Works with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Self esteem
How Brian works
- Not listed
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- California
- Years in practice
- 10
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Brian
Brian VanBrakle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California. He helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, and relationship and intimacy-related issues. He also supports those managing trauma, eating or sleeping struggles, parenting challenges, career changes, bipolar disorder, and shifts in self-esteem.
Brian takes a warm, interactive approach in sessions. He speaks plainly and listens carefully before suggesting steps forward. Conversations focus on practical changes and small experiments clients can try between meetings.
Background and approach
His work draws on cognitive-behavioral ideas and solution-focused strategies. That means identifying unhelpful patterns, testing new ways of responding, and building skills that fit real life. Brian adapts techniques from an evidence-based toolbox to match each person’s needs.
Sessions aim to be respectful and collaborative. He encourages people to set goals that matter to them and to move at a pace that feels manageable. Brian emphasizes strengths while also addressing painful experiences like trauma or emotional abuse.
He has ten years of clinical experience in a range of settings. People who value direct feedback and practical skills often find this style helpful. If someone is ready to try different ways of coping, Brian offers steady support and clear steps to work toward change.
What Brian works with
Everything Brian lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Brian's practice.
Approaches for change and how online therapy works
Brian uses cognitive-behavioral ideas to help people spot thinking and behavior patterns that keep problems going. This approach breaks down difficult situations into smaller parts and teaches practical skills to respond differently to stress, anxiety, anger, or mood symptoms.He also uses solution-focused strategies that concentrate on goals and small, achievable steps. These techniques help people test simple changes quickly and build momentum toward clearer routines, better sleep, improved relationships, or calmer responses to triggers.
Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk about goals, try methods, and adjust plans based on what helps. Clients and the therapist work together to find the mix of skills and homework that fits each person’s life.
Online therapy offers several flexible ways to connect: video calls for face-to-face conversations, phone sessions when video is not practical, live chat for shorter check-ins, and text-based messaging for day-to-day support. These options make it easier to keep appointments, fit sessions into a busy schedule, and choose the format that suits a particular moment or need.
Questions people ask about Brian
What concerns does Brian address?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, grief, self-esteem, relationship and intimacy issues, eating and sleeping problems, parenting challenges, bipolar disorder, career concerns, and coping with life changes.
How would he describe his therapeutic style?
His style is warm and interactive, with an emphasis on respectful listening. Sessions focus on practical steps and skills people can try between meetings.
What kind of clinical experience does he have?
He has 10 years of experience working in clinical settings with a wide range of concerns including trauma, emotional abuse, depression, and relationship conflict.
What credentials and location information are provided?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What formats are used for sessions?
Sessions are available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.
How does cost work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.