Bret Patterson, LPC

Bret Patterson is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) based in Mississippi. He focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and anger, and addresses relationship and intimacy concerns. He also works with issues like addictions, self-esteem, parenting strain, and coping with major life changes.

Before becoming a counselor, Bret spent 25 years as a paramedic and clinical educator. That background shaped a calm, practical approach to difficult situations. He aims for conversations that are direct but compassionate, and he adapts the pace to each person’s needs.

Bret uses familiar, evidence-informed methods in sessions. He draws on client-centered ideas to follow the client’s lead. He also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help people spot and change unhelpful thinking and behaviors. Mindfulness and skills from dialectical behavior therapy are used to build toleration for strong feelings and improve day-to-day coping.

In practical terms he works with people facing chronic illness, caregiver stress, cancer-related issues, and chronic pain. He also addresses trauma, abandonment, codependency, and communication or commitment problems. This makes him suited to clients dealing with overlapping life stressors.

Sessions emphasize clear goals and a collaborative plan. Bret says the first step is a short conversation to understand what matters most to the client. He then tailors the dialogue and plan to match those goals, adjusting as progress is made.

Approaches that translate well to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following the client's priorities. It helps people feel heard and shapes goals around what matters most to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact and teaches practical exercises to reduce anxiety, depression, and unhelpful patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, brings skills for managing strong emotions and improving relationships through steady practice and problem-solving.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and symptoms and then recommend or combine approaches that suit the person. This is a collaborative process and adjustments are made as progress is tracked.

Confirm the exact session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. In general, online therapy can make sessions easier to fit into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time for appointments. It also lets clients practice skills in their own routines and bring real-life situations into discussion during sessions.