Catherine Brenen , LMSW

Catherine Brenen is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) based in Michigan with 16 years of experience in mental health care. She supports people navigating a range of life stressors, including anxiety, substance use, depression, interpersonal and family difficulties, trauma, health complications, and challenges related to aging.

Her practice is grounded in respect, empathy, and a positive view of human potential, with faith in God and people informing her approach. Her style is warm and engaging, and she does not rely on judgment or fear-based tactics. Instead, she emphasizes unconditional positive regard while helping individuals move toward a higher quality of life.

Her clinical work blends solution-focused methods with client-centered care, dialectical techniques, and cognitive-behavioral strategies, and it can include psychodynamic elements when appropriate. She individualizes dialogue and treatment plans to meet each person’s specific needs and goals, offering steady support through the often courageous process of beginning therapy.

She is not currently accepting new clients.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Catherine Brenen integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) into her work. Client-centered therapy focuses on building a respectful, empathetic relationship where the individual’s goals guide the process; it is helpful for improving self-esteem, relationships, and motivation. CBT addresses the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, offering practical strategies for anxiety, depression, addictive patterns, and coping with life changes. DBT emphasizes skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be useful for intense emotions, relationship challenges, and trauma-related difficulties.

Determining the best approach is part of the collaborative work she offers. She evaluates each person’s needs, goals, and preferences and adapts methods over time so therapy remains relevant and effective for each individual.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit sessions into busy lives, and access licensed professionals and therapists from a range of settings, while preserving the therapeutic focus on progress and practical skill building.