Today we’d like to introduce you to Brendan Nierenberg.
Hi Brendan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Honestly, I had every intention of becoming a Chef when I was in high school. That plan got derailed when my high school counselor at the time noticed something about me. He pulled me aside one day when I was a senior and told me “Whenever I have a student in my office going through something difficult and talking to me, your name always comes up, and its because they are talking to you about it and you are helping them through it”. I felt from that day I understood my calling, I was meant to help people through these distressing times where they didn’t feel comfortable talking about it with anyone. I was told by a lot of people that I had a soft, warm, and safe presence about me. I always treasured those aspects of myself. I had started my path to becoming a therapist when I went for my bachelor of arts in psychology at Arizona State University. I continued on to get my Master’s and my doctorate in psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I completed my dissertation on a treatment module for Video Game addiction. It was one of my most proud achievements since I was a student who grew up with a learning disability. During my five years of practice, I have worked closely with multiple populations including eating disorders, substance use, LGBTQ+, brain Injury, couples, and families. I also became a Certified Brain Injury specialist during my time working at the Centre for Neuro Skills located in Tarzana, CA. In 2020, I became very fortunate to receive a huge following on Tiktok and Instagram and I started receiving a huge amount of inquires for my therapy services, So I decided the time for private practice was coming near. In 2021, I finally took the plunge and teamed up with Medens Health in Beverly Hills to become a full-time Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice. Currently, I am seeing all my patients over telehealth from the comfort of my own home. It has been a wonderful transition and I couldn’t be happier with how my career has progressed!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think my years of an associate were the biggest struggle. I just completed my Master’s and was working towards my 3000 hours for my license. Unfortunately, the pay wasn’t great, the stress was high, and I found myself in several different job positions that really tested my ethics to my patients. Surprisingly, some of the private substance abuse treatment centers that I worked in exploit and “twist” words and treatment progress in order to achieve maximum profit. I refused to ever take part in these practices since they were unethical and illegal. I would get reprimanded for it but never “officially” because they knew they couldn’t. But as much as the organizations and myself didn’t see eye to eye on their policies and ethics, My focus remained on one thing; taking care of my patients. A lot of jobs I left quickly and instantly because I just could not stand to be a part of the chaos they were causing and not be able to do anything in regards to the hurt they were causing others. Once I had my license and I found better work, Everything got better almost as if overnight. It was amazing!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love the most when I see my patients improving, That they see the same potential that I see in them. As well as when I see them slowly start to see their challenges become smaller and they feel they are in control of their lives again. When more smiles return, I know they are on the right path and that is the most fulfilling thing ever! I believe I am most know for my authenticity, I am very open with who I am as a person and share my interests on social media. Interests such as video games, cosplay, fitness, and tattoos. I consider myself not only a specialist in brain injury but also an expert in addressing men’s mental health issues and embracing a more positive form of masculinity.
What makes you happy?
In my private life, spending time with my wife, traveling, and cosplaying while going to a convention is when I am at my happiest. Having a wonderful and supportive marriage helps me understand my work when it comes to relationships. I understand more empathetically how issues get complicated and communication misses its mark. But I also understand what it takes to repair that and grow from it with yourself and your partner.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.brendannierenberg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreadbehemoth/
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJyXBVYB/
