Brianne Schmidt, MA, LMHCA

Brianne brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting children and adolescents in every dimension of their growth. A mother of four, she began her career as an elementary school teacher, where she quickly recognized a truth that continues to guide her work: meaningful learning and child development cannot flourish without emotional understanding.

Determined to address the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—Brianne pursued advanced training in both School Counseling and Mental Health Counseling, earning Masters degrees from Indiana Wesleyan and Butler University. This dual foundation allows her to help young people develop essential emotional skills for social and family functioning, while also supporting their academic success. Parents who want to invest in their child’s well-being will find in Brianne a dedicated, insightful partner who understands how to foster resilience, self-awareness, and cooperative family relationships.

With whom do you work well?

I work well with a range of children and adolescents, especially those who are struggling with emotional regulation, challenging behaviors, or difficulties in family functioning. I understand that these concerns often feel overwhelming for parents who want the best for their child, and I bring both experience and strategy to help families navigate them effectively.

As a former elementary school teacher and school counselor, I know how to build rapport with children so they feel safe and understood. Once the connection is made, they are open books, in my experience.

What do you do in your work? Why do you do it that way?

I believe meaningful, lasting change is often most effective when we can leverage the parent–child relationship as part of the treatment. Involving the family creates opportunities to strengthen communication and reinforce emotional skills at home. My goal is to help families use the strengths they already have to create enduring change.

That said, I also recognize that some children benefit most from having space to work one-on-one. During my years as a school counselor, individual sessions were the only option. I learned effective ways to help young people feel understood and open up honestly. I continue to use this flexible approach of family and individual attention in my clinical work to meet each child’s needs.

In sessions, I begin with thoughtful check-ins—whether with the child alone or with family members present—to create a safe, consistent environment where they can feel truly comfortable. With a strong therapeutic relationship at the heart of my work, your child will set meaningful goals in their own words and will take part in creating realistic, achievable steps toward them. Your child and I will develop personal strategies for managing emotions and behavior.

What is the purpose of your professional work? In other words, why do you do what you do?

My purpose is to provide early, effective emotional support that strengthens both the individual child/teen and the family system. I want to help enhance relationships, establish clearer communication, and build resilience that lasts. It is deeply important to me to equip children and parents with skills and insights they can carry with them for a lifetime.

Why did you choose to work at Family Psychology of South Bend?

I chose to work at Family Psychology of South Bend because I believe in the practice’s values and mission, particularly the focus on client self-reflection and the flexibility to work within a modality that best fits the client and their family. I appreciate the client-centered mindset that drives our work. I’m grateful to be part of a group of highly trained and collaborative clinicians who help me continue my professional growth. I was immediately drawn to the passion of each and every clinician to ensure that every client who enters our doors will be heard, respected, and helped.