Brian Olden, LCSW
Practical, experienced LCSW focusing on life transitions
Details
| Name | Brian Olden |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LCSW |
| Based in | California |
| Licensed in | California |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 45 |
About Brian
Brian Olden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 45 years of experience based in California. He frames therapy as a collaborative process and focuses on practical steps people can take to feel better and meet their goals. He speaks English and draws on a long career supporting people through major life changes.
Brian combines clear listening with straightforward guidance. Sessions center on the person's priorities and build small, usable strategies.
Background and approach
He helps people name strengths, set realistic goals, and try concrete practices between meetings. His background includes long experience with trauma, relationship concerns, and life transitions. He has worked with people coping with chronic pain, caregiving stress, grief, and career changes.
He also brings experience addressing anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar concerns, and intimacy-related issues. In the room he uses approaches that match the client's needs. That may include Narrative Therapy to look at life stories, Client-Centered methods to follow the client's lead, or Cognitive Behavioral techniques to change patterns that cause distress.
He aims to keep plans simple and focused on real-life results. Brian tends to favor steady progress over quick fixes. He helps people who want practical tools and clearer direction.
For many clients that means working on communication, sleep, anger, parenting questions, or rebuilding confidence after loss or upheaval.
What this therapist works with
His listing names Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Depression among the things Brian works with, alongside the areas below.
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- Stress, Anxiety
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Adoption and foster care
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Blended family issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Communication problems
- Divorce and separation
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- First responder issues
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Impulsivity
- Infidelity
- Intellectual disability
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Post-traumatic stress
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Sexual dysfunction
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Traumatic brain injury
- Workplace issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Brian among the ways he works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Brian among the ways he works.
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT): Listed by Brian among the ways he works.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Listed by Brian among the ways he works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Brian among the ways he works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Brian among the ways he works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Brian directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how he works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Brian directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How Brian brings narrative and client-centered work online
Brian often uses Narrative Therapy to help people rethink the stories they tell about themselves. This approach looks at how past events and labels shape current behavior and helps people try new meanings that reduce distress.He also uses Client-Centered Therapy to follow the client's priorities and pace. That means sessions focus on what matters most to the person and build solutions from their strengths. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is another common tool he uses to identify unhelpful thoughts and practice small behavioral changes that improve mood and daily functioning.
Choosing an approach is collaborative. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Plans can shift over time so methods match changing needs and progress.
Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules. Video works well for full conversations and visual cues. Phone can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in fits the day. Live chat or text messaging allows quick updates, brief reflections, or ongoing support between longer sessions. These formats make it easier to keep therapy consistent while juggling work, family, or caregiving duties.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of concerns does Brian help with?
He works with a wide range of concerns including relationship problems, trauma and abuse, anxiety and depression, grief, parenting and caregiving stress, sleep and anger issues, career and life changes, ADHD, bipolar concerns, and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He practices in a collaborative, practical style that emphasizes the client's goals. Sessions focus on identifying strengths, trying small strategies, and tracking progress over time.
What is his background and experience?
Brian is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 45 years of clinical experience. His work includes long-term experience with trauma, life transitions, and caregiving challenges.
Where is he licensed and located?
He holds an LCSW credential in California and practices from that state.
Which languages are offered and can he work internationally?
Sessions are offered in English. He does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different schedules and communication preferences.
How are fees and payment structured?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by clicking the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Brian are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Brian where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.
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