Brenae Zanders
Service(s) Offered:
Counseling
Specializes in youth (trauma, development, puberty) & racial reconciliation/identity formation
Therapeutic modalities: CBT, MBCT, Sozo
Who I Work With:
Individual Adults (Male & Female)
Couples
Minors 5+
Clinical counselor for California residents (can provide mental health diagnoses at her discretion); pastoral counselor for non-California residents (mental health diagnoses cannot be given for non-California residents)
Supervised by Barry Byrne
Availability:
In-person and virtual appointments
Weekdays
What You’ll Come Away With:
I believe in (and have experienced!) a God who brings life, love and joy to impossible situations. You may come into my office with trauma, confusion, fear and rejection, but you’ll leave with CLARITY, peace, confidence and fresh wisdom. I integrate Sozo tools into my sessions, so you’ll hear directly from God about whatever you’re facing.
Biography:
I’m a southern girl who loves God and family, and I’ve been blessed to work at the Transformation Center since April 2020. Prior to coming to Bethel, I served in the AirForce for 8 years. I later worked in both Los Angeles and North Carolina to provide trauma-informed counseling for children and families. One of the greatest joys of my life is contending for Jesus to receive His full reward in the area of mental health (Isaiah 53:5). I’m passionate about merging clinical therapy with biblical principles to assist the body of Christ to walk in complete healing and wholeness.
In my own life, I first encountered the power of the Holy Spirit when I was 12. I was depressed because I’d been severely bullied in school, and my Dad was struggling with PTSD from his time in the military. The night that I planned to commit suicide, Holy Spirit walked into the room. I truly began following God at that point, and His voice was my lifeline during the next 10 years of “all hell breaking loose” in my life.
When I was 24, I experienced a series of traumatic events including the death of two family members, an ovarian cancer diagnosis, and the end of my time in the military. I also began working as a counselor and didn’t know how to separate my own feelings from what my clients were experiencing. All of this culminated in a deep depression the following year where I could barely get out of bed and take care of basic personal needs like showering.
But God is faithful! He walked me out of that depressed state as I began to address my embodied grief and learn about my spiritual gifting. I learned how to fully embrace joy and stand in the TRUTH that God can change everything in a moment. My hardships no longer had to define me.
When I’m not counseling, I enjoy writing poetry, delving into the deeper things of scripture, and spending quality time with my seven nieces and nephews and two goddaughters.
Experience & Education:
Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, 2019-2022
Basic Sozo Training, 2021
Advanced Sozo Training, 2022
Board Certified Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW)
M.S. Social Work, University of Southern California, 2019
M.A. Social Change & Innovation, University of Southern California, 2018
B.S. Social Work, Methodist University, 2016
A.A. Healthcare Administration, Community College of the Airforce, 2013
