Brian Apland

Do you find yourself acting in ways that you do not want to? Do you struggle with painful emotions, anxiety, or feelings of emptiness? Do you sometimes feel hopeless about the future or even think about dying? Do you find relationships difficult? Do you often feel alone, look down on yourself, or wonder who it is you really are? These, among others, are symptoms I often encounter. They are not comfortable and may feel overwhelming, but they also can be a starting point to a path of self-discovery and growth. My name is Brian. I have been a clinical social worker for over 9 years. I love the work because I find people fascinating and I am motivated to help them when I can. My work focuses on symptoms connected to trauma, identity, relationships, depression, anxiety, and many other challenges. I have substantial training and experience primarily in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy as well as several other methods. These are useful tools in psychotherapy that tend to address problems on the level of our conscious thoughts, emotions, and actions. I am currently receiving training in psychoanalysis, which also addresses the same problems at a deeper level, uncovering the mysterious and irrational forces of the unconscious mind, developing your own understanding of why we are how we are and leading to more permanent profound change. When we meet I will conduct a thorough assessment. I will explore your reasons for seeking therapy, your background and current situation, as well as your strengths and your own preferences for how we work together. We may use one of the above techniques or combine many of them. Your therapy with me will be tailored for you, and our work together will be collaborative. It will be an intense experience of self-exploration, and I am here for you as a guide. DIVERSITY/WHAT IS A PLANTAGO? I have done clinical work with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds including communities who have experienced structural disadvantages; people of color, Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, etc. I welcome all with an attitude of humility, knowing that every individual is unique, and is the only qualified expert on their own experience. Plantago Major, or the broad leaf plantain, is a common weed brought to the Americas by European settlers. In “Braiding Sweetgrass” Robin Wall Kimmerer* refers to the plant as “white man’s footprint” a name given due to its propensity to follow behind these human foreigners. Unlike many invasive species however, this plant does no harm, and moreover is useful as food and as medicine. “Its strategy was to be useful, to fit into small places, to coexist with others…to heal wounds.” This is an apt botanical metaphor for ideal psychotherapy. I am an outsider in your world and I intend to be humble, unobtrusive, and helpful for your growth. *Kimmerer, Robin Wall. Braiding Sweetgrass Robin Wall Kimmerer. Milkweed Editions, 2014. SCHEDULING, FEES & PAYMENT I am currently available for Telehealth appointments Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 11am-7pm and for in person appointments Friday 9am-6pm. Fees are listed below. I offer a sliding scale in situations of financial necessity. I am currently accepting only private payment (however private payments can sometimes be partially reimbursed by insurance companies). 
If you wish to pay using insurance, please contact me with your information and insurance plan, and I will put you on my waiting list.