Brenda Sullivan-Rice

Hello, my name is Brenda Rice., LCSW. I started my career in mental health in 1987 working with teen moms. I completed my Master's degree in 1989 and began working with children and adolescents experiencing a variety of issues, including ADHD, behavioral problems, sexual abuse and trauma. In working with children I also found that most of the parents had issues as well which often had to be addressed. I also have experience as a crisis counselor, assessing individuals to determine if they required psychiatric hospitalization, dealing with adolescents who had run away from home and general crisis situations. In 2007 I started working primarily with adults in clinic setting where most of my clients were dealing with anxiety, depression and past trauma. I would say this is my area of expertise and an issue which has always been close to my heart since graduate school. Helping people heal from past trauma and overcome anxiety, depression, shame, guilt and low self-esteem is truly my passion and what drives me to be the best therapist I can be. From past experience I know that one of the best things to offer clients dealing with past trauma is a sense of empowerment; and from the first session I give this to my clients, letting them know that the therapy is in their control and I will not "force" them to go where they do not feel they can go. I listen with a compassion, empathy and genuine caring heart. I am passionate about helping you heal and truly consider it a privilege and honor to get to know you and go on the healing journey with you.

I specialize in treating individuals with anxiety, depression and PTSD. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities, including (but not limited to) CBT, Rogerian and Psychoanalysis techniques to help my clients reach their goals. I have found that using worksheets and reading material can be a great way to teach clients what I sometimes cannot express. Completing assignments helps you achieve the therapeutic goals. I believe healing wounds from our past helps us have a better understanding of who we are and then we can focus on being a better version of ourself for the future.

My goal as a therapist is to help you heal emotionally and mentally. Coming to therapy, especially for the first time, is often scary and sometimes comes with stigma from family and/or the cultural community. I do my best to make my clients feel comfortable expressing these feelings and show them compassion and understanding. Those who come with a genuine desire to learn coping skills and change will find therapy successful and beneficial. Sometimes, especially if you have experienced trauma, therapy can be painful; however, only by going through the pain can the healing occur and I will be there to go through the pain with you.