Catherine Brenen

Catherine Brenen is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with 16 years of mental health experience. She helps people manage anxiety, stress, substance use, depression, grief, and relationship concerns. Her work also addresses challenges that come with aging and health changes.

Her style is warm and engaging. She emphasizes respect, empathy, and positive regard rather than judgment. Faith is personally important to her and informs her hopeful attitude toward change.

Catherine mixes practical methods to meet each person's needs. She uses client-centered conversation to understand what matters most. She also draws on cognitive-behavioral and dialectical approaches to teach skills for mood and behavior change.

Sessions are tailored to the individual. Discussions and plans focus on realistic steps toward better daily functioning. She will work with clients to set goals and try strategies that fit their life and values.

Catherine is comfortable addressing trauma, addictions, intimacy concerns, parenting stress, caregiver strain, grief, and career or self-esteem issues. She invites people to take the first step and will support them through the process of starting therapy.

Her overall aim is to help people move forward toward a higher quality of life while honoring their background, beliefs, and personal goals.

How therapeutic approaches guide online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding a person's goals and values. It helps people feel heard and guides the therapist to tailor conversations and goals to each person. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical strategies to shift patterns that cause distress. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and everyday stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes emotion regulation and stronger coping skills during intense moments and can help with mood swings, self-control, and relationship strain.

Finding the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will work collaboratively with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. This might mean trying a skill-building CBT exercise one week and a client-centered check-in the next to see what helps more.

Confirm the available session formats before booking because the biography does not list them. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, avoid travel time, and check in from a quieter space. Some formats also let people choose shorter check-ins when needed or avoid being on camera if that helps them focus. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and homework to work well in remote sessions, helping clients practice new skills between appointments.