- Guilt and shame
- CBT and DBT
- English and Spanish
About Brent
Brent Hale is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California with 33 years of professional experience. He helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, depression, and other life changes. He speaks English and Spanish.
Brent uses straightforward conversation to help people sort through painful feelings. He prioritizes a calm, nonjudgmental way of working so clients can say what happened and what they feel. He pays attention to how guilt and shame show up in daily life and in relationships.
In sessions he draws on Client-Centered methods to listen and reflect back what matters most to the client. He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to spot thinking patterns that keep problems going, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for managing strong emotions. Mindfulness practices and Motivational Interviewing are included when useful.
He helps people improve communication, consider forgiveness where that matters, and reduce isolation or loneliness. Practical steps are common in sessions - small behavior changes, clearer boundaries, and simple emotion-regulation tools.
To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. Costs vary by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Brent does not accept international clients; sessions are offered in English and Spanish in California.
How Brent uses therapy approaches online
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on careful listening and reflection. The therapist follows the client's lead, helping people notice what matters most and talk through difficult feelings. This approach is useful for processing guilt, shame, and relationship issues.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts and actions keep problems going. Sessions identify unhelpful thinking and test out new, small behaviors to reduce anxiety or low mood. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds concrete skills for handling intense emotions and improving communication under stress.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That plan can change as people try techniques and see what helps.
Confirm the current session formats before booking so you know what is offered. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week and can reduce travel time. Different formats also let people choose shorter check-ins or longer conversations depending on what works for their schedule.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
33+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, depression, and coping with life changes. He also focuses on guilt and shame, communication problems, isolation, and life purpose.
How would he approach feelings of guilt or shame?
He pays attention to how guilt and shame affect daily life and relationships and uses conversation and practical skills to address them. Techniques may include examining thoughts, practicing emotion-regulation skills, and trying small behavioral changes.
How much experience does he have?
He has 33 years of professional work experience in clinical settings. That experience informs his use of multiple approaches in sessions.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and practices in California.
Which languages are offered?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Does he work with international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.