaches. She draws on client-centered methods to follow the person’s lead. She also uses cognitive-behavioral strategies to address unhelpful thinking and behaviors. Dialectical skills and mindfulness tools are included when they fit the goal.

Catherine adapts the session plan to the individual. That might mean short-term problem solving around coping skills or longer work on relationship patterns, trauma, or grief. She also supports people dealing with caregiving strain, blended family issues, and challenges tied to aging.

She describes her style as supportive and faith-friendly for those who want that element included. The work is collaborative: Catherine helps set goals and adjusts techniques as progress unfolds. She encourages the first step and offers steady guidance through change.

How Catherine’s approaches fit into online therapy

Client-centered therapy puts the person’s goals first and focuses on what matters most to them. It helps when someone needs support that follows their pace and priorities. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical coping and behavior changes for anxiety, depression, and stress.

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, offers skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These tools can be useful for strong emotions, relationship conflicts, and coping with crises. Catherine often blends these approaches so sessions stay practical and focused on clear goals.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Catherine will collaborate with the client to choose techniques that match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts strategies over time if something isn’t helping and checks in about what feels useful.

The biography does not list specific online session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into daily life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also offer options for people who prefer not to meet in person while they try out therapy.