Dr. Donna Bredrup

My approach goes beyond simply diagnosing and treating pathology to using therapy as a tool to help people grow. The therapeutic relationship we develop together as we explore the circumstance that brings you to therapy supports the change you desire.

Loss is an underlying reason many of my clients seek counseling. Some have lost a part of who they were before overwhelming life events occurred. Some are helping professionals who give so much in their work or life they are experiencing traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, burnout, or vicarious trauma. Others have experienced an unexpected traumatic loss of a loved one to suicide, homicide, or sudden death.

My credentials include a Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW), a Masters in Clinical Psychology, and a Bachelor of Education. My experience as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) draws from over twenty years working in private practice, a community mental health center, and as a supervising administrator for counseling and social work in schools where I led many crisis response efforts serving students and staff. My therapeutic work in traumatic grief and loss is informed by both professional and personal experience. To foster the growth and development of professionals in the field, I formerly taught as an Adjunct Professor in the Doctor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs at Aurora University.

My approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that healing occurs through a genuine, trusting therapeutic relationship. I strive to create a warm, accepting, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences, emotions, and relationships at their own pace. My work is rooted in a relational and humanistic philosophy, recognizing that every individual has inherent strengths, resilience, and the capacity for growth when they feel understood and supported.

Our first meeting is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. I'll invite you to share what has brought you to therapy, what challenges you're experiencing, and what you hope will be different in your life. There is no pressure to tell your entire story in one session—we will move at a pace that feels right for you.

I'll also ask questions about your personal history, important relationships, current stressors, and strengths so I can better understand you as a whole person, not just the problems you're facing.