Bren Chasse, LMFT is a therapist in Pasadena, CA, specializing in EMDR, trauma therapy, & working with high conflict families, (including experience working on high-profile cases). Bren is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them strengthen their relationships, achieve their goals, and increase their passion in life. Bren meets her clients where they are and she views the
therapeutic process as one, wherein she and the client join together. Bren will provide you with a safe, calm, and containing space where you can feel supported as you explore, together, the way in which your life experiences may influence the person you have become and shape the choices you make. Bren will help you gain greater insight and develop effective strategies to improve communication, strengthen your relationships, increase resilience, and heal painful wounds, thereby allowing you to thrive. Bren works with individuals of all ages, and has specialized training in working with children 0-5 years of age. As a leading trauma expert, Bren works with clients that have experienced a vast spectrum of trauma. Bren is an advocate within the field of psychology, challenging mental health providers to expand a narrow definition of trauma to more accurately reflect the impact of overwhelming and devastating life events that we face throughout our lives. In conjunction to her psychodynamic approach, Bren is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), which allows clients to rapidly process the trauma of their past and regain a feeling of control over intrusive traumatic memories, feelings of disconnection with their body, and experience a feeling of fully embodied. In addition to her EMDR-Certification, Bren has trained at the master level in Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR), and is an Approved Consultant by the EMDR International Association. In addition to her work as a trauma expert, Bren specializes in eating disorders and disordered eating patterns. Additionally, Bren is a CAMFT-Approved CEU provider that regularly facilitates workshops on the social construction of eating disorders, working with binge eating disorder, and providing comprehensive psychosocial pre-surgical bariatric assessments for those considering or in the process of undergoing bariatric weight loss surgery. Having undergone the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure herself, Bren has a personal connection to this work. She has a unique understanding of the personal and psychological impact of weight loss surgery on an individual, as well as the impact on his or her family. Bren provides pre-surgical psychological assessments required for surgery approval. Bren works with her clients to ensure they are informed and prepared for the challenges ahead and are well equipped to cope effectively with any potential obstacles to their success. In addition to her clinical work, Bren is devoted to expanding the knowledge base for trauma within the field of psychology. She is committed to supporting all mental health providers in increasing their ability to support their client’s capacity to heal from trauma. Bren is a Professional Member and an approved continuing education provider for the California Association of Marriage Family Therapists (CAMFT) and a Professional Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Bren received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from UCLA. She also has a Master’s of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Conflict-Related Trauma and a second specialization in Child Studies from Antioch University, Los Angeles. Her extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families has fueled her passion for working with individuals who have experienced some form of psychological trauma. Bren’s dedication to advocacy work and commitment to providing trauma-informed care has led Bren to frequently serve as an expert witness in court. Further, Bren has experience providing expert testimony in high-profile cases, that, by their very nature, require a level of understanding of the judicial system that is unique to the profession of psychotherapy.
