- Goal focused
- Trauma informed
- Sleep aware
About Brian
Brian Olden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 45 years of practice in California. He frames therapy around the goals each person brings and invites clients to set those goals together. He emphasizes practical steps people can take to make daily life more manageable and to improve sleep and rest when that is a concern.
Brian uses a mix of approaches rather than a single method. He draws on client-centered techniques to follow what matters most to the person in the room. He also applies cognitive behavioral ideas to help change patterns that increase stress, anxiety, or sleepless nights.
His background includes long experience with trauma, including military and sexual trauma, and many years helping adults through life transitions. He has supported people dealing with chronic pain, caregiving strain, job changes, and relationship shifts. He pays attention to cultural differences informed by time living overseas.
Sessions focus on identifying strengths and building steps that fit everyday life. Brian works with relationship issues, intimacy-related concerns, parenting stress, grief, anger, depression, ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, and career matters. He also helps people address sleep and rest problems as part of broader treatment planning.
People who prefer a collaborative, goal-focused approach may find his style useful. He encourages clients to notice progress and to try practical strategies between sessions. The emphasis is on steady gains rather than quick fixes.
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person’s goals and values. The therapist listens closely and shapes sessions around what the client says matters most, which helps when sleep or daily routines need attention.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at habits and thoughts that keep problems going. It offers practical exercises to try between sessions to reduce anxiety, manage insomnia-linked behaviors, and change unhelpful thinking.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about what feels helpful, then tailor the mix of methods to the client’s needs, goals, and preferences in a collaborative way.
Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by reducing travel time and allowing more flexible scheduling. It can also allow shorter check-ins when needed, or meetings that do not require being on camera for every session. Confirm the current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered and what will work best for your routine.
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 he address?
He works with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, parenting and many life changes. Sleeping and rest problems are also listed among his focus areas.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a collaborative, goal-focused approach and adapts methods to the person in session. The work tends to be practical with steps to try between meetings.
What is his clinical background?
He has 45 years of experience, including work with trauma, military-related concerns, and people navigating life transitions.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California and practices there.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.