Brandon Barksdale
LSW Practicing Under Clinical Supervision
Pronouns: He/Him
Offering in-person (Chicago) & telehealth sessions
Therapy for Kids, Teens & Adults Ready to Understand Themselves Better .
Warm, collaborative support grounded in your strengths, your culture, and your whole story. .
Let’s Start Here
Maybe you've been carrying something for a long time — frustration that boils over before you can catch it, worry that follows you into every room, or a quiet sense that something just isn't working anymore. You might be a parent watching your child struggle to express what they're feeling, or an adult who's gotten good at holding it all together — even when you're running on empty. You don't have to have the words for it yet. Wherever you're starting from, what matters most is that you showed up. Therapy is a space where you don't have to figure it all out before walking in — you just have to be willing to take one step at a time.
What would you say to someone who’s nervous or unsure about starting therapy?
Hi, I'm Brandon, a therapist at Tides Mental Health. If you're feeling nervous about starting therapy — or not quite sure what to expect — that's completely okay. You don't need to have everything figured out. I'm here to work with you, at your own pace, to build a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported. Whenever you're ready, I'd love to connect.
What would you say to someone who’s nervous or unsure about starting therapy?
Hi, I'm Brandon, a therapist at Tides Mental Health. If you're feeling nervous about starting therapy — or not quite sure what to expect — that's completely okay. You don't need to have everything figured out. I'm here to work with you, at your own pace, to build a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported. Whenever you're ready, I'd love to connect.
What It’s Like to Work Together
Sessions are warm, patient, and collaborative — you set the pace, and we build from there. Together, we'll explore what's getting in the way, name what you're feeling, and start connecting the dots between your thoughts, emotions, and the patterns that show up in your daily life. We'll use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you notice unhelpful thinking patterns and respond differently, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help you manage big emotions before they feel overwhelming. When change feels hard or uncertain, we'll use motivational interviewing — a way of exploring what really matters to you and building confidence at your own speed, not mine. For younger clients, sessions might focus on naming feelings, building coping skills, and improving how you communicate with the people around you. For adults, we might dig into patterns, process stress or grief, or just figure out what a more grounded version of your life could actually look like.
What can clients expect it to feel like in a session with you?
Sessions feel like a real conversation — not an interrogation and not a lecture. I'll ask questions that help us slow down and look at what's actually going on for you. There's no pressure to share more than you're ready to, and we'll always move at a pace that feels safe. My goal is for you to leave each session with something you can actually use.
What’s one reason you’re passionate about the work you do?
I grew up on the West Side of Chicago, and I've seen firsthand how much it matters to have someone in your corner who genuinely gets it — someone who sees your whole story, not just a checklist of symptoms. That's why I do this work. Everyone deserves a space where they feel seen, respected, and capable of real change. I'm honored to be part of that for the people I work with
Clinical Specialties
- Anxiety and worry that's hard to turn off
- Low mood, depression, and emotional heaviness
- Emotional regulation and managing big feelings
- Behavioral challenges and impulsivity in children and teens
- Attention difficulties and focus challenges
- Grief, loss, and life transitions
- Relationship stress and communication difficulties
- Parent support and caregiver strategies
- Identity, self-esteem, and feeling stuck
- Life pressures, motivation, and daily functioning
Treatment Modalities
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – explore how your thoughts shape your feelings and actions, and practice shifting patterns that aren't working for you.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills– build practical tools for managing intense emotions, reducing impulsive reactions, and staying grounded under pressure.
- Motivational Interviewing - a collaborative, non-pressuring approach to help you get clear on what matters to you and take steps toward change at your own pace.
- Person-Centered, Strengths-Based Practice – start from what's already working in you, and build from there with a focus on your values and goals.
- Culturally Responsive Care – your background, community, and lived experience aren't separate from your mental health — they're central to how we work together.
Populations Served
- Children (ages 5–12)
- Adolescents and teens
- Adults (ages 18+, with a particular focus on adults 30+)
- Parents, caregivers, and families
- LGBTQ+ clients
- BIPOC communities
- Individuals with disabilities and their families
- Veterans
- Clients new to therapy or unsure where to start
Training & Credentials
- Education: MSW — University of Illinois Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work PhD in Social Work (in progress) — University of Illinois Chicago (Expected 2029) BS in Biological Sciences & BS in Psychology — University of Illinois Chicago, 2021
- Licensure: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) — Illinois (practicing under clinical supervision)
- Certification: TF-CBT Certified (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified EMT & BLS Certified
- Languages Spoken: English
- Availability: Offering in-person sessions in Chicago and telehealth for clients across Illinois
You don't have to have it all figured out to reach out. Whether you're looking for support for yourself, your child, or your family — this is a space where you can show up exactly as you are. Taking this step is already something to be proud of. If you're ready to explore whether we might be a good fit, Brandon would be honored to connect with you.
Insurance We Accept
We accept most major insurance providers and offer several convenient payment methods to ensure accessibility for your care. We also offer various payment methods, including credit cards, bank transfers, and electronic payments.
