Counselling and psychological assessment for children and adults.
"The purpose of psychotherapy is to set people free." - Rollo May
After graduating in 2009 with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, I began treating children/adolescents, families and adults as well as conducting psychological assessments. Although born in the Pacific Northwest, I was raised in Gainesville, GA where I now live. In addition to my work as a psychologist, I am an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church and serve as pastor of a small congregation in the North Georgia Conference. I am comfortable and trained in speaking with
people about how their religious/spiritual beliefs impact their current functioning but do not
attempt to persuade anyone to believe anything in particular. As I have said many times,
"You can have some faith or no faith...I will treat you the same."
Academic training
Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from the the Georgia Professional School of Psychology
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
from Emory University
Bachelor of Psychology (B.A.)
from Berry College
Community Involvement
Hall-Dawson CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) -
Past Board Chair
Psychological Assessment Committee of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church - Current Chair
Clinical experience
Director of Brenau's Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (BCCPS) and Asst. Professor at Brenau University- Current
Clinical Director for Center Point -
2015-2022
Site Director for Care and Counseling Center of Georgia -
2010-2015
Therapy Approaches
Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a powerful approach to examining how thoughts, both positive and negative, influence our feelings and our behaviors. By making changes in our distorted thoughts, we can improve our mood and functioning in significant ways.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT was developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder but is useful to anyone needing help with emotion regulation, distress tolerance and learning how to use what is called the "wise mind", a combination of emotion and logic to make choices.
Problem-Focused
Sometimes gaining insight into how we got where we are is helpful in learning how to fix the problem. Sometimes, however, you can focus on the solution and leave the past alone. This approach is appealing to those seeking urgent behavioral change.
Trauma Focused
Understanding how trauma impacts our mood, our work and our relationships can be life changing. Helping clients learn how to think and talk about traumatic experiences while learning healthy coping skills is very rewarding as a clinician.
Let's Talk
The first step is talking. Let's find a time where we can meet and talk about what's on your mind.
(404) 692-2508
drbruner@lanierpsychologicalservices.org
423 Brenau Avenue
Gainesville, GA 30501