About Ciara Braun, MA, LPC, NCC, CST
I've always had an interest in relationships and what makes them work. As a doctoral student, I started out in the research world... evolutionary psychology, and the study of couples and sex specifically. I found there were a plethora of studies out there about people who felt unfulfilled in their romantic relationship or cheated on their partners, men who exhibited out of control sexual behaviors, or women with low sexual desire… but fewer research articles on techniques to help those individuals work through their difficulties and have a satisfying relationship. And even fewer therapists who felt comfortable discussing these issues with their clients!
This gap between research and real-world solutions led me to transition from academia to clinical practice. I genuinely love exploring the complexities of relationships and have discovered I have a natural ability to help people navigate their most intimate challenges.
A Different Approach to Therapy
When I started Affinity Counseling Group, I wanted to do something different. I wanted my practice to reflect my unique skills and insights with an emphasis on evidence-based treatments for couples and individuals with relationship-related concerns only. I don't treat children or substance abuse or individuals with severe mental health concerns... I refer those clients to specialized therapists in those fields because I believe GOOD therapy comes from being good at a few things, not all things.
Who I Work With
My clients are high-functioning, motivated individuals who are genuinely committed to transforming their love lives. I'm passionate about providing them with practical tools and research-backed techniques that create lasting change. My goal is always to help you reach your relationship potential and ultimately graduate from therapy. Because I know your time and investment are valuable, I maintain a structured, goal-oriented approach that maximizes our sessions together.
Staying Current in an Evolving Field
Psychology and relationship science are constantly advancing, and I'm committed to staying at the forefront of these developments. I regularly engage with the latest research, attend trainings with world-renowned experts in relationship and sex therapy, and continuously expand my knowledge through professional literature. As a lifelong learner, I bring these cutting-edge insights directly into my practice, and I see the tangible benefits in every session. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than hearing about my clients' progress and witnessing their relationships flourish.
Welcome to Affinity Counseling Group—I'm so glad you're here.
Professional Credentials:
- 10 years of clinical experience. Licensed psychotherapist.
- National Certified Counselor; AASECT Certified Sex Therapist.
- Featured in HOUR Detroit magazine as "Top Doc" for 2018 and 2019.
- Post-Graduate Training, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
- Masters of Counseling, Oakland University with Highest Honors.
- Valedictorian, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Secretary and Founding Member of Michigan Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Completed Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship and Core Skills Training (Level 2); Level 1 and 2 Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Training
- Ongoing Post-Training EFT Supervision; EFT Training Helper; Board Member Michigan EFT; Member of ICEEFT
- Gottman Level 3 Couples Training. Internal Family Systems (IFS) training and techniques.
- Advanced post-graduate training in infidelity and couples therapy.
- Continuing education and collaboration with Esther Perel, Sue Johnson, The Gottmans, Martha Kauppi, Brene Brown and more.
- Background in research and experimental psychology.
- Cross cultural focus in couples and relationships, dual citizens and expats.
- Studies in London, England at Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.
- Travels to 25 countries.
Expertise:
- Couples therapy and individual issues
- Relationship related concerns
- Intimacy and sex therapy
- Infidelity and separation recovery
- Non-monogamy / polyamory
Ciara's style is based in attachment science, Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method for couples, and parts work utilizing Internal Family Systems (IFS). Her approach is structured and research-oriented with an emphasis on understanding patterns and monitoring progress. She provides counseling and consultation, teaches psychotherapy skills, speaks for professional audiences, and blogs regularly. Ciara also works with other therapists to find their unique passions and help them develop their own thriving practice. Ciara is available by appointment only.
Associations
