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 combines a range of therapeutic methods with a respectful, client-centered stance, believing that treatment goals should be formed collaboratively with the person seeking help. His career includes specialized training in military trauma and sexual trauma, and extensive work with adults who have experienced various types of trauma.

Having lived overseas, he brings sensitivity to cultural differences and an appreciation for diverse life experiences. His clinical focus covers relationship and family dynamics, depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, caregiving and hospice concerns, chronic pain and illness, parenting and adoption issues, career and life transitions, and a range of other challenges such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue. He helps clients identify strengths they already possess and develop practical strategies to reach goals they have not yet been able to achieve.

Those seeking support should note that he is not accepting new clients at this time. For anyone considering therapy, he affirms that the decision to seek help often benefits both the individual and their close relationships, and that thoughtful, strengths-based work can make meaningful differences over time.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and developing practical skills to change them. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, stress, and problems with sleep or mood by teaching techniques to manage symptoms and make measurable progress.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy - EFT centers on understanding and reshaping emotional responses within close relationships. It helps couples and family members improve attachment, communication, and emotional connection by exploring patterns that drive conflict and distance.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - EMDR is an approach used to process and reduce the impact of traumatic memories. It can be effective for people who have experienced military trauma, sexual trauma, or other significant distressing events by supporting adaptive resolution of upsetting memories.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and is done collaboratively. Licensed professionals and therapists work with clients to match methods to each person’s needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers practical benefits including flexible scheduling and access from home or other convenient locations. Sessions can take place via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing clients to select the format that fits their routine and comfort level while maintaining continuity of care.