About Brandy
Brandy Carlson, LICSW-S, RPT-S
In my clinical practice I specialize in individual therapy with teens and adults, but I’ve also been the teenager and the adult who has needed help. Life is hard and it’s hard to be a person sometimes. I know what it’s like to struggle, to be afraid of change, and not know how to make it happen. I don’t have all the answers, but I do believe in therapy, and I know therapy works!
My professional path has provided me with decades of experience. I’ve worked with suicidal, depressed, and anxious teens at a Partial Hospitalization Program. I’ve helped traumatized and abused children at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. I’ve provided outpatient counseling services at Centers for Youth and Families. I’ve educated, supported and counseled women and children living at Genesis Women’s Shelter. I’ve also worked with children with disabilites and their families at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Over the years I’ve provided individual, group, family and play therapy services. I enjoy teaching others about mental health and I’ve provided numerous trainings to other professionals in the field.
In 2001 I earned my Master of Science in Social Work degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. I’m licensed to practice therapy in Alabama, Texas, and Arkansas. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work Supervisor and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my dogs, hanging out with my husband Brion, vising my family, reading fiction, taking long walks, and finding fun ways to relax. I also try to follow my own advice and write in my gratitude journal or meditate every day.
If you think we’d be a good fit and want to give therapy a try, I’d love to meet you and start the journey together.
My Approach
For me, it’s a privilege to walk alongside my clients and be part of their journey. I provide a supportive space where it feels safe to be yourself, to share your hopes and dreams, your struggles and fears, your light and your dark. Because all of it is human and you deserve compassion, kindness, and a place where you feel understood. I will never know exactly what it’s like to be in your shoes but if you’ll let me listen, I’d love to help you find a hopeful path to the future you want.
I enjoy working with my clients to cultivate and create change at a comfortable pace while nudging them to stretch and take the next right step. Together we can collaborate to identify your barriers, develop your resilience, build on your strengths, and uncover the insights you need for a fresh perspective and a new start. I’ll encourage you to practice different skills and try different approaches to keep moving forward and toward the healthiest version of yourself.
I like to use an individualized approach with my clients. I want to meet you where you are. This means therapy will sometimes feel directive as we explore techniques and focus on cultivating tools and skill building. Sometimes we’ll just need to trust the process and allow space for healing where you can feel heard. I use evidenced based practices and we’ll use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, Solution Focused, and Mindfulness concepts in our work together.
It takes courage to ask for help. It also takes courage to be ready for change. I know finding the right therapist can be hard and a good therapeutic fit is essential. I hope your search is over so we can work together and start to explore what brought you here today.
