Brianna Akers (she/her) is a fourth-year counseling psychology doctoral student at Indiana University Bloomington, where she is also completing a minor in human sexuality. She has provided therapy in college counseling centers, supporting students and community members with concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
Brianna has particular interests in working with clients who are survivors of trauma, looking to cultivate a more fulfilling sexual life, and/or exploring the complexities of romantic relationships. She is affirming of diverse identities and experiences, including clients who identify as neurodiverse, practice BDSM/kink, or have an alternative relationship structure. In addition to her clinical work, she teaches an undergraduate course on sexuality counseling at IU, and has conducted research on sexual victimization and sexual pleasure worthiness, particularly within marginalized communities.
As a therapist, Brianna views counseling as a partnership. She brings knowledge in psychology and interventions while honoring that clients are the experts of their own lives. She often uses practical tools from cognitive and behavioral therapies while keeping the focus on warmth, empathy, and genuine connection. She also values exploring how early life relationships shape current self-concept, perspectives, and connections with others.
Brianna strives to create a space where clients feel truly seen, safe, and supported. She believes therapy is most powerful when it highlights clients’ strengths, empowers them to make their own choices, and provides a collaborative path toward their goals. Above all, she considers it a profound privilege to witness her clients’ stories and walk alongside them in their journeys of growth and healing.