Branden Smith, MA, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

In 2017, Branden Smith earned his bachelor's degree in psychology with an emphasis on social sciences from North Dakota State University. During his undergraduate studies, he participated in and presented research on nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior and its relationship to emotion dysregulation. He then pursued his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, graduating in 2021.

Branden completed his internship at Peak to Peak Counseling in Nederland, Colorado, where he focused on rural mental health. He is now a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Minnesota. Before joining Solutions, Branden worked at Integrity Counseling, a private practice in Perham, for three years, where he received supervision to obtain his LPCC licensure.

Mr. Smith is formally trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and integrates concepts from both traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). While his primary academic focus was ACT, the majority of his clinical experience comes from DBT. He specializes in working with adults and older adolescents facing various challenges, including borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, severe and persistent mental illnesses, depression, anxiety, and life stressors. He also has experience supporting individuals struggling with suicidal ideation and self-harm.

Branden enjoys working with individuals who are motivated and open to exploring new perspectives. He values clients who seek to take charge of their own growth while also learning to accept the aspects of life they cannot change. He finds his work most meaningful when he witnesses clients shift their perspectives, embrace new ways of thinking, and apply what they’ve learned to improve their lives. He believes that the power of thought transformation can lead to profound emotional and behavioral changes, and he finds it deeply rewarding to see these shifts reflected in his clients' daily lives.

Branden prioritizes honesty, integrity, and ethical balance in his practice. He strongly encourages his clients to cultivate and strengthen their autonomy, both in therapy sessions and in their personal lives.