BRENTON KIRSCHNER
M.MFT, LPC, LMFT
Challenges rarely arrive alone; they come with a storyline that shaped how you see yourself and what feels possible. Our work begins by rediscovering the person you are not just the problems you have experienced. We build adult attachment skills for relationships (mentalizing), co-create architecture to navigate the internal and external world, and overcome obstacles to deepen connection in your relationships.
I work with adults in both individual and couples therapy, supporting concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief, chronic illness, isolation, betrayal, affair recovery, sexual health, and couples seeking to rekindle intimacy.
My training is in Systems Theory, Mentalization-Based Therapy (Anna Freud Centre), Narrative Therapy, Reflective Functioning, and The Gottman Method (Level 3). Together, these allow me to work transdiagnostically: past labels, toward relational patterns, attachment architecture, and meaning-making.
I look forward to talking with you!
Brenton
Post Graduate Training
My Approach
What makes my approach unique is combining my training in Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT), Narrative Therapy, and the Gottman Method.
When integrated I am able to work from a transdiagnostic lens, focusing on the underlying patterns that drive distress across diagnoses.
Mentalization Based Therapy:
An approach that uses reflective and relational techniques to restore mentalizing capacity within attachment relationships, reduce the hyperactivating and deactivating strategies that disrupt secure base functioning, and support emotional regulation and earned security across developmental and adult attachment patterns. I was trained in Mentalization Based Therapy by Prof Anthony Bateman MA, FRCPsych through the Anna Freud Centre.
Narrative Therapy:
Narrative Therapy is defined as a collaborative, strengths-based therapeutic approach that views problems as separate from the person and helps individuals re-author their life stories. It focuses on identifying and reshaping dominant narratives that may limit a person’s identity or well-being, encouraging clients to create alternative, empowering stories that reflect resilience, values, and preferred ways of living. My training in Narrative Therapy comes from The Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy.
The Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 3:
The Gottman Method is a research-based approach for couples that begins with a thorough relationship assessment and integrates interventions grounded in the Sound Relationship House Theory. It offers structured tools to disarm conflicting communication, increase intimacy, respect, and affection, and create empathy and understanding. The Gottman Method is widely recognized for improving relationship satisfaction and resilience across diverse
populations. I have am Level 3 trained through the Gottman Institute.
Reflective Functioning:
An approach that uses mentalized affectivity and perspective-taking techniques to restore the capacity to understand behavior in terms of underlying mental states, reduce misattunement and relational ruptures driven by collapsed or rigid mentalizing, and support emotional regulation and secure attachment functioning across developmental and adult relational patterns. I completed training in Reflective Functioning from Howard Steele, PhD.
Adult Attachment Interview:
An approach that uses collaborative narrative and discourse analysis techniques to restore coherence in autobiographical memory related to early caregiving experiences, reduce the influence of unresolved loss, trauma, and insecure attachment strategies on current relational functioning, and support the identification of earned security and reflective capacity across developmental history. (Upcoming training from Howard Steele PhD and Miriam Steele PhD).
Additional Trainings:
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
An approach that uses acceptance, defusion, and values-clarification techniques to restore psychological flexibility, reduce experiential avoidance and rigid attachment to unhelpful cognitive and emotional patterns, and support emotional regulation and meaningful engagement across developmental and relational contexts.
EMDR II
An approach that uses bilateral stimulation and adaptive information processing techniques to restore neural integration of traumatic memory, reduce hyperarousal and avoidant responses embedded in early attachment and developmental experiences, and support emotional regulation and earned security across the lifespan.
Certified Trauma Therapist
A comprehensive certification program from Spirit2Spirit that equips clinicians with advanced skills in trauma assessment, experiential and holistic treatment modalities, and evidence-based interventions, including psychodrama, breathwork, adventure therapy, equine therapy, Internal Family Systems, and cognitive-behavioral approaches, supported by supervised practice to ensure effective application in clinical settings.
Healthcare Peer Coaching Practitioner:
A coaching framework designed to promote resilience, reduce burnout, and support healthcare professionals through collaborative, forward-focused conversations. Training completed through ICF Accredited Physicians Coaching Institute.
Seven Principles Workshop Leader:
A workshop program based on Gottman research that teaches couples evidence-based strategies to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen emotional connection.
Work Experience
2026- Present
Regroup Counseling Rogers, AR
Launched Regroup Counseling’s Rogers, AR location in 2021 and have successfully grown the clinic into a thriving practice of multiple therapists.
2017 - Present
Private Practice
Started my own private practice in 2017, growing into a specialized provider of evidence-based services for adults, couples, healthcare professionals, and adult attachment.
2013 - 2017
Residential Treatment Center
Provided specialized trauma and addiction therapy at Capstone Treatment Center, a 90-day intensive treatment program serving high-acuity cases. Delivered individualized care and led dynamic group sessions focused on emotional regulation, resilience, and recovery. Facilitated experiential healing through high and low ropes courses, fostering trust, confidence, and personal growth in a structured therapeutic environment.
Education
2011-2013
Abilene Christian University | Master's Marriage and Family Therapy
Completed a COAMFTE-accredited graduate program focused on helping couples and families navigate complex relational and emotional challenges. Developed expertise in systemic therapy approaches, trauma treatment, and cross-cultural sensitivity, integrating evidence-based practices with a holistic, values-driven perspective. Gained advanced skills in counseling, assessment, and intervention through coursework in child and adolescent therapy, medical family therapy, and addictive disorders, complemented by supervised clinical experience. Prepared for professional licensure and equipped to serve in diverse settings with a commitment to empathy, equity, and transformative care.
2006 - 2011
Harding University | BA
Theology & Missions Degree
Explored the intersection of faith, culture, and social systems with a strong emphasis on cross-cultural understanding and respect. Developed a global perspective rooted in cultural relativism, learning to engage diverse communities with humility and empathy. Combined rigorous study of scripture with sociological insights into cultural dynamics, power structures, and social change. Gained practical experience in intercultural communication, community development, and collaborative ministry through international missions and immersive fieldwork. Prepared to serve in ways that honor cultural identity, promote equity, and foster authentic relationships across boundaries.