Meet Me

Hi, I’m Brian Freeman.

As the proud owner of The Couch Counseling, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Qualified Clinical Supervisor, & specially trained trauma therapist in Florida, I have built my clinical practice on a simple foundation: meeting people where they are with genuine care, deep respect, & evidence-based treatment.

My path into mental health began right here in Ocala, teaching at an alternative school for at-risk youth immediately after college. Working directly with students—& later with children in an inpatient residential psychiatric facility—showed me firsthand the profound, lasting imprint that early trauma leaves on a person's life. That pivotal experience inspired me to pursue my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling & dedicate my career to trauma recovery & healing.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with clients from all walks of life—serving as a clinician in some of the nation’s top residential trauma treatment facilities as well as in private practice. I specialize in evidence-based modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), & Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Whether you are working through complex trauma, managing intense anxiety, or navigating significant life challenges, I bring a grounded, compassionate, & experienced approach to help you process the past & build a resilient future.

My academic foundation began at the University of North Florida, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, followed by a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida, I bring over six years of dedicated experience guiding individuals through trauma, emotional distress, & life transitions.

Throughout my career in both specialized residential treatment facilities & private practice, I’ve centered my clinical work around evidence-based, results-driven care. I am advanced-trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), & Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR).

By integrating these modalities, I help clients process deep-seated trauma, develop practical tools for emotional regulation, & create meaningful, lasting change in their daily lives.

At my core, my work is driven by a genuine love for human connection.

Having navigated my own life journey, I intimately understand how heavy it can feel when you feel unheard or misunderstood. That’s why a cornerstone of my therapeutic style is centered on open, honest communication.

No one should have to walk through trauma or life's hardest moments feeling alone. My goal is to ensure that from the moment you sit down with me, you know your voice is valued, your words are important, & your story matters. Together, we’ll build a supportive, human-first space where you feel genuinely seen & respected.

Therapy should be a space where you can drop the mask & just be human.

My clinical style is relaxed, grounded, & approachable. My first priority is creating a safe, comfortable environment where you can bring your completely unfiltered self—without fear of judgment, pretense, or clinical coldness.

At the same time, as a seasoned therapist, I bring a strong work ethic & high clinical standards to our sessions. Creating a comfortable space doesn't mean standing still; I will kindly & consistently challenge you to grow, reframe unhelpful patterns, & step into your full strength.

Ultimate success in therapy isn't staying in counseling forever—it’s outgrowing it. My goal is to equip you with practical, evidence-based tools & lasting resilience so that you can navigate life’s challenges with confidence & , when you’re ready, step forward into long-term independence.

EMDR therapy, Trauma, PTSD, CBT & DBT therapy, & Codependency & Depression. 

*EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

*PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)

*CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

*DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)

• Addiction
• Alcohol Use
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Behavioral Issues
• Bipolar Disorder
• CBT
• Codependency
• Coping Skills  
• DBT   
• Depression                                                          
• Divorce
• Domestic Violence   
• EMDR                                               
• Family Conflict
• Life Transitions
• Men's Groups
• Men's Issues                                                         
• Peer Relationships
• PTSD
• Relationship Issues
• Self Esteem
• Self-Harming                                                         
• Sexual Abuse
• Sexual Addiction                                           
• Substance Abuse
• Trauma  
• Veteran's Counseling                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

At the heart of my personal life & clinical practice sit three core values: family, hard work, & healthy relationships. These principles shape how I live, how I practice, & how I show up for my clients every single day.

My mission in therapy is to create a safe, secure, & reliable anchor for you. I know how much energy it takes to keep your guard up in the outside world, & our sessions are designed to be a sanctuary where you can finally let that weight down.

But true healing doesn't happen in comfort alone. Paired with that safe foundation is a deep commitment to your progress. I will actively encourage & challenge you to break free from old patterns, lean into meaningful growth, & make the life-altering, life-improving changes necessary to build healthy relationships & a fulfilling future.

Brian D. Freeman, MA, LMHC, EMDR Trained

• State: Florida 
• License: MH19010
• License: Qualified Clinical Supervisor
• Training: EMDR
• Training: CBT
• Training: DBT