About Dr. Bren
Professional Background
Before dedicating her career to depth psychology and holistic healing, Dr. Bren built a successful career in the business world. Her professional journey includes extensive experience in executive leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development. As a former business consultant and corporate trainer, she worked with diverse organizations to improve team dynamics, leadership effectiveness, and organizational culture. This background gives her a unique perspective on the challenges professionals face in today's demanding work environments and informs her practical, results-oriented approach to personal growth and development.
Education & Training
Dr. Bren holds a PhD in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where she specialized in understanding the unconscious processes that influence human behavior and relationships. Her academic foundation is complemented by extensive training in various therapeutic modalities:
Certified Integral Coach through New Ventures West, an ICF-accredited program focusing on whole-person development and transformation
Spiral Dynamics Practitioner, trained to understand and work with evolutionary stages of psychological development
Diamond Heart Work with extensive studies in the Ridhwan School's approach to spiritual development, mainly focusing on the Enneagram as a system for personal transformation
Advanced Studies in Archetypal Astrology with renowned astrologers including Richard Tarnas and Heather Ensworth, integrating cosmic patterns with psychological processes
Gene Keys Practitioner with extensive studies in Richard Rudd's Gene Keys, the evolution of Human Design, offering insights into personal purpose and potential
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Training through PESI, with specialized focus on treating Complex PTSD
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Training with Dr. Sue Johnson, specializing in evidence-based approaches to couples therapy
HeartMath Certified Practitioner, skilled in evidence-based approaches to stress management and emotional regulation
Reiki Master in the Mikao Usui tradition, offering energy healing practices to support overall wellbeing
Approach
Dr. Bren's unique approach integrates depth psychology, Jungian analysis, somatic awareness, and practical mindfulness techniques. She believes in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just addressing symptoms. Through a Jungian lens, she honors the wisdom of the unconscious, working with dreams, symbols, and archetypes as powerful catalysts for transformation. Her extensive background in both traditional and complementary healing modalities allows her to create personalized therapeutic experiences that honor each client's individual journey.
Drawing from her diverse training, Dr. Bren creates a safe, nurturing environment where clients can explore their challenges, discover their authentic selves, and develop practical skills for lasting transformation.
Her work emphasizes:
Building resilience through scientifically-validated approaches to stress management
Developing emotional intelligence and self-regulation
Addressing trauma through body-centered and psychodynamic methods
Working with the shadow aspects of the psyche to integrate disowned parts of the self
Cultivating deeper meaning and purpose in everyday life
Supporting sustainable personal and professional growth
Philosophy
Dr. Bren views personal growth as a holistic journey that encompasses all dimensions of human experience: Relational, Behavioral, Cognitive, Emotional, Somatic, and Spiritual. Her approach honors both ancient wisdom traditions and contemporary evidence-based practices to create a truly integrative healing experience.
Her spiritual foundation is enriched by years as a practicing Buddhist in the Vajrayana Tibetan Buddhist tradition. She also draws inspiration from the contemplative Christian teachings of Richard Rohr and Cynthia Bourgeault, who emphasize the nondual aspects of Christianity. Dr. Bren's approach is further deepened by her extensive work with the Diamond Heart spiritual path, which integrates Eastern and Western spiritual traditions with modern psychology to foster personal unfoldment. Additionally, her approach is deeply influenced by Ken Wilber's Integral Theory, which she studied extensively for many years.
She is committed to ongoing professional development and regularly incorporates new research and modalities into her practice to ensure her clients receive the most effective support possible.
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DR BREN | Jungian Psychology
207 Wendover Ln, Durham, NC 27713, United States
Mobile +1 919-407-0999
Email Bren@drbren.com