Louisa Bradford

Louisa Bradford, LCSW (she/her): I am a queer-affirming, trauma-informed therapist who practices from a feminist multicultural lens. I care deeply about creating a safe, comfortable space for my clients, and I believe we heal through connection with others. My approach is gentle but honest, always going at the client’s pace. I bring my whole self, lived experience, and humor to the therapeutic relationship. I believe mindfulness, self-compassion, and connection to our bodies are an important part of the healing process.

I strive to create a collaborative, strengths-based environment, where the client is the expert of their own experience. I love helping clients connect to their inner wisdom or strengthen their inner voice. I believe that people are inherently good, and that we are all capable of change. It’s an honor to walk alongside clients, witness their pain, and help them shape more fulfilling lives.

I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Utah. As a therapist in training, I completed practicums at a Rape Recovery Center, working with sexual assault survivors, and the University of Utah School of Medicine, working with medical students. After graduating, I spent three years working in university counseling centers, primarily working with college students.

I believe in an individualized approach to therapy, shaped to each client’s unique needs. I draw from Feminist and Humanist approaches, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. For trauma processing, I utilize Cognitive Processing Therapy, combined with somatic and feminist practices. I operate from an anti-oppressive, anti-racist approach, considering systems of oppression and the impact of both my client’s, and my own, intersecting identities.

I enjoy bringing in creative activities, such as art projects or letter-writing, as well as somatic practices (breathwork, grounding exercises, sensory practices).

Education and Credentials

• Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Utah
• Graduate Certificate in Women’s Health from the University of Utah
• BA in Cultural Anthropology from The University of Utah (Minor in International Studies)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Certified Sexual Assault Advocate
• Member of the LGBTQ Affirmative Therapist Guild of Utah

What do you like to do when you are not working? What do you do for fun?

When I’m not working, I like to connect with others, be outside, eat, and spend time with my dog. I am in a kickball league, and I love trivia, reading fiction books, and karaoke. I love yoga, trying new restaurants, and exploring new areas of the city!

What are you excited about? What is your passion? What do you want to learn more about?

I love working with people, and connecting to small sources of hope, especially with so much uncertainty and heaviness in the world. I am passionate about seeking joy wherever possible, and enjoying the present moment.

I believe that systemic oppression, racism, and harmful rhetoric impact all of us, and connect to many mental health concerns. As a white therapist, I am always striving to acknowledge and challenge my own biases. I’m passionate about providing culturally sensitive mental health care, and I always want to continue to grow in this area. I enjoy working with clients to process political distress, identity concerns, or experiences with marginalization.

I’m a curious person, and I’m always learning, growing, and striving to be better. I would like to gain training in a somatic modality such as Somatic Experiencing. I’d also like to build my skills in working with eating concerns, relationship challenges, and the poly/kink community.

What do you like about being a therapist?

I like that every day is different, and I enjoy getting to know people’s stories. I love helping people explore their identities, values, and long-term goals. I feel privileged to be a therapist, and get to experience milestones with clients, laugh with them, and cry with them. I learn so much from my clients, and working in mental health has increased my own resilience.

What’s your “go to” creative or restorative outlet?

When I need to restore, I find movement helpful, especially an uphill walk, dancing, or big stretches. I love singing, hot showers, cuddling my dog, or watching a comfort movie. I also like to research positive news stories from around the world.