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Bret Patterson

Therapist profile

Bret Patterson

Mississippi

Resilient, practical counseling for men

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  • Client-centered listening
  • Skill-focused work
  • Experience in crisis care

About Bret

Bret Patterson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Mississippi who focuses on practical support for everyday struggles. He works with men on stress, anxiety, grief, anger, depression, addictions, and issues around intimacy and self-esteem. He aims to create a respectful, compassionate space where straightforward conversation leads to clearer next steps.

Before counseling, Bret spent 25 years as a paramedic and clinical educator. That background shapes a calm, problem-solving approach in sessions. He draws on what has worked in real settings and adapts it to each person’s life.

Bret uses several therapeutic methods to match different needs. He often uses client-centered listening to understand what matters most. He also integrates cognitive behavioral tools to change unhelpful thinking and dialectical behavior ideas to manage intense emotions.

Sessions focus on practical goals you set together. Bret helps people build coping skills, improve communication, and handle big life changes. He supports those dealing with trauma, caregiving stress, chronic illness, and relationship strain.

He emphasizes collaboration rather than one-size-fits-all plans. Together you’ll shape a treatment plan that fits your schedule and priorities. To start, he asks people to reflect on what they want to change and what would feel most helpful.

With four years as an LPC and a long clinical-care background before that, Bret blends practical experience with counseling skills. He encourages small steps that lead to clearer thinking and more control over day-to-day life.

How his approaches translate to online work

Bret uses client-centered listening to make space for what matters most to each person, offering a warm focus on your goals and priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps by identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers practical coping skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. He will work together with each client to decide which methods fit best based on needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative plan can shift as progress is made or priorities change.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the specific session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Many people find remote work helpful for fitting therapy into busy schedules, allowing shorter check-ins or sessions that are easier to schedule around work. Online sessions can also let someone focus on skill practice between meetings and bring real-life situations into discussion without having to rearrange long in-person appointments.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAvoidant personalityCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

4+ years

Credentials

Mississippi

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Bret help with?

He helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, and addictions, plus relationship and intimacy concerns and self-esteem issues.

What is his therapy style like?

His style is practical and collaborative, using careful listening and concrete skill-building to address everyday problems.

What experience does he bring to sessions?

He has four years of professional counseling experience and previously spent 25 years as a paramedic and clinical educator, which informs a problem-solving approach.

Where is he licensed and practicing?

He is licensed as an LPC in Mississippi and sees clients connected to that regional practice.

Which languages can sessions be held in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

He does not accept international clients at this time.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

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