SB Portrait of Shanden Brutsch

Shanden Brutsch, LCSW

Calm, practical support for anxiety and trauma

3 years in practice · based in California · sessions in English · online sessions

Explore online therapy options

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.

About Shanden

Shanden Brutsch is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California. She has three years of experience and focuses on anxiety, stress, trauma, and related concerns for adults. She aims to create a calm space where people can tell their stories and take small steps forward.

Shanden works with people who have experienced military-related stress and post-traumatic stress symptoms. She also supports those coping with anger, depression, intimacy concerns, and the effects of sexual assault and abuse.

Explore online therapy options See what online therapy involves and what your next steps would be.

Background and approach

Her background includes helping people who feel isolated or who face challenges related to first responder and veteran experiences. In sessions she listens for practical patterns that keep problems in place. She helps clients name what matters most to them and set clear, reachable goals.

Conversations focus on what can be changed now, and on building simple skills to manage strong feelings and reduce worry. Shanden offers both individual and group interactions to meet different needs. Sessions are straightforward and grounded in evidence-based therapeutic techniques.

She encourages clients to notice their strengths and apply them to everyday challenges. Her approach is collaborative and paced to each person. People who want direct, down-to-earth support for anxiety, trauma, or relationship strain may find her style helpful.

To begin, she asks a few questions and then works with each person to set the next steps.

Approaches that translate well to online care

Shanden uses evidence-based techniques that focus on clear, practical changes. One common approach helps people learn skills to manage anxiety and strong emotions through breathing, grounding, and short behavioral steps; this is useful for stress, panic, and day-to-day worry. Another approach concentrates on processing trauma-related reactions by helping people make sense of difficult experiences, reduce flashbacks or triggers, and rebuild a sense of safety in daily life.

Choosing the right method is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. That conversation guides which approaches are tried and how sessions are shaped, so care stays collaborative and flexible.

Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video is good when visual connection helps the work. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging offer shorter check-ins and more frequent outreach between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life while keeping the focus on practical progress.
Explore online therapy options See what online therapy involves and what your next steps would be.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Shanden help with?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, anger, and depression. Additional focuses include communication problems, loneliness, first responder and veteran-related issues, post-traumatic stress, self-love, sexuality, sexual assault, and women's issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is direct and practical. Sessions focus on identifying patterns, setting clear goals, and building manageable skills to reduce worry and manage strong emotions.
What is her professional background?
Shanden has three years of clinical experience working with adults who face anxiety, trauma, and related concerns. She has worked with people with military and first responder connections.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds an LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and practices in California.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Multiple formats let people pick what fits their schedule.
How does the cost and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling based on the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Experience
3 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.