- Client-Centered Therapy
- CBT and DBT skills
- Mindfulness practices
About Bret
Bret Patterson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Mississippi with four years of clinical experience. He focuses on stress, anxiety, grief and loss, anger, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, and issues commonly faced by young adults starting independent life.
Before becoming a counselor, Bret spent 25 years working as a paramedic and clinical educator. That background informs a practical approach to problem solving and steady, clear communication during sessions. He uses straightforward talk to help people sort out immediate problems and next steps.
Bret combines client-centered methods with techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. He also uses mindfulness practices and elements of the Gottman Method when relationship work is needed. Sessions typically focus on specific skills, noticing patterns, and small experiments that can be tried between meetings.
People who come to him for help often want concrete tools to manage strong emotions, improve communication, or cope with major life changes like job transitions, relationship shifts, or grief. He frames goals in plain language and checks progress regularly so plans stay relevant.
His work addresses issues such as abandonment, codependency, caregiver stress, chronic illness, dissociation, and divorce or separation. Bret aims to help clients build coping strategies and clearer decision-making rather than promise quick fixes.
Therapeutic approaches used in online sessions
Bret works from client-centered principles, which means sessions start with your concerns and pace. This approach focuses on listening and adjusting the conversation around what matters most to you, useful for those sorting identity, career, or relationship questions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to spot unhelpful thinking patterns and try new behaviors. CBT is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress tied to work or school demands. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides concrete emotion-regulation and interpersonal skills for managing intense feelings and improving communication.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Bret will talk with you about your goals, preferences, and what feels helpful, then recommend techniques to try. That collaborative process means plans can change as needs shift.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around school, work, or caregiving responsibilities, cut travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Ask about session lengths and any other practical details when you schedule the first appointment.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
Mississippi
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Bret work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and related concerns such as abandonment, codependency, chronic illness, and caregiver stress.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Sessions are practical and client-centered, using clear communication and techniques from CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to develop skills and coping strategies.
How much experience does he have?
Bret has four years of professional counseling experience and previously worked 25 years as a paramedic and clinical educator.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Mississippi.
Does he offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. He does not accept international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available?
Confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not specify which formats are offered.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.