About Me

Hi there! I’m Braden (he/they), and I’m honored you’re here!

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in queer and trans mental health, as well as dreamwork approaches in counseling.

I’ve lived in Texas my whole life, and I do what I can to make this state more safe and welcoming for all, especially for my queer and trans community. I’ve been practicing counseling in some form or fashion since 2018, beginning as a student-intern through my present work as a licensed professional.

Seeking my own counseling has helped me greatly to understand myself better and learn how I can be more compassionate with myself. I want to offer a similar opportunity to my clients.

When I’m not in a session, I’m probably doing one of the following:

• Checking out library books

• Journaling with my fountain pens

• Playing with my cats

• Listening to spooky podcasts

• Playing video games

• Getting lost in YouTube rabbit-holes

• Trying to improve my sketching skills

• Watching anime or reading manga

My Story

I created Hearthlight Counseling PLLC in August 2022 after ‘trying on’ jobs in various places in the counseling world and never finding one that fit comfortably. I suddenly realized that I had the power to make my own ‘comfortable fit’. I could create my own practice that would simultaneously help me take better care of myself and improve the quality of care I can offer to my clients.

Amidst the darkness of political violence, global pandemic, and existential uncertainty, I want to bring the light of solace into my clients’ lives. While we won’t be meeting in a physical office, I hope the mental feeling you get from my practice is ‘coming in from the cold, engaging in deep conversation by the flame of a gentle hearth, and replenishing energy for your journey ahead’. The name ‘Hearthlight’ combines things that are important to me spiritually like the Sun, peaceful reflection, and the element of fire.