Brenda Cervantes

My name is Brenda Cervantes, LCSW. Welcome to my practice! Therapy can be a frightening, overwhelming process, yet one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences of your life. It allows you to be You, feel safe, and gain the insight and mindfulness you need to be in control of yourself. Through your weaknesses and strengths, you will learn to embrace each and every experience. You will gain the knowledge to make the changes You need. You will find the power within you to bring fulfillment to your life journey.

My approach

Although I use a variety of treatment modalities depending on individual needs, my focus is on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Treatment. My goal is for you to go through a process of mindfulness, insight, and self-growth that will allow you to develop coping strategies and apply them to everyday, common life experiences.

My focus

I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in community mental health and the private sector. I have a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver, with a focus on children and trauma. My experience ranges from children ages 3 and up, through geriatrics, although my schooling and professional experience focuses on childhood trauma, teenagers, and families. I treat general mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, behavioral problems causing functional impairments, perinatal mood disorders, postpartum anxiety and depression, parent-child relational problems, and life transitions. I have experience running children's social skills groups, teenage self-esteem groups, and postpartum groups.

My communication style

I create a safe, comfortable environment for you to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I will regularly check in with you to ensure we are addressing what feels more pressing and focal for you in every session.

My journey to mental healthcare

Helping people has always been my passion, but understanding people's behaviors, thoughts and feelings is a gift and privilege. There is always a reason for everything, from who we are, what we are, how we think, what we feel, why we do what we do, etc. I genuinely enjoy learning about people and helping them become more aware of things that will help them in their life journey.

My goals for you

Although we will discuss your therapeutic goals together, I will help you clarify goals as needed. We will set specific and realistic plans to work towards your goals and help you feel that you are working towards your goals successfully.

My first session with you

During the first session, I will review all consent forms to ensure you understand the process as well as answer any questions you may have. I will then conduct an intake/assessment process where I will ask a series of questions about your history, background, and presenting symptoms, among other things to help understand your life experiences, identify goals, and develop a treatment plan.