Brenda Sullivan-Rice
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
About Brenda
Hello, welcome to Better Help, my name is Brenda Rice, LCSW. As a licensed therapist in Illinois with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I offer a compassionate, nuanced approach that addresses self-love, communication difficulties, social anxiety, and healing from past experiences.
My therapeutic work spans diverse areas including women’s issues, young adult challenges, and recovery from difficult life events such as divorce or sexual assault. I understand the intricate ways emotional pain can manifest and am committed to creating a supportive, understanding environment where individuals can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for healing and growth.
My approach is deeply respectful, recognizing each person’s unique journey and inherent strengths. Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, past trauma, or seeking to rebuild after challenging experiences, I’m dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, wisdom, and professional expertise.
What Brenda helps with
- ADHD
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Parenting issues
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
Show 15 more areas
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Communication problems
- Divorce and separation
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
How Brenda works
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
What clients say
- “Blessed to have such an experienced and caring provider. I couldn't be happier!”
- “Listens carefully and helps lead me to a solution as opposed to telling me what I should do.”
- “Brenda was great, even for the few sessions I spent with her. I deeply appreciate her quickness in understanding the roots of my problems and her ability to open my eyes to them. Without her, the baggage I carry would have continued to grow and fester. Thank you.”
Show all 15 reviews
- “I came to Brenda during a really difficult time in my life and talking to her has helped me more than I can put into words. She provides practical tools that I’ve been able to use in my day to day life and she asks the right questions to help you dig deeper, reflect and truly grow. I always leave our sessions feeling lighter, more understood and more equipped to handle what’s ahead.”
- “I love Brenda!”
- “Brenda is the therapist to have! She’s kind, funny, sweet, attentive. I loved every second of talking to her. In just a few sessions she’s given me so much guidance it’s remarkable. Highly recommend her!”
- “She really helps me make sense of my issues to myself where I end up helping myself overall which is very important.”
- “Brenda is kind, straight forward, and very empathic. She understands my struggles as a woman in my early 40s , with anxiety/ depression and 2 small kids. I've had a couple of sessions with other her so far, and look forward to my next!”
- “I cannot recommend Brenda enough! She is truly a compassionate, caring, and highly skilled therapist. From the very first session, I felt heard and understood, which made a world of difference. She has a remarkable ability to listen without judgment, and her insights are always thoughtful and grounded in deep knowledge.<br /> <br /> Each session with Brenda left me feeling lighter, more confident, and equipped with practical skills that I could apply in my everyday life. She not only helped me navigate through tough times, but she also empowered me to grow and develop in ways I never imagined. The tools she taught me have been invaluable and continue to support my well-being.<br /> <br /> Brenda has made an incredible, positive impact on my life, and I am so grateful for the work we've done together. If there were more therapists like her in the world, I believe it would be a much better place. She is a true gem, and I am so fortunate to have had her as a therapist.”
- “Connecting with Brenda on BetterHelp truly changed my life. From our very first session, I felt an immediate connection, and her support has been invaluable. Brenda helped me gain clarity, navigate tough emotions, and make significant strides in my personal growth. Her thoughtful guidance and insights have empowered me to make positive changes more quickly than I thought possible. I am deeply thankful for her expertise and kindness, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work with such a wonderful therapist. Thank you Brenda, for being the highlight of my week.”
- “Brenda’s very straight forward, and kind. I feel comfortable talking to her and working through things.”
- “I really appreciate Brenda's wisdom and insight.”
- “My experience with Brenda has been incredibly positive. Her knowledge, insight, empathy, kindness, dedication amazes me. I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress with her guidance.”
- “Brenda was easy to talk to and had very good suggestions about avenues I could try in the form of books or finding resources online. I enjoyed my sessions with her and liked that she had a lot of experience to draw from.”
- “Brenda, I wish we talked way before.”
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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