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Brenda Wicks

Therapist profile

Brenda Wicks, LMFT

California

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - Anger and Anxiety

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Key details

  • CredentialsLMFT
  • LicenseLMFT, California / 51256
  • NPI1720118995
  • Experience23 years
  • LanguagesEnglish
  • LocationCalifornia

About

  • CBT methods
  • DBT skills
  • Mindfulness practice

About Brenda

Brenda Wicks is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 23 years of clinical experience. She helps people manage stress, anxiety, anger, depression, addictions, grief, relationship concerns, and career or parenting pressures. Brenda also supports clients navigating trauma, intimacy issues, ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, and caregiving strain.

Her approach is straightforward and interactive. Sessions focus on practical skills and clear goals. She uses conversations to identify patterns, build coping tools, and try small changes that can ease daily pressure.

Brenda blends several evidence-informed methods. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to examine thoughts and behaviors, Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teach emotional regulation skills, and Client-Centered Therapy to keep the work person-focused. Mindfulness and Emotionally-Focused techniques are included when they fit the goals.

She has long experience across different settings and has spent years supporting people affected by violent crime and other traumatic events. That background informs how she helps people handle intense feelings and regain more stable routines.

Sessions are practical and goal-oriented. Typical work includes building emotion regulation, improving communication, addressing substance use patterns, and managing life transitions. Brenda encourages clear steps and regular check-ins so progress can be tracked and adjusted as needed.

How sessions work

Therapeutic approaches used in online sessions

Many clients begin with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and offers practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and anger management.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another tool Brenda uses. DBT concentrates on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. These skills can help with intense reactions and improving communication under stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will help you choose which methods to try based on your concerns, goals, and how you prefer to work. That choice is reviewed as progress is made and adjusted if needed.

Details about session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Licensed professionals often use a mix of structured skills practice and conversational check-ins to keep sessions focused and useful.

Areas of focus

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefCareer difficultiesDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Drug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

23+ years

Listed in

California

Languages

English

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she work with?

She addresses stress, anxiety, anger, depression, addictions, trauma, relationship and parenting issues among other related concerns.

What is her therapeutic style like?

She uses an interactive, practical style that focuses on skills and problem-solving alongside person-centered conversation.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 23 years of experience working in a variety of mental health settings.

What credential and location are listed?

She is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California.

Which languages are offered and are international clients seen?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available?

The biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current online and in-person options before booking.

How is cost handled?

Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I get started with a first session?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.

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Brenda Wicks

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