Lori Brinkley , LCSW

Lori Brinkley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years of experience working with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, career transitions, grief, trauma and abuse, and a wide range of other life difficulties. She has supported parents coping with postpartum stress and depression, anxious college students, adoptees processing adoption-related trauma, adult children of alcoholics, caregivers balancing multiple responsibilities, and couples seeking to reconnect. Her work also addresses issues such as co-dependency, boundaries, intimacy-related concerns, eating and anger issues, low self-esteem, compassion fatigue, and a variety of family and relational patterns including blended family dynamics, co-parenting after divorce, and forgiveness or shame-related struggles.

Brinkley offers a particular option called "couples counseling for one," in which she meets with the partner who is willing to engage in therapy to learn new tools, strengthen boundaries, and improve communication even when the other partner is not participating. Her therapeutic stance is warm and nurturing while remaining direct when necessary - she balances challenge with support and brings humor into sessions as a way to build rapport and make the process more approachable. Clinically she relies heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness-based techniques while drawing on strengths-oriented and problem-solving strategies.

Outside of practice she is a mother of two college-aged children who finds restoration in outdoor time, especially at the beach, and in exploring waterfalls and travel. She enjoys suspense novels and character-driven films, and she recalls completing a Tough Mudder as a meaningful experience of facing fears and growing through challenge. As a licensed clinician she blends practical skill building with validation to help people explore new perspectives and work toward their goals.

Therapeutic approaches for online care

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes the client’s own goals and strengths and creates a supportive atmosphere where the therapist listens closely and helps the person explore solutions at their own pace; it is useful for building self-understanding, improving communication, and navigating life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical skills and structured exercises; it is effective for anxiety, depression, stress management, and problems that benefit from clear coping strategies. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and gentle acceptance of thoughts and feelings, offering tools to reduce reactivity and cultivate calm when coping with stress, grief, or trauma.

Finding the right combination of approaches is part of the therapeutic process, and Lori works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors strategies over time and adjusts the focus as circumstances change so the client feels involved in choosing what feels most helpful.

Online sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, giving flexibility for those with busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or limited local options. These formats make it possible to access consistent therapeutic support from licensed professionals without travel, and they allow work on skills and relationship issues in ways that fit into daily life.