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!
I transitioned from research into counseling because I really love reading and talking with people about relationships. Also, I feel like I have a knack for helping. 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.
My clients are very high-functioning, motivated, and committed to making changes in their love life and I love providing them with tools and techniques so that they can reach their potential and ultimately stop coming to therapy. I know your time and money is valuable so I try to be as structured and goal-oriented as possible. The field of psychology is constantly evolving. I focus on keeping up with the latest research through reading books, articles, and training with the world-leaders in the field of relationship and sex therapy. I am proud to say I'm a lifelong learner and see the benefits in my therapy sessions. I enjoy hearing how well my clients are doing and seeing their progress in treatment. I am so glad you are here. On behalf of Affinity Counseling Group, welcome!
"As a relationship therapist, I'm passionate about helping people through their most difficult sex, love, and relationship concerns" - Ciara Braun, MA LPC NCC CST
Professional Credentials:
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10 years of clinical experience. Licensed psychotherapist.
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National Certified Counselor; AASECT Certified Sex Therapist.
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Featured in HOUR Detroit magazine as "Top Doc" for 2018 and 2019.
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Post-Graduate Training, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
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Masters of Counseling, Oakland University with Highest Honors.
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Valedictorian, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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Secretary and Founding Member of Michigan Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy
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Completed Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship and Core Skills Training (Level 2) and Level 1 and 2 Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Training
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Ongoing Post-Training EFT Supervision; EFT Training Helper; Board Member Michigan EFT; Member of ICEEFT
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Gottman Level 3 Couples Training. Cognitive Behavioral training and techniques.
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Advanced post-graduate training in infidelity and couples therapy.
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Continuing education and collaboration with Esther Perel, Sue Johnson, The Gottmans, Brene Brown and more.
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Background in research and experimental psychology.
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Cross cultural focus in couples and relationships, blended marriages, dual citizens and expats.
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Studies in London, England at Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.
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Travels to 22 countries.
Expertise:
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Couples therapy and individual issues
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Relationship related concerns
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Intimacy and sex therapy
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Infidelity and divorce recovery
- Non-monogamy / polyamory
Associations
