- Guilt and shame
- Communication skills
- Coping strategies
About Brett
Brett Phillips is an Iowa-licensed social worker, LISW, with 25 years of clinical experience. He focuses on relationship strain, family concerns, self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. Brett also addresses communication problems, forgiveness, guilt and shame, loneliness, life purpose, self-love, and social anxiety.
Brett works in straightforward, practical ways. He listens to what feels most urgent. Then he and the client set clear steps to address those concerns, one at a time. Conversations tend to focus on what a person can try between sessions and how to notice small changes.
He uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide the work. That often means identifying unhelpful patterns, testing new behaviors, and practicing ways to reframe harsh self-judgments. For someone carrying guilt or shame, sessions include careful examination of the events and beliefs that keep those feelings active.
Brett aims for direct, respectful discussion about values and choices. He will help people weigh options and rebuild connections when that is needed. He also supports practical coping skills for mood and anxiety symptoms.
Clients can expect a steady, goal-focused style that balances reflection with action. Brett draws on decades of experience to help people sort through complex feelings and plan next steps. He works in English and practices in Iowa.
Evidence-based approaches and online sessions
Two common evidence-based techniques he draws on are cognitive restructuring and behavioral experiments. Cognitive restructuring involves noticing and challenging unhelpful thoughts, which can reduce harsh self-judgment and persistent guilt. Behavioral experiments test new actions in small steps to see if different behaviors lead to different outcomes and less avoidance.He also uses practical skill-building for mood and anxiety, such as pacing activity and anxiety management strategies. These methods teach concrete steps someone can try between sessions to track changes and build momentum.
Choosing the right approach is collaborative. Brett helps people identify which techniques match their goals, values, and daily life. Together they check progress and adjust methods when needed rather than sticking rigidly to one route.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when that works better. Many people find remote meetings help them maintain continuity of care while juggling work, family, and other obligations.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
Brett works with relationship issues, family concerns, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. He also focuses on communication problems, forgiveness, guilt and shame, loneliness, life purpose, self-love, and social anxiety.
How would he approach feelings of guilt or shame?
He looks at the events and the beliefs that keep guilt or shame active and uses evidence-based techniques to test new ways of thinking and behaving. Sessions include practical steps to reduce self-criticism and try different responses.
What is his professional background?
He has 25 years of clinical experience working with mood, relationship, and self-esteem concerns. His practice draws on long-term clinical work with adults.
What credential does he hold and where does he practice?
He is an LISW, Iowa Licensed Independent Social Worker, and practices in Iowa.
Does he offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are used?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How does someone begin working with him?
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.