Bryman Counseling Associates

As the Founder and CEO of Bryman Counseling Associates, Andrea Bryman has more than 25 years of clinical experience working in the field of assisted reproduction. Andrea’s focus on assisted reproduction stemmed from her own personal experience with infertility. It is her early professional position as Clinical Intake Director of an inpatient psychiatric facility and her personal experience that laid the foundation for her to skillfully assess prospective egg donors and carriers. It has also provided her with the compassion to support and guide individuals pursuing family building through assisted reproduction. It is through her professional reputation that her business has grown internationally. She now oversees a team of licensed clinicians who continue to provide the same level of expertise by setting a uniformed and consistent standard of care throughout the fertility industry. Andrea has developed a proprietary assessment method that allows her to remain objective while still making her clients feel safe and reassured. She received her Masters in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling in 1991 from the University of Southern California and was licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners in 1995 (MFC#33036). Andrea has continued her professional growth in the field of infertility through research and involvement as a professional member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Society for Ethics In Egg Donation and Surrogacy, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Resolve, and the American Bar Association. Andrea was the past Psychological Chairperson on the board of directors for the Egg Donation and Surrogacy Professional Association, a Mental Health Advisor to Parents Via Egg Donation, and was on the board of directors for Fertile Action.

Chananya has been working in the mental health field for over 15 years. He has been a licensed clinician in the state of Connecticut, obtaining his first master’s degree at Post University and obtaining a second master's degree at the New School of Social Research in New York City (#LPC3364). Chananya spent the better part of past decade working with teens and young adults, through psychodynamic and solution focus therapy treatments. He has been trained extensively in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), with ongoing supervision. He is also able to provide counseling services in Hebrew. As his clients progressed into different stages in life, he started working with couples and adults in assisting and working through infertility issues and how they have affected relationships and individuals. Chananya has spent the past few years working with third party reproduction, IVF, and egg donation, and has brought his own personal experience with infertility to assist many of his clients.

Erica is a Licensed Professional Counselor (# 64032) with an enthusiasm for client centered and Solution Focused Therapy. She graduated with a Masters of Science degree from Our Lady of the Lake University where her training focused on brief therapies. Her therapeutic approach is strength based and compassionate allowing the client to formulate goals and discover their abilities in counseling. Early in her career, Erica had the opportunity to work with at-risk youth and teens and soon realized a passion for working with teens and their families. Erica’s experience has expanded to include Infertility counseling and psychological assessments for third party reproduction. She has assisted her clients with issues in Infertility, such grieving the loss of genetics and decisions to utilize a gestational carrier or egg donor. She chose this career path because she is passionate about assisting families, and is thrilled to be a part of the family building process that third party reproduction offers for individuals and couples.

Nicole is a nationally certified Licensed Professional Counselor, who is licensed to practice counseling in several states including Arizona, Alabama, Florida, Idaho, and Mississippi. She holds a master’s degree in Professional Counseling and has been working within the field of mental health in a variety of different capacities for over 12 years. Her work experience comprises inpatient treatment settings utilizing intensive family therapy and experiential modalities, in-home therapy services around parenting and child psychology, community-based services in underprivileged areas, and development and implementation of programming and interventions to promote social-emotional skills in educational settings and detention centers. She has been working solely in private practice for several years now focusing her time on relationships, communication, boundaries, self-regulation, trauma, neurobiology, and identity exploration. Nicole is a proponent of existential and cognitive behavioral therapy methodologies, and she also enjoys tailoring an individualized approach for each client she has the honor to work with. We all need guidance and support from time to time to process the myriad of struggles that life throws our way. Whether you are building a family or supporting the journey of another family, Nicole is here to help along the way. #LPC4074 #LPC19504 #TPMC1103 #LPC2262 #8578

Natalie has worked in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient crisis, adult foster care, schools, and in family homes within the community. She understands that there is immense complexity in each person and family's experience. Natalie's own family is the center of her life - she brings a passion for working with clients who are expanding their family or helping others to be able to do so. She received her BA in Psychology and her MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Bethel University. Natalie is licensed in the state of Minnesota (LMFT3782) and South Dakota (LMFT11538) and is an active member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as the Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy Natalie is interested in third-party reproduction because of the beautiful stories of human resilience, creativity, and altruism that are unique to individuals on that journey. She believes it takes courage for parents experiencing barriers to fertility to move forward with their dream to have a child, and admires the generosity of sperm/egg donors and surrogates to assist these families in realizing their dream.

Ben has worked in the mental health field for over 15 years in areas of practice ranging from dual diagnosis inpatient treatment to youth and families. He found a passion for family building and has worked extensively with both foster and adoptive families in addition to families utilizing assisted reproduction. His clinical work is informed by a social-justice framework that aims to honor and support individuals around their unique experiences. His therapeutic approach is grounded in humanism with strong postmodern influences. Ben is also an instructor at San Francisco State University in the College of Health and Social Sciences and in the Counseling department. Ben is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT116483), Colorado (MFT0001981), and as a Florida Telehealth provider (TPMF332). He is also able to provide counseling services in Hebrew.

Sara resides in central Pennsylvania with her daughter, spouse, and two dogs – Jackson and Lucy. She enjoys traveling to explore different cultures (especially their cuisines), spending time outside, and listening to music from across the globe. Sara earned a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) at Millersville University of Pennsylvania in 2013. She obtained her LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (#SW131217, #ISW03451) in July 2021. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, Sara treats clients with issues including infertility, depression, ADHD, parenting struggles, anxiety, bipolar disorder, as well as issues LGBTQ folks may face in the process of coming out and transitioning. Her introduction to third-party reproduction took place in 2018, when her dear friend began IVF to conceive her son, who is now 9 months old! Because of how important she feels support is for this population of people, she decided to take the leap and dive further into the field by providing services through Bryman Counseling Associates. Sara is proud and excited to be part of this national team!

Patti worked in the criminal justice system for 33 years before retiring in 2014. She was a parole/probation officer, program administrator, and retired as a supervisor within a U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services agency. Upon retiring, Patti decided she wanted to continue to help people but from a different perspective, which led her to return to school for her counseling degree. Patti is compassionate and has a caring spirit for others as they work through life’s transitions. Upon relocating to Iowa, she began working with children and adults. Patti seeks to help stop generational dysfunctions, giving individuals and families the hope of attaining a better future for themselves and their children. She is excited to be working with those who desire to create a family for themselves or for others. Helping people fulfill their heart’s longing with adding children to their lives or someone else’s life is rewarding. #091136

Chyrese is a licensed clinical social worker. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in psychology and a certificate in criminology and corrections. Shortly after, she earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Utah. She has been practicing for six years. Before joining Bryman Counseling Associates, Chyrese's experience has primarily been in substance use working with inmates to reduce relapse potential by facilitating groups such as, grief and loss, trauma, anger management, and criminology. After working for several years in the substance use field, Chyrese realized that her true passion was in the field of perinatal social work. She has a strong value for family and understands the many challenges that come with it. She wants to support and guide individuals on their journey as they establish their own family. Chyrese currently resides in Utah with her husband, two children, and two dogs. License # 9829780-3501

Sophia is a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. She is also a full-time counselor and part-time lecturer at Pepperdine University. She received her postgraduate training at the Beck Institute of Cognitive Behavior Therapy – the pioneer of Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Sophia specializes in solution-focused and evidence-based treatment to help you improve your life in the most efficient way. She is also able to provide therapeutic services in Mandarin. Sophia works with clients regarding a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, substance use, life transitions, relationship/marital problems, and more. She understands her clients through their own life and cultural experiences; thus, she customizes her treatment approach individually. Sophia wants to help her clients achieve what they truly want in life, whether that be having a family or helping others start a family. And she wants to be the support they need through their journey. #LMFT116293

Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Master Level Social Worker (#LCSW52617), with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies and Child Development from the University of Arizona. She graduated in 2001 and returned to her home state of Texas, where she received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Lauren has a passion for working with young children and families and enjoys watching the growth of her clients. She has been performing adoption studies since 2008, custody evaluations and counseling services since 2014, and has worked closely with a few nonprofit organizations to provide support to first responder families, as she has been married to a police officer since 2010. Lauren started her journey working in third party reproduction in 2018. She had already been counseling individuals going through infertility and completing social studies for adoption. From a young age in her career, she has aspired to bring families together any way she can. Third party reproduction has become another avenue to continue in this goal.

Rachel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#2015041984) in Missouri. She graduated from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis in 2011 with her MSW. She has worked in a variety of treatment settings including intensive outpatient group therapy and community-based mental health. Rachel feels strongly about tailoring treatment to each individual and that trust is the cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship. She became interested in third-party reproductive services when she was struggling with building her own family and knows first-hand the importance of this work. She has been married to her wonderful husband for 5 years and together, they have a toddler.

Samantha is a nationally certified counselor with a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Hawaii, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of a Montana and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Wyoming. Samantha also holds her certifications as a Clinical Telemental Health Provider (CTMH) as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). She has over a decade of experience working in a variety of fields, including trauma, early childhood development, child and adolescent crisis, intensive-in-home family therapy, and private practice working with children, adolescents, families and couples. Samantha is excited to support those who are on the journey to become parents, and those who are willing to help make someone’s dream of becoming a parent, a reality. Samantha shares a deep understanding of the emotional roller coaster some are forced to ride when it comes to creating a family. #MHC-537 #BBH-LCPC-LIC-36223 #LPC-1886

Kimberly has been in the mental health field for over a decade, and has worked in a variety of settings, such as community mental health, school-based services, hospital in the crisis and emergency departments, and hospice. During her career she has worked with all ages and populations. As a military spouse, she has had the privilege to live across the country in several states as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Kimberly obtained her Bachelor in Social Work from Indiana State University, and her Master’s in Counseling from Butler University. Kimberly had undergone several different fertility treatments in a span of a decade, and had her own miracle IVF baby in 2021. Kimberly is eager to support those helping others create their own families through third-party reproductive services; and support future parents through their own odyssey within the world of infertility. Kimberly feels truly blessed to be part of this work, and looks forward to assisting other families bring home their own miracle children. Kimberly is currently licensed in Colorado (LPC.00153351), Florida (Telehealth- TPMC1522), Indiana (39003211A), Texas (87655), and Wyoming (LPC-1985). Kimberly is a National Board Certified Counselor. Kimberly is an active member in the Wyoming Counseling Association, American Counseling Association, and American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Megan has over a decade of experience working with children and parents in a variety of settings. She has worked with children experiencing grief and loss, with foster families, and with children with developmental and psychiatric conditions. Megan is passionate about evidence-based practice and uses cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and parent training and education in her work. She recognizes the importance of flexibility and adapts her practice to meet the unique needs of each client. She received both her Bachelors and Masters in Social Work from New York University. Megan is licensed in both California and New Jersey and is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and SEEDS. Megan is passionate about her role in the assisted reproduction journey. She is eager to support those who are on the journey to becoming parents and those who are offering their help to give hope to these intended parents. #LCSW28112 #LCSW44SC05887300

Samantha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#LMFT125389) who received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Northridge and her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute. Prior to joining Bryman Counseling Associates, Samantha worked in school-based programs, residential/outpatient treatment facilities, and in private practice where she gained extensive training on working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families treating co-occurring disorders. Through her experience, she has developed therapeutic expertise with individuals who suffer from addiction, depression, and anxiety using a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) informed approach, with an overarching focus in Mindfulness. Samantha is also a mother of two and she is passionate about fostering positive environments in which families can thrive. With Samantha’s strong understanding of family dynamics and healthy cognitive development and functioning in individuals, Samantha is confident in her ability to help support families in their assisted reproduction journey.

Debbie brings with her thirty years of experience working with diverse populations as a social worker and a clinician. Debbie has worked in child and adult psychiatry, school-based education and counseling programs, and on crisis response teams for victims of sexual violence and child abuse. She is passionate about utilizing her clinical skills and enthusiasm to support those who are working towards growing families. Debbie is licensed in California and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Psychology. She received her Masters in Social Work from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is an active member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, ASRM Mental Health Professional Group, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, National Association of Social Workers, and SEEDS. #LCSW23978

For more than 20 years, Dr. R has practiced psychotherapy. Today within her second career as a designated Professional Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation, Dr. R’s passion is working with women, especially those approaching 50 and beyond, helping them quiet their inner Self-doubt, recognize their blind spots, coaching them to step into being their best selves. She finds helping those who are on the journey with assisted reproduction extremely fulfilling and hopes she can provide and comfort guidance throughout this trying process. #MFT28697 #LF00000818

Stephanie has over 20 years of experience supporting families in a variety of settings. Stephanie is passionate about working with families on their journey to becoming parents and navigating parenthood itself, no matter what that looks like. She recognizes that the journey to parenthood is unique to each person and that there are countless ways of creating a family that are all equally valid and loving. The generosity of those that are helping families along this path is admirable and courageous. Stephanie has been working as a clinician in Vermont since 1998 and has experience in domestic and international adoption and supporting families around pregnancy related loss and infertility. She has specialized in perinatal mental health, difficult pregnancies, postpartum planning, and processing birth stories. Stephanie earned her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Vermont in 2000 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2002. (#LICSW 089.0001014) Stephanie is excited to be part of Bryman Counseling Associates and to be working in the field of Third Party Reproduction. She considers it an honor and privilege to share in this journey with both Intended Parents as well as those that are helping to make those dreams come true. Stephanie lives in Vermont with her husband and two children. Stephanie and her family enjoy being active outdoors. Their favorite activities include skiing, biking and traveling.

As a LMFT (#124271) and RN, Robyn strives to understand her clients, and their life experiences, to provide effective, holistic care, allowing clients to derive the best possible outcomes. As a trauma informed clinician, Robyn helps clients resolve the impact of childhood and other traumatic experiences. Regardless of the approach Robyn uses, you’ll find her to be warm, genuine, understanding, and a compassionate listener. She creates a safe environment in which clients can share difficult feelings, achieve healing, personal growth, self-acceptance, and ultimately, enhance their ability to nurture deep and loving relationships with themselves, and others. It was Robyn’s own challenges with infertility, two high risk pregnancies, and difficult births that inspired her to work with individuals and couples facing similar life events. Robyn loves entertaining family and friends, hiking with Cody, her emotional therapy dog, spending time at the beach, and traveling to new and exotic places.

Lisa has spent the last seven years working with patients and families to provide compassionate support, in difficult medical settings. Known to be welcoming, kind, and accepting she is excited to bring her joy and expertise to Bryman Counseling Associates. Lisa is located in Durham NC, with her dog and cats. She enjoys singing and spending time with her friends and family. Lisa is excited to be a part of Bryman Counseling Associates. Many of her friends and family have had children through fertility treatments and donations. They are some of the deepest and most meaningful relationships and she is delighted to have the opportunity to assist others in their journey. #131877

Dr. Sehrish T is a licensed clinical psychologist. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University in 2016. During her doctorate, Dr. T developed a cyberbullying program for the LGBTQ population. Dr. T is ICDVP (Domestic Violence Professional) certified. Dr. T specializes in psychological and neuropsychological testing, infertility, individual, family and group psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and adults addressing family and peer conflict, oppositional or risk taking behavior, attention disorders, parenting/discipline problems, domestic violence, eating disorders, academic motivation and school failure, ADHD, alcohol and other drug issues, depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorders. Dr. T is very excited to help and support parents and individuals who are going to be part of this difficult journey. She understands the difficult process and emotional strain individuals go through during their journey of creating a family for themselves and for helping others. She feels that support is very important during this difficult time. #071.009887 #024356 #6301018806 #CV2005365 #TPPY521 PSYPACT#9063