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Brenda Atkinson

GA LCSW CSW004649, VA LCSW 0904015906
Credentials
GA LCSW CSW004649, VA LCSW 0904015906
NPI Number
1083070304
Location
Virginia
Languages
English
Brenda Atkinson

Accepting new clients

31 years experience
Work with me

About Brenda Atkinson

I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years’ experience. Much of my expertise is in working with individuals struggling with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, parenting concerns, blended families, substance abuse and career challenges. My most prolific area of expertise is assisting individuals who want to grow emotionally and spiritually through all of life transitions such as early adulthood, middle age and later life.

My education was in Psychology and Social Work completed at the University of Louisville with an emphasis on Family Systems Theory. My approach in therapy is sensitive to individual needs and goals as well as structured in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic theories, mindfulness, humanistic and existential therapies. I believe that the individual and therapist relationship is foundational in that I strive to be genuine and compassionate to offer you the best opportunities for growth and healing.

I admire your strength and courage for reaching out for assistance and hope to be a part of your growth and success!

Licenses

LCSW
CSW004649
LCSW
0904015906

Professional experience

  • Addictions
  • Anger management
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Career difficulties
  • Compassion fatigue
  • Coping with life changes
  • Depression
  • Family conflicts
  • Grief
  • Intimacy-related issues
  • LGBT
  • Parenting issues
  • Relationship issues
  • Self esteem
  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Trauma and abuse

Additional Focus Areas

  • Abandonment
  • Aging and geriatric issues
  • Antisocial personality
  • Attachment issues
  • Blended family issues
  • Caregiver issues and stress
  • Co-morbidity
  • Codependency
  • Commitment issues
  • Communication problems
  • Control issues
  • Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
  • Dependent personality
  • Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
  • Dissociation
  • Divorce and separation
  • Drug and alcohol addiction
  • Emptiness
  • Family of origin issues
  • Family problems
  • First responder issues
  • Forgiveness
  • Guilt and shame
  • Hospice and end-of-life counseling
  • Impulsivity
  • Infidelity
  • Isolation / loneliness
  • Jealousy
  • Life purpose
  • Midlife crisis
  • Mood disorders
  • Narcissism
  • Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
  • Panic disorder and panic attacks
  • Paranoia
  • Personality disorders
  • Phobias
  • Post-traumatic stress
  • Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Self-harm
  • Self-love
  • Social anxiety and phobia
  • Women's issues
  • Workplace issues
  • Young adult issues

Clinical Approaches

  • Attachment-Based Therapy
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Existential Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Jungian Therapy
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy

Languages

  • English

15 Reviews

“Brenda is AMAZING! So kind and understanding, it’s been great talking to her!!!”

“My therapist, Brenda, has been a tremendous help in understanding my struggles. She’s very supportive and an excellent listener. I really appreciate the thoughtful questions she asks because they help me reflect on my situation. She’s always reassuring, and I would definitely recommend her.”

“Mrs Brenda has been the most caring supportive and just the best therapist I have ever had throughout my life she has helped me in so many ways !!”

“I love Brenda’s caring approach so much that I’d rather pay to keep seeing her than transition to a therapist covered by my insurance. I’m just grateful to have found a therapist that creates a safe space to be myself”

“My work with Brenda has been one of the steadier forces in my life. She listens in a way that makes me feel fully heard, and she seems to instinctively know when I just need space to vent and when I'm ready for real guidance.<br /> <br /> Her approach blends common sense, years of clinical experience, and a deep understanding of how people grow. She is kind, clear, and a straight shooter in the best way. She never pushes me faster than I can handle, and she lets me show up exactly as I am, while still guiding me toward the healthier version of myself I want to build.<br /> <br /> I recommend Brenda Atkinson without hesitation. She brings a level of insight, compassion, and steadiness that is rare, and I am genuinely grateful for the positive impact she has had on my life.”

“Brenda is a very personable therapist and I find it very easy to talk to her about a variety of topics, I am glad I was matched with her. She is very knowledgeable and shares her experiences to add to the conversation.”

“I appreciate Brenda and her wisdom and experience. Thank you for listening and caring.”

“She is great.”

“Brenda is soft and invites vulnerability with her safe and calm demeanor. She actively listens and engages in a meaningful way. I am excited to continue seeing her.”

“Just thank you for everything and being so supportive in my crazy life since child hood”

“So far so good. She's very understanding and Listens”

“Brenda is absolutely awesome! She’s extremely receptive, always has the best approach to the situation. Best therapist ever!”

“Really kind, makes you feel comfortable, heard and can even have a laugh with her. She has really helped my partner and I over the last 2 years”

“After sharing what needed to be discussed prior to our first session, I was confident Brenda had a good idea of what was going on. Our first session flowed as if we were two friends sitting down to discuss my life problems. She listened so well and gave me great feedback and I look forward to working together.”

“I have only just begun to work with her but so far I have greatly enjoyed my experiences with her”

These reviews represent a few of the most recent positive reviews from the therapist's clients on BetterHelp. Some people's experience may be different.
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