Brittany Gardner, LCSW
Reaching out for help can be difficult and the thought of seeing a therapist can seem intimidating. I believe that with the right therapist, you can express yourself freely without fear of judgement and receive the support you need and desire. No two people's journey and life experiences are the same, so I take an individualized approach with my clients.
I strive to provide a welcoming environment that will support your unique development of self-awareness, vulnerability, and growth. Together, we will identify your goals for treatment and work towards those in a collaborative process. I value feedback so I can ensure your goals and voice are at the heart of our work. I strive to develop trust between us so you feel comfortable opening up. I utilize values, humor, and compassion so we can build an authentic, therapeutic relationship to make changes. In sessions, I will often bring us back to the present moment to build awareness and identify old patterns of behaviors so we can create new habits.
What should you expect from working with me?
The first few sessions, I will lead. I want to get to know not only what's bringing you in, about your family, routines, passions, strengths and more. We'll create goals together and map out how we're going to work on them. After the first few, we'll start the collaborative process. I like to keep my sessions flexible and always make space for what you need that day. If I am noticing patterns, I will bring something in to address them. My goal with each session is to make you feel heard and validated along with providing you tools and knowledge.
I utilize concepts of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by looking at how your thoughts and feelings impact your behaviors. We'll explore helpful and unhelpful thoughts along with practicing reframing them. I love using pieces of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. We'll identify your values and what's most important to you. We'll also look at what's getting in the way of those and utilize mindfulness, acceptance, and cognitive defusion. I will always bring your strengths into the room so we can build upon those.
Experience and Background
While attending Loyola University Chicago for my undergraduate degree, I interned at the Community Violence Prevention Program. I helped 13-21 year olds adjust back to the community after being granted parole or probation. During my masters program at Loyola University Chicago, I interned with Chicago Public Schools. After graduating with my Masters in Social Work in 2015, I worked in the school system for a few years. I worked at a private therapeutic day school for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. I utilized TCI escalation techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Zones of Regulation. I became trained in best practices for trauma. I then transitioned to a group private practice. I provided individual services to young adults and adults, along with couples therapy. I became certified in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious and Childhood Emotions). I was trained in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, evidenced based practices for anxiety and depression, EFT & Gottman for Couples, and Exposure & Response Prevention. I worked with adults navigating life transitions, managing anxiety and OCD, and creating better routines. I helped clients establish better boundaries in relationships, utilize assertive communication skills, and process past trauma.