Brynne Wicklund, APCC, NCC

Hi, my name is Brynne Wicklund and I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, providing individual therapy for adolescents and adults in San Diego.I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, and co-occurring substance abuse, particularly those who find themselves caught in cycles of overthinking, negative self-talk, self-doubt, and self-criticism. My goal as your therapist is to help you better understand how your thoughts influence your emotions and behaviors, develop healthier thought patterns, and build greater confidence in yourself.

My clinical background is rooted in acute crisis care, where I have supported individuals experiencing emotional disturbance, anxiety, depression, and co-occurring substance abuse. My experience helped me understand more deeply about the value of providing compassionate and personalized care to clients, as well as how to assist individuals in developing effective coping mechanisms and healthier thought processes.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in authenticity, warmth, and genuine curiosity. I believe that real change starts with feeling heard, understood and accepted without any fear of being judged. I strive to build a collaborative space where we can identify unhelpful thought patterns, use effective coping mechanisms, develop more productive ways to navigate through life’s uncertainties and increase self-confidence in everyday life. I appreciate humor, honesty, and authenticity in therapy, and believe that self-compassion and self-understanding will help build a solid foundation for positive change.

My Approach to Individual Therapy and Personal Growth

I believe that everyone has the potential for meaningful growth and development. Individual therapy allows space for you to understand yourself better, explore the behaviors that might be stopping you from achieving your goals, and find new strategies to navigate through life transitions. The core values of my therapeutic approach include self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal growth, helping you recognize patterns that no longer serve you while building upon your existing strengths. Although past experiences can offer valuable insight, I focus on addressing present challenges and identifying practical steps toward positive, lasting change.

My clinical approach incorporates evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing. Through CBT, we can work to identify and challenge cognitive distortions, break cycles of negative thinking, and develop more balanced perspectives. I also incorporate DBT techniques to strengthen emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance, while Motivational Interviewing helps you explore personal goals, navigate uncertainty, and build motivation for positive change.

• Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC #23390

• Supervised by Farnaz Safaei, LMFT #140876

• National Certified Counselor, NCC 1745105

• M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at University of San Diego

• B.A. in Psychology at Bowdoin College 

• Motivational Interviewing Trainings 

• Chronological Assessment of Suicide Events (CASE) Evaluation and Prevention Training

Feel free to contact Novara Counseling, when you feel ready to connect with the strongest and most authentic version of yourself.

Offering in-person therapy located in San Diego, and virtual sessions available all throughout California!