Gillian Bruce(she/her)

Who I Work With

If you know something in your life needs to change but aren't sure where to start, that's exactly where I'd like to meet you. I work with older adolescents through older adults who are feeling stuck—uncertain about their identity, values, or direction, or carrying the weight of anxiety, depression, and the complex impacts of trauma and abuse. Together, we'll build a collaborative space to work through what's happening, notice the patterns that keep repeating, and find a new way forward.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I feel a particular connection to clients navigating questions of identity, community, and self-acceptance, along with the families and allies who want to learn how to better support them. I am also drawn to working with survivors of abuse, sexual trauma, and complex trauma, including those who know they've lived through something difficult but aren't yet sure how to process it or move forward.

My background in neuropsychology gives me a unique perspective when utilizing mindfulness and trauma-informed approaches to therapy. Drawing from the cognitive and somatic foundations of neuroscience, as well as the core components of narrative therapy, CBT, and ACT, I help individuals struggling with PTSD, depression, grief and loss, and the many other significant impacts of complex trauma. Additionally, we may be a good fit if you are experiencing repeated relationship and interpersonal concerns, including communication breakdowns, recurring conflict, or communication and conflict avoidance.

Meeting You Where You're At

I believe every person has a right to compassionate mental health care, and I show up in every session with authenticity, understanding, and a willingness to meet you exactly where you are. People are always capable of growth and change, and sometimes all it takes is a little support to work through a struggle or find a new path forward. No one is inherently "bad" or "broken". Acknowledging a challenge and asking for help is the first step toward healing. That's ultimately why I do this work—I enjoy helping people, and I have a passion for supporting and advocating for those who struggle to advocate for themselves.

My Approach to Therapy

In our sessions together, we'll explore the stories and narratives you've been told throughout your life, and work collaboratively to break these narratives down and rewrite your story in a way that honors your values, beliefs, and lived experiences. We'll identify unhelpful patterns and behaviors that aren't serving you, and work to replace them with ones that build resilience, self-acceptance, and a positive identity and self-concept. When grief or loss is what you're carrying, I create space to move through that at your own pace.

We may also explore the somatic and neurological impacts of trauma and discuss the relationship between maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how these relate to trauma. We will work together to develop skills for mindfulness, mental flexibility, and coping with the impacts of abuse and complex trauma.

Outside the Office

Outside of work, I enjoy reading for pleasure; I'll read almost anything, but I especially love mystery, horror, and historical fiction. I also love hiking, camping, and spending time in nature. I consider myself an extraverted introvert: I value my alone time and the chance to recharge at home, but I also love spending time with friends through weekly or monthly social activities like trivia and book club.

---

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Neuroscience focus) — Penn State University, 2020
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — University of Colorado Denver, 2026

Training

• Narrative Counseling — Supervised practicum training in narrative therapeutic techniques
• Trauma-Focused CBT — Supervised practicum training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapeutic techniques
• Grief and Loss Counseling — Clinical training completed through graduate coursework and supervised internship