From the Desk of Brinley, RMHCI (IMH 27778)
Hi there! I'm Brinley, and I see wellness as a balance of emotional safety, meaningful connection, and self-understanding. My approach is deeply rooted in being strength-based and neurodiversity-affirming, celebrating the unique ways each brain works.
Therapy with me is a collaborative process. For children and adolescents, we focus on helping them understand their strengths, foster their ability to self-regulate when faced with "big emotions," and strengthen the support systems within their families.
I believe that you don't need to be in crisis to benefit from skill-building. Whether you're navigating Anxiety, ADHD, or Autism, we'll work together to build practical coping tools and gain the confidence needed to thrive as your most authentic self.
Philosophy and Approach
Core Philosophy: Authentic Thriving
Brinley's core philosophy is that therapy is not about changing who a child is, but about helping them thrive as their authentic self. Her approach fosters self-regulation and strengthens family support systems by providing concrete, usable tools.
Key Therapeutic Modalities & Training
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Tools (for coping and calming)
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Tools (for anxiety/OCD)
- Specialized Training:
- Twice-exceptional (2e) Clients: Clinical Considerations
- Social Skills and Executive Functions in Teens with ADHD
- Behavioral Parent Training for ADHD
- Supporting Children Who Have Been Affected by Divorce
Credentials and Specialization
Brinley is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI), who is trained in ADHD clinical care through the ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) program and is working toward Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) certification.
Primary Areas of Specialization
Works with Children (ages 0-12), Adolescents (ages 13-18), and Families, providing an inclusive, affirming space for LGBTQ+ issues.
- Anxiety and OCD
- Emotional Regulation Difficulties ("Big Emotions")
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy (ADHD/Autism)
- Parenting Challenges
- Self-Esteem and Confidence
- LGBTQ+ Issues (Affirming Space)
Exclusions/Referrals: Brinley refers clients presenting with active psychosis, severe eating disorders, or situations requiring intensive substance use treatment.
The Client Experience: Calm, Confidence, and Connection
Ideal Client Profile: Brinley’s ideal clients are children and adolescents who are curious about understanding themselves, open to exploring their strengths, building confidence, and practicing new skills in a collaborative environment.
Before & After
Before: Children and families often feel overwhelmed and stuck. This includes kids caught in cycles of worry or "big emotions," and parents feeling exhausted and unsure how to best support their child.
After: Kids develop more confidence and practical coping tools; families feel more connected and hopeful. Life feels lighter, more manageable, and filled with a greater sense of calm and progress.
Common Misconceptions Addressed
Brinley often addresses the myth that mental health struggles mean something is 'wrong' with a child, or that they should be able to "just calm down" on their own. She reassures clients that these challenges are simply signals that it’s time to build new skills, not character flaws.
*Progress is measured by tracking everyday changes, such as fewer worries, better coping, and stronger communication, allowing kids and families to visibly see their growth over time.*
Neurodiversity-Affirming Focus: Embracing Individuality
Brinley specializes in Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy, focusing on the unique needs of clients with ADHD and Autism. Her goal is never to change who a child is, but to help them understand their unique operating system so they can truly thrive. This involves targeted skill-building around executive function, social skills, and emotional regulation.
Ready for Skill-Building and Growth?
Brinley is currently accepting new clients for individual and family sessions. Please complete the New Client form and select Brinley as your preferred clinician to begin.