Brenna Cleeland

Ma, LSWAIC

Clinician

I am a licensed social work therapist who helps adults of all ages, taking into account the power dynamics and oppressive systems adversely affecting mental health. My focus is on life transitions, stress reduction, lifestyle changes, anxiety & depression, neurodiversity & executive dysfunction, trauma/PTSD, substance use/chemical dependence, and disordered eating & body image. My framework is client-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. I work collaboratively with clients on their goals and healing process—each client is the expert on themselves—meeting them where they are. My style is relational, authentic, and flexible, using humor and warmth to create an inclusive and nonjudgmental space.

I am EMDR trained and specialize in complex PTSD/intergenerational trauma, abuse survivors, coercive control and religious trauma, ADHD/autism & neurodivergence, queer & gender-diverse clients, and co-occurring chronic pain/chronic illness. I’m an ADHD-identified, LGBTQ-affirming clinician, and I use an eclectic, whole-person approach, pulling from various modalities such as CBT, DBT, attachment-based therapy, narrative therapy, and somatic/mind-body therapy to adapt to each client’s needs.

Originally from Houston, Texas, I attended the University of Texas in Austin for my undergrad degree in English literature. After college, I lived in Boston for 11 years, where I earned a master’s degree in clinical social work from Boston University. I completed a postgraduate fellowship program in trauma-focused treatment from Cambridge Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School.

I live with my partner and our three cats near Seattle, where I recently relocated to be closer to family. I enjoy being outside, learning about plants & animals, attempting to garden, drinking herbal tea, reading nonfiction, traveling, yoga, and playing board games & trivia. I hope to become more involved in local advocacy and activism efforts in the area.

Education

• Boston University, Master of Social Work
• University of Texas at Austin, Bachelor of Arts in English Literature