Bret Patterson

Bret Patterson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Mississippi. He focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, anger, grief, and depression. He aims to meet clients where they are and create straightforward plans they can use in daily life.

Bret spent 25 years as a paramedic and clinical educator before moving into counseling. That background shaped his calm approach to crisis and high-pressure situations. He uses plain language and practical steps so people understand what comes next.

In sessions he listens first and then adapts the plan to fit the person's needs. He draws on Client-Centered work to make the conversation collaborative. He also uses tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teach coping and emotion regulation skills.

People often seek him out for issues like relationship strain, intimacy concerns, parenting stress, addiction, and career pressure. He also supports those coping with trauma, chronic illness, or difficult life changes. Anger and communication problems are named areas he helps people address.

Bret describes therapy as a partnership. He emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in the room. The focus is on practical steps that build toward clearer thinking and better day-to-day functioning.

How therapeutic approaches fit into online work

Client-Centered Therapy puts the person's goals first and makes sessions collaborative. The therapist listens closely and helps shape each session around what matters most, which can be useful for stress, grief, and relationship concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on practical skills to change unhelpful thinking and behavior. It is often used for anxiety, depression, anger, and coping with life changes. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. Those tools can help when strong emotions or recurring conflicts get in the way of daily functioning.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Bret will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and day-to-day needs, and then recommend ways to combine methods. That collaborative process helps tailor skills and techniques to what actually fits the person's life.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are available. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, and allow brief check-ins when a full in-person visit isn't practical. It also makes it possible to continue work after a life change without pausing progress. Ask about formats and scheduling when you start the matching process.