David Breña, SWC

Pronouns: He/They

Intersecting identities that inform my practice: Queer, transmasculine (with some femme energy), pansexual, Peruvian, Latin American immigrant, native Spanish-speaker

Background & Approach: I have been in the social work field since 2010, with a focus on mental health for the last 8 years. My past experiences that inform my work as a therapist include being a community advocate, coalition organizer, peer mentor and crisis interventionist, particularly working with queer and trans, and immigrant communities. 

I believe life’s challenges can be catalysts for growth and empowerment. As a therapist, I want to support you in gaining valuable resources and skills that can help get you through the storm and set you up to thrive.I also want to provide you with a space where you can envision the life you want to live and the person that you want to become. In the work, I help my clients discover patterns rooted in old myths about themselves that are often embedded in trauma and oppressive societal messages. In our work together, I will help you identify these patterns and help you remove the obstacles to living a life that you thrive in. I’m also mindful of the impact of systems of oppression and the limitations they place in our lives towards our liberation. 

People tell me I listen deeply, I’m compassionate, warm, and non-judgmental in my approach. I welcome all parts of you into the room, particularly ones you may have to hide outside of the therapy setting. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to heal. I practice what I preach and have utilized therapy for myself for the past 13 years, which is an incredibly valuable experience that informs my practice. I am committed to my healing particularly though finding my own cultural roots and embracing the joyful parts of my queer, trans, and South American identities. 

Theoretical & Clinical Orientation: Influenced by psychodynamic and systems theories, and person-centered and trauma-informed approaches. 

Licensure, Certifications, & Fellowships:

Colorado Clinical Social Work Candidate

Education & Training:

Masters of Social Work - Metropolitan State University of Denver

Colorado Mental Wellness Network Peer Support Specialist training

Wellness Recovery Action Plan

Mental Health First Aid

Asist Suicide Prevention Training

Crisis Prevention and Intervention

Motivational Interviewing

BA in Sociology and Theater- Chapman University

Clinical Specializations: Anxiety, depression, suicide prevention, trauma

Professional Service & Membership: National Association of Social Workers

Outside of Work: I can usually be found crafting, trying some delicious food, planning traveling adventures, watching netflix, or walking in nature with my two puppies.