Brian Kay

Brian Kay is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Utah with 20 years of experience. He focuses on practical, down-to-earth counseling for people facing grief, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, addiction, ADHD, and life change. Sessions are conversational and goal-focused, aimed at helping people take the next step when life feels overwhelming.

He draws from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients notice unhelpful thoughts and choose values-based actions. He also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for emotional regulation and the Gottman Method for relationship work. These methods are adapted to each person's situation rather than applied the same way to everyone.

Brian's style is kind, optimistic, and nonjudgmental. He aims to make sessions interactive, with practical tools and short exercises you can try between meetings. He avoids labels that stigmatize and focuses on what you want to accomplish instead of what went wrong.

His background includes conducting risk assessments in a psychiatric hospital and running a family advocacy program while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Those roles shaped his ability to work calmly with complex or crisis-facing situations.

People who choose Brian can expect a clear plan tailored to their needs, regular check-ins on progress, and skills they can use outside sessions. If you want supportive guidance to move through grief, manage anxiety, or improve relationships, he offers steady, practical help.

Therapeutic approaches and how they fit online

Brian uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people notice their values and take small, meaningful actions even when thoughts or feelings are difficult. ACT is useful for grief, anxiety, and coping with life transitions. He also works with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and try practical changes in behavior that reduce distress. CBT often helps with depression, anxiety, sleep, and stress management.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Brian will talk with each person about goals and preferences, try methods in session, and adjust the plan based on what works. That way the approach matches your needs rather than being chosen ahead of time.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. For some relationship or communication work, video can let couples and partners practice new skills together, while phone or audio sessions may work better for brief coaching-style conversations or when bandwidth is limited. Ask about the available session arrangements when you schedule so you can choose what fits your routine and goals.