Brian Olden , LCSW

Brian Olden is a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 45 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families. He brings a seasoned, compassionate approach to therapy and emphasizes collaborative goal-setting so that treatment plans reflect the priorities of the person seeking support.

He works with a broad range of concerns including relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety and stress, grief, parenting and fatherhood issues, caregiving challenges, chronic pain and illness, career transitions, and intimacy-related difficulties. He has specialized training in military trauma and sexual trauma, and extensive experience supporting adults with various trauma histories. Having lived overseas, he is attentive to cultural differences and their impact on therapeutic work.

Brian helps people navigating life transitions such as relationship changes, occupational shifts, and the demands of caregiving. He focuses on identifying existing strengths and building practical strategies to meet goals that have been difficult to achieve. His style blends clinical skill with a pragmatic, strengths-based perspective aimed at helping people make lasting, meaningful changes.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Brian Olden uses a range of evidence-informed approaches tailored to the needs of each person. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the individual's experience, offering empathetic listening and support so people can explore their feelings and values and make choices aligned with their goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and reshape unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it a practical option for anxiety, depression, stress, and problem-solving related to work or relationships. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is used for trauma and related symptoms; it aims to reduce the intensity of distressing memories and reactions while building coping resources.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Brian works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and personal preferences. Together they review progress and adjust strategies to keep therapy meaningful and focused.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and maintain continuity of care during life transitions. Licensed professionals can use these formats to provide effective, adaptable support that aligns with each person's circumstances and goals.