About Me

Bren is a licensed marriage and family therapist located in Pasadena, California. She is a leading trauma therapist who specializes in working with clients who have experienced complex, developmental, or intergenerational trauma. Bren’s approach in anchored in psychodynamic theory. This means that who we are and how we experience the world is informed by the collective and meaningful experiences we have throughout our lives. In conjunction with her psychodynamic approach, Bren is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), a highly robust model that allows clients to rapidly process the trauma of their past and regain a feeling of control over intrusive traumatic memories, feelings of dissociation or disconnection with their body, and re-establish a felt sense of being fully embodied. In addition to being EMDR certified, Bren has trained at the master level in Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) and is an Approved Consultant by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). Complimenting her trauma-focused practice, Bren integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), by holding a safe space for all the parts of a dynamic and complex internal system of the Self.

In addition to her expertise in trauma work, Bren is frequently acknowledged in the community for her specialty in working with children and families navigating high-conflict family dynamics, relational violence, and family court/DCFS involvement. Bren is inherently child-centered and employs a Structural Family lens, which allows a greater understanding for how power is distributed within a family system, as well as the often-unspoken family rules that apply to the system, for the function each family member serves within the larger system. Bren has worked extensively on high-profile cases, resulting in an understanding of the unique challenges such families often experience. Bren is an active member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC). Additionally, Bren has been a guest lecturer at several distinguished universities, clinical organizations, and has provided training for employees of the Department of Mental Health (DMH).

Bren received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from UCLA. She also has a Master’s of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in Conflict-Related Trauma and a second specialization in Child Studies from Antioch University, Los Angeles. Bren is an advocate within the field of psychology, challenging other mental health providers to expand the currently narrow definition of trauma to more accurately reflect the impact the overwhelming and devastating life events we experience can have on our lives.

Bren provides in-person and telehealth sessions. In addition to her clinical work in California, Bren is licensed in several other states across the United States. She works with individuals of all ages and stages, and has specialized training in working with children 0-5 years of age. Bren strives to provide all her clients with a safe space to explore their past experiences, gain greater insight into the impact of those experiences, strengthen their relationships, increase resilience, and heal the painful wounds of their past.

*Bren is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the following states:

California (94662)
New Jersey (37FI00249800)
Nevada (4876-R)
New York (002445-01)
Texas (205654)
Washington (MFT.LF.61664535)