Joshua Bracken

I graduated with my MSW in 2018 from the University of Southern California. I have 8 years of experience in social work. I have worked in a number of environments including; in home therapeutic services designed to smooth transition from children coming out of state care or working with families to ensure they build the skills to stay together after court intervention, school social work at the high school level, and individual therapy working with youth and adolescents, and working with adults who have found life transitions difficult such as a sudden loss or change.

My preferred modalities are:

Motivational Interviewing

Psychoeducation

CBT

DBT

ACT

My approach is to recognize that the client is the expert in their life. I have an eclectic outlook when it comes to treatment, but I primarily operate from a strength based and trauma-informed approach. I can help in challenging misconceptions or assumptions. I validate emotions while also helping to build resiliency and coping skills that result in healthy responses to those emotions. I also support you in maintaining accountability in a way that is empathetic, but firm.

I would say that I work best with at-risk youth and adults dealing with difficulty during a sudden change or transition in their life. I have worked with many different clients with an array of needs. If I do not believe my skills and experience will provide what you need, you won't have to wait to ask. I will be forthcoming.

When we first meet, that is my time to listen, ask questions, and get a better sense of what your needs may be. There will be an intake interview that can take up to 30 minutes, and then time to establish rapport after. The interview will include gathering background information, the reasons why you are seeking treatment, what you would like to get out of therapy, and what you are looking for in a therapist. This is to ensure that the therapeutic relationship will be a good fit and to make sure there is adequate information to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.