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Headshot of Bren Palla, LICSW

Bren Palla

Therapist
23 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+, Trauma
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

I graduated from Smith College School of Social Work in Northampton, MA, in 2002 and have been helping people with various mental health issues since that time. I have been trained in psychodynamic therapy, DBT, mindfulness, and Somatic Experiencing, among other modalities.

My approach to therapy

My therapeutic approach is centered on creating a collaborative and empathetic space where you feel genuinely heard and understood. Drawing from a blend of psychodynamic therapy, somatic experiencing, and mindfulness, among others, I tailor each session to your unique needs and goals. We will work together to gently explore the patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, identifying areas where you may feel stuck or overwhelmed. This process is not about providing quick fixes, but about equipping you with practical tools and insights that foster lasting change, greater self-awareness, and improved coping mechanisms for life's challenges.

Beyond specific modalities, the cornerstone of our work will be the safety and trust within our therapeutic relationship. I strive to offer a warm, non-judgmental environment that honors your lived experiences and inherent strengths. My goal is to empower you to tap into your own resilience, build self-compassion, and navigate life with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Whether you are grappling with anxiety or depression, managing life transitions, or seeking a deeper connection with yourself, I am here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth.

What you can expect from me

The first session is primarily an opportunity for us to get to know one another and ensure that we are a good fit for your therapeutic journey. It is a relaxed, low-pressure conversation where I invite you to share, at your own pace, what brings you to therapy and what your hopes for our work might be. I will ask questions to better understand your background, current challenges, and personal history, which helps me form a comprehensive view of your situation. This initial meeting is also your chance to ask me any questions about my approach, the therapy process, confidentiality, or what our sessions will look like moving forward. My goal is for you to leave our first appointment feeling heard, respected, and clear about the path ahead.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Non-binary
  • My style is
    Empowering, Participatory, Open Minded

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    23 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at Smith College
  • License type
    LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) (Massachusetts)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network, Point32 Healthcare, Providence Health Plan

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+, Trauma
  • More specialties
    Substance use / addiction, Family issues, Stress management, End of life care, Grief or loss, Relationship issues, Identity issues, PTSD, Transgender issues
  • Therapy methods
    Attachment Based, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Somatic, Positive Psychology
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Seniors, Adults
  • Languages
    English