Brennan Downs

"I am a therapy intern with over three years of direct experience working in the trenches of adolescent behavioral health. My background is uniquely built at the intersection of social work, criminal justice, and sociology, which allows me to see the systemic 'why' behind a client’s struggle. Throughout my time managing high-intensity residential groups of 12–14 neurodivergent teens, I developed a listening style that I call 'the calm center.' I’ve learned that for growth to happen, a client first needs a biological anchor—someone who can stay regulated and fully present even in the middle of a crisis. My approach as an intern is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mind-Body Bridging. I focus on active, attuned listening to help clients identify their core values and bridge the gap between where they are and the meaningful life they want to build. I’m not just listening to respond; I’m listening to understand the person beneath the behavior, ensuring they feel validated and seen before we ever start the work of change.