- CBT techniques
- DBT skills
- Gottman elements
About Bret
Bret Patterson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Mississippi with four years of clinical experience. He works with people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, anger, depression, addictions, relationship strain, and other life changes. He also supports clients facing issues around intimacy, self-esteem, career challenges, and caregiver strain.
Before becoming a counselor, Bret spent 25 years as a paramedic and clinical educator. That background shaped how he listens and responds in sessions. He uses clear, practical language and focuses on concrete steps people can try between meetings.
Bret draws on several well-known approaches to guide sessions. He uses client-centered methods to prioritize what the person brings to the room. He also applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are introduced when emotion regulation and distress tolerance are needed.
Mindfulness techniques are included to help with present-moment awareness and reducing reactivity. For relationship concerns he may bring in elements of the Gottman Method to work on communication and interaction patterns. Throughout, he emphasizes collaboration on goals and next steps.
Sessions focus on practical skills, clearer thinking, and manageable changes. Bret aims to help people reduce anger that interferes with relationships or work, and to build routines that ease stress and anxiety. He will work with each person to develop a plan that fits their life and priorities.
How his approaches translate to online work
Bret commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in his practice. Client-centered work focuses on the person’s priorities and uses listening and reflection to shape sessions. CBT looks at thoughts and behaviors and teaches practical exercises to change patterns that fuel anger or anxiety.He also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy when needed. DBT offers specific skills for managing strong emotions, handling conflict, and tolerating distress without acting impulsively. These skills can be practiced during sessions and applied between meetings to reduce reactive responses.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to decide which approaches fit their needs, goals, and preferences. The plan can change as skills are learned and situations evolve.
Confirm the exact online session formats before booking so you know what options are offered. Many people find virtual sessions help fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Talk with him about practical scheduling needs and which format best supports your goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
Mississippi
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, grief, anger, depression, addictions, relationship strain, and related concerns listed in his profile.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses a practical, conversational approach that emphasizes skills and action steps. Sessions mix talking with concrete tools to try between visits.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has four years of professional counseling experience and 25 years of prior work as a paramedic and clinical educator.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds the MS LPC credential and practices in Mississippi.
Does he offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. He does not accept international clients at this time.
Which session formats does he provide?
Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are available for scheduling.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.