- Goal oriented
- Trauma informed
- Men's wellbeing
About Brian
Brian Olden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 45 years of experience. He frames therapy as a collaborative process and invites people to make changes that matter in everyday life. Brian emphasizes practical steps and clear goals while keeping conversations direct and respectful.
He has worked with individuals across many phases of life, including people facing relationship shifts and career transitions. Brian is experienced with trauma, including military and sexual trauma, and with long-term challenges such as chronic illness and caregiving stress. He also addresses concerns like anxiety, depression, anger, sleep problems, and confidence issues.
His approach adapts to each person’s needs. Sessions focus on identifying strengths, setting achievable goals, and building strategies that fit into daily routines. He draws on a range of methods to match what a person brings to the room and what they hope to change.
Brian lived overseas and is attentive to cultural differences that can affect how people experience life events. He often helps those navigating family transitions, blended family dynamics, adoption and foster care concerns, and fatherhood issues. He also works with people coping with grief, end-of-life matters, and the stresses faced by first responders.
People who come for help can expect straightforward guidance and a steady focus on practical solutions. To begin, visitors complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on the therapist’s availability.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person’s own priorities and encourages the therapist to listen closely and respond to what matters most. This approach helps with motivation, self-esteem, and making concrete changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and teaches practical tools to shift them, which can help with anxiety, depression, sleep, and anger. Emotionally-Focused Therapy, or EFT, concentrates on feelings and attachment patterns in close relationships to improve communication and emotional connection.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they decide which methods to use and adjust the plan as progress is made, keeping the process collaborative.
If you prefer online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking so you know what formats are available. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people continue care during life transitions or when attending from different locations in California. Licensed professionals can adapt these therapeutic approaches to work in virtual appointments, helping people practice new skills and try strategies between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
45+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Brian address?
He works with a wide range of issues including relationship and intimacy concerns, trauma and abuse, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, parenting and sleep problems.
How would you describe his style in therapy?
Brian uses a collaborative, practical style that focuses on setting goals and building strategies people can use in daily life.
What is his background and experience?
Brian has 45 years of clinical experience and has worked with individuals across many life stages and challenges.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California and practices from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.