I help clients with depression, anxiety, or difficult relationships grow toward making choices for a better life. Are you exhausted? Does it feel like you are swimming upstream all the time? I can help. Are you feeling sad a lot, or anxious? Struggling with what to do next? Do you put a positive spin on things, in spite of feeling down? Maybe others don't know about your sad or anxious feelings, because appearing strong is important to you. They look to you to hold things together. I create a safe place, we can talk about anything; it's OK. Putting yourself last, always doing for others, is a bit of a hamster wheel. Let's talk about what is really happening. You may have had a nagging unhappiness for a long time while our culture assumes that everyone should be upbeat and positive all the time. I am passionate about helping with emotional physical/health, balance, and loving relationships. Having help along the way makes a big difference. We will start with what is most immediate and work from there. It is the counselor-client relationship that changes things the most. Change is always hard, I have wonderful resources. I teach mindfulness and breathing practices when it is helpful. I use the Enneagram when helpful (9 personality types - for something so ancient, it is surprisingly practical). I am a clinically licensed counselor with 16 years experience (Illinois). Also, I have lost 150 lbs by changing to a healthy lifestyle, and practicing 12 step recovery for food/sugar.
I enjoy rural/small town life, and kayak for fun.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Depression, Aging and geriatric issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Family of origin issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and discrimination, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy
IL LCPC 180007787
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Brenda Byrne. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Brenda is so easy to talk to and very helpful.
Written on Apr 27, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
I have only met with Brenda twice but already I have a stronger sense of myself and how I can work to shift my habits to experience more calm and joy.
Written on Jan 14, 2022 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and eating disorders
Brenda is a wonderful therapist.
Written on Nov 30, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 8 months on issues concerning depression, eating disorders, and self esteem
Brenda is amazing. She is a great counselor who just wants to help her patient, and I am truly grateful for that.
Written on Jan 27, 2021 after therapy with Brenda for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Brenda has been very helpful for me in getting back on my feet after my divorce. She is a neutral party to talk to so I am not overburdening family and friends and she has helped keep me on task by focusing on myself.
Written on Oct 01, 2020 after therapy with Brenda for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
I love love love working with Brenda. To be totally honest, I tried another counselor first and all but gave up on therapy. It was not a great experience. Brenda is exactly what you need from a therapist, whatever that may be -- because she becomes whatever it is you need. Cannot recommend enough. If you're reading this review, stop reading anymore, just trust me and book her. ❤️
Written on Aug 27, 2020 after therapy with Brenda for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes