Hi there! I’m Brandi (she/her), and I’m passionate about supporting kids, parents, and families in their mental health journeys. With over 10 years of experience, I specialize in helping children and families create deeper connections, improve emotional well-being, and navigate life’s challenges together.
I moved to Alaska a decade ago with my husband and fell in love with the state’s breathtaking landscapes and long summer days. Originally from Florida, I now enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, taking easy hikes in the summer and getting cozy with crochet and hot tea during the winter. I also enjoy yoga and Pilates, always looking for new ways to care for my own mental and physical health.
When I’m not doing therapy, I’m usually playing around with my dog, chasing my child around, or getting lost in a new craft project. I believe life’s about balance—and that includes making time for fun, even in the tough moments.
My Education and Professional Experience
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from NOVA Southeastern University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida. Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with kids, parents, and families, especially within the Alaska Native and American Indian communities. I’ve also spent time as a child abuse/neglect investigator in Florida, where I realized that many of the strategies I used to help families were actually therapeutic techniques. That sparked my journey to further my skills and pursue a career as a therapist.
I’ve worked in community mental health, integrated healthcare teams, and pediatric outpatient clinics within the Tribal Health System, always with a focus on supporting children and their families. I work with children, teens, families, and parents to help them connect, grow, and thrive together.
My Approach to Therapy
As a parent myself, I completely understand the challenges of raising kids. Parenting doesn’t come with a manual (if only, right?). Over the years, I’ve read a ton of parenting books, and I’ve discovered a lot of tools that have worked —and I’m excited to share those with the families I work with.
I specialize in counseling for youth, parents, and families, focusing on helping people form stronger bonds and deeper connections. I’m deeply attachment-focused and trauma-informed in my approach, which means I work to help kids feel safe, supported, and heard, while also helping parents reconnect with their children in meaningful ways. I use an integrative approach in therapy—drawing on Play Therapy, Brainspotting, EMDR, Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) to meet each family’s needs. Whether it’s through play, processing traumatic experiences, or learning new tools for emotional regulation, my goal is always the same: to help families grow stronger and heal together.
Ongoing Learning and Advanced Training
I’m a lifelong learner, always seeking out additional training and development so I can better support my clients. Some of the specialized training I’ve completed includes:
- Play Therapy (including Adlerian Play Therapy, Synergetic Play Therapy, and Theraplay)
- Trauma Treatment (including Brainspotting and EMDR)
- Attachment, Regulation, and Competency Framework for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
- Family Wellness and Parenting Support
- CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics)
Therapy That Feels Safe and Supportive
I know starting therapy can feel intimidating, but I’m here to make it as comfortable and approachable as possible. Think of me as your “Tour Guide Barbie”—I’m here to help guide you through the process with compassion, humor, and a lot of support. I like to keep things light, authentic, and real—because therapy doesn’t have to be all heavy all the time.
I believe in creating a space where humor, play, and authenticity are welcome, and I strive to make sure my clients always feel safe, supported, and seen—no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, or background.
Let’s Connect!
It would be an honor to work with you and your family. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help determine if I’m a good fit for your therapy needs. Feel free to reach out via email or phone to ask questions or schedule your consultation. I look forward to hearing from you and embarking on this journey together!