I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a PhD in Developmental Psychology. I bring over 7 years of experience as a therapist and more than 25 years of experience as a coach. My career has taken me into school-based mental health, addiction treatment, residential care for children and teens, and outpatient settings supporting individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.
This wide range of experience has given me a deep understanding of the many ways people struggle—and the many ways they can heal. I have supported clients working through depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, addiction (including pornography), self-harm, anger management, and recovery from abuse. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and have extensive experience walking alongside people as they process and overcome painful life experiences.
Therapy starts with your story. You are the expert on your life, and my role is to listen, understand, and help you move toward the goals that matter most to you. I provide a space grounded in respect, compassion, and dignity where you can feel safe to be yourself.
I draw from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Bowenian theory, and Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy. I don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” therapy. Instead, we collaborate to create a plan that fits your needs, your values, and your pace.
Life brings challenges that none of us are meant to face alone. Whether you’re working through anxiety, healing from trauma, managing stress, or wanting a clearer perspective on where you’re headed, I will be in your corner. Together, we’ll build practical strategies and lasting tools so you can move forward with confidence, resilience, and hope.
I look forward to getting to know you, listening to your story, and supporting you as you work toward positive change.
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Life purpose, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-harm, Sex addiction, Smoking / vaping cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Young adult issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Brenden Troster. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Dr. Troster listens to my needs, offers sound advice, and challenges me to be a better person.
Written on Aug 04, 2025 after therapy with Brenden for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, and adhd
Dr. Troster and I have been working together for about a month now. He is wonderful at what he does. He is not only knowledgeable, but engaging in the conversation in a way that really resonates with me.
I recommend him highly!
Written on Jul 09, 2025 after therapy with Brenden for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
He is an excellent therapist
Written on May 06, 2025 after therapy with Brenden for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, anger management, compassion fatigue, and adhd
A great therapist/teacher and very helpful in my problems.
Written on Feb 18, 2025 after therapy with Brenden for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, career difficulties, and adhd
Kind, Considerate, Empathetic, Trustful.
Written on Sep 14, 2024 after therapy with Brenden for 2 months on issues concerning trauma and abuse
Brenden has literally put me back on track. I was falling apart when we first started talking. He has been very instrumental in getting my line of thinking back on the right track.
Written on Mar 31, 2024 after therapy with Brenden for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
10/10
Written on Mar 19, 2024 after therapy with Brenden for 3 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, eating disorders, anger management, and adhd
Listens,
Written on Mar 04, 2024 after therapy with Brenden for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, and anger management
Brenden is a great therapist to work with and has really helped me deal with some acute issues but also dig deeper into longer lasting ones. A very good listener who picks up on key things one isn't aware of and is consistently able to provide insight and advice in a very humane way that isn't cold or judgmental. I have greatly benefitted from therapy and the tools that I am learning to develop.
Written on Jan 19, 2024 after therapy with Brenden for 1 year and 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
Brenden is a wonderful therapist. I was so apprehensive to commit to therapy for a long time but Brenden truly meets you where you are.
Written on Nov 30, 2023 after therapy with Brenden for 5 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
Brenden always has suggestions on different ways to think about things that are troubling me. I find this very helpful.
Written on Oct 24, 2023 after therapy with Brenden for 2 years on issues concerning depression, addictions, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I always feel safe sharing my feelings and thoughts with him. He is extremely professional and makes you feel comfortable. I have recommended people to BetterHelp/Brenden Troster.
Written on Jul 20, 2023 after therapy with Brenden for 1 year and 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue
Brenden is a great therapist and has really helped me with understanding my issues and focus on moving forward.
Written on Jun 23, 2023 after therapy with Brenden for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Brenden provides great insights and strategies to cope with mental health challenges. Highly recommend.
Written on Apr 02, 2023 after therapy with Brenden for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, and grief
Brenden was very courteous and responded to me very respectfully.
Written on Apr 02, 2023 after therapy with Brenden for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and adhd
Very knowledgeable about his discipline! Once he gets more comfortable he is more like a friend.
Written on Feb 28, 2023 after therapy with Brenden for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, coping with life changes, and adhd
I am very pleased with our interactions and the insight provided.
Written on Dec 01, 2022 after therapy with Brenden for 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues
I love Brendon! He has been a very peaceful and supportive presence in my life.
Written on Sep 10, 2022 after therapy with Brenden for 1 year and 2 months
Brenden has been a great support in my recovery. He is an excellent listener and takes a logical approach to therapy. He offers real, tangible ideas and actions that are easy to implement into my life. Extremely grateful for Brenden’s insights and highly recommend him to others.
Written on Aug 08, 2022 after therapy with Brenden for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
So far his wisdom is appreciated greatly!
Written on Jun 15, 2022 after therapy with Brenden for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Even when I'm wrapped up in the happenings of day to day life and I'm not able to get online to casually message, he doesn't shame me or pressure me to just do video calls or phone calls, which I appreciate immensely. My speech and thoughts are not as organized as when I write, so chatting via messenger is a great way for me to communicate efficiently.
Written on Jun 14, 2022 after therapy with Brenden for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
I like the fact that he has experienced pretty much every aspect in life so you know when he says he can relate you know he is telling the truth! He listens well and has great advice and believes in second chances!
Written on Jun 08, 2022 after therapy with Brenden for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue,
Brenden has offered some great feedback and advice from the very beginning of our sessions. He's been great at getting up to speed in a very complex situation.
Written on Jun 06, 2022 after therapy with Brenden for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
Brenden has helped me immensely in battling my past trauma. I'm confident in what I learned and am so proud of how far I've come – and I have him to thank.
Written on May 24, 2022 after therapy with Brenden for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Brenden is a very caring and helpful person to talk to. Responds in a timely manner and is willing to put in the extra work if you truly need it.
Written on May 18, 2022 after therapy with Brenden for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and anger management
Brenden's advice during a traumatic family crisis has been invaluable. He has given me tools in my toolbelt - ways to cope, focus on the truth, and care for myself - and it has gotten me through. He also sent extensive intake forms before we met, so that from our very first meeting, he knew a lot about me and my situation. I would recommend him to anyone needing help.
Written on Apr 02, 2022 after therapy with Brenden for 1 month on issues concerning family conflicts
Brenden has been very helpful to me.
Written on Jan 10, 2022 after therapy with Brenden for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
He is flexible, takes the time to listen, responds to my messages, and offers good advice. He is a great listener.
Written on Dec 15, 2021 after therapy with Brenden for 3 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
Brenden is a good listener and has a lot ofnwisdome. I enjoy the weekly lessons he sends, the inquiring self reflecting questions he uses. I like his sense of humor and ability to help me out things in perspective. Highly recommend Brenden.
Written on Nov 03, 2021 after therapy with Brenden for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Brendon is great to work with, always positive, gives and explains advice that is appropriate and timely. Awesome to work with.
Written on Oct 01, 2021 after therapy with Brenden for 2 months
Brenden has been very helpful. He listens and asks me great questions that give me clarify about my biggest struggles. And then he gives me tools to learn how to deal with them.
Written on Sep 23, 2021 after therapy with Brenden for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and anger management
Betterhelp could not have matched me with a better person. He fits every criteria that I was looking for when I filled out the intake paperwork. I am so happy I signed up, Brenden is brilliant at his job and will be stuck with me forever.
Written on Sep 20, 2021 after therapy with Brenden for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, and bipolar disorder
I have had great experience working with Brenden. He is patient and asks questions to give well-rounded support when working with me as I a trouble-shoot conflict.
Written on Sep 06, 2021 after therapy with Brenden for 9 months on issues concerning relationship issues
Great at listening
Offers helpful suggestions
Written on Jul 28, 2021 after therapy with Brenden for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, and trauma and abuse
Thanks for your help and input.
Written on Jul 20, 2021 after therapy with Brenden for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Brenden is always on time and ready for my appointments. He helps me with coping with my anxiety and depression.
Written on Jun 30, 2021 after therapy with Brenden for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
I thought this experience would be uncomfortable and I would regret seeking help. But Brenden made it easy to talk to him and truly seems to want to help you feel better. He was understanding and helpful with some lessons in wisdom and spirituality.
Written on Jun 29, 2021 after therapy with Brenden for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and adhd
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