top of page

My name is Brenda Cochran

ChatGPT Image Mar 19, 2026, 09_39_13 AM_

Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to visit.

 

Seeking support takes courage, and my goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and genuinely heard. My approach is client-centered and integrative, meaning I consider the whole person—your emotional, spiritual, physical, and relational wellbeing.

​

While I specialize in trauma and recovery, my work also supports individuals navigating many of life’s challenges including relationship struggles and various betrayals, boundaries, life transitions, and spiritual issues around faith, disappointment, hurt. Together we explore what is happening in the present, where you want to go in the future, and when helpful, how past experiences may be influencing your current life.

​

My style is collaborative, straightforward, and solution-focused. I believe therapy should be meaningful and practical. Rather than focusing solely on diagnosis or pathology, I take a salutogenic approach—the belief that people possess an innate capacity for healing, resilience, and growth. Even in the face of adversity, wellness is possible.

​

As someone who has personally experienced trauma, I understand the courage it takes to begin the healing process. My priority is establishing safety, trust, and rapport, allowing therapy to move at a pace that respects your readiness emotionally, spiritually, and somatically.

​

I am passionate about contributing to a more compassionate understanding of mental health and the healing process. At the same time, I remain mindful of the potential for re-traumatization and the importance of working in ways that honor your boundaries and autonomy.

​

Whether you are seeking personal healing, navigating a difficult season, or pursuing greater clarity and wellbeing, therapy can be a powerful place to begin.

​

​

​

Connect with me HERE

My Experience

 

Clinical Background

 

Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing behavioral health services since 2002, with experience across private practice, intensive outpatient programs, and psychiatric crisis settings.

​​​

My clinical work includes:

  • Individual psychotherapy using trauma-informed and attachment-based approaches

  • Group therapy for women healing from trauma and life transitions

  • Intensive outpatient treatment for substance use disorders using a whole-person trauma-sensitive model

  • Crisis assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization in acute psychiatric settings

​

I also partner with faith communities by providing:

  • Behavioral health assessments

  • Crisis consultation and level-of-care guidance

  • Ongoing support to pastors and ministry leaders

 

Leadership & Clinical Supervision

​

  • Director of a Church Counseling Center for 19+ years, overseeing pastoral, lay, and licensed clinicians

  • Clinical Supervisor (since 2006), in good standing with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners

  • Supervisor and program leader for trauma-informed and addiction treatment services

 

Areas of leadership include:

  • Developing clinical best practices and treatment protocols

  • Supervising and mentoring clinicians

  • Program development and performance improvement

  • Building and leading trauma-informed care systems

 

Trauma & Addiction Work

​

My work emphasizes a whole-person approach—integrating mind, body, and spiritual health in the healing process.

 

Key contributions:

  • Developed and facilitated trauma recovery groups for women

  • Designed intensive trauma and addiction group curricula

  • Provided training for pastors, chaplains, and church leaders on trauma-informed care

  • Conducted qualitative research on whole-person approaches to trauma and addiction (including nutrition, movement, and nervous system regulation)

  • Co-developed and taught: “Growing in God’s Truth: Spirit, Soul, Body”

 

Training, Certifications & Licensure

​

  • LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Arizona)

  • LCSW  - Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Texas)

  • Clinical Supervisor – AZBBHE (since 2006)

  • EMDR Trained

  • Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)

  • Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (Individual)

 

Additional advanced training in:

  • Dissociation and complex trauma

  • Neurobiology of trauma

  • Attachment-based and somatic approaches

  • Trauma and addiction treatment

 

Also trained in:

  • Safe and Sound Protocol (nervous system regulation)

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS-informed)

​

Ordained Minister (since 2010)

Board Certified Christian Counselor

 

Speaking & Teaching

​

I regularly speak and train on trauma, addiction, and whole-person healing in both clinical and faith-based settings.

 

Highlights include:

  • Keynote speaker for trauma-informed church and mental health conferences

  • Speaker for statewide initiatives on substance abuse and trauma

  • Retreat and intensive workshop leader

  • Podcast guest on trauma-informed care and whole-person healing

 

Community & Systems Work

  • Leadership role in the Arizona Trauma Informed Faith Coalition

  • Co-developer of the Building the Resilient Church Conference

  • Collaborated with treatment centers to design trauma-focused addiction programs

  • Led cross-sector partnerships between churches and behavioral health systems

 

Whole-Person Health & Fitness Background

 

My clinical philosophy is informed by a lifelong commitment to physical and holistic health:

  • Personal trainer (women-focused)

  • Yoga instructor 

  • Former competitive athlete (national-level figure competition)

  • Background in endurance sports (running, triathlons)

 

This is the foundation of my integration of movement, regulation, and body-based healing into clinical work.

bottom of page