Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Bradford Gastón.
Hi Irene, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into therapy began in an AP Psychology class in high school, where I immediately fell in love with the study of human behavior. Having navigated my own mental health challenges and complex relationship dynamics, I knew early on that I wanted to help others find the same clarity and healing that therapy brought me.
Before becoming a full-time therapist, I spent several years working with children with autism and later with at-risk youth. Those experiences gave me deep compassion and an appreciation for human resilience. After earning my master’s degree, I worked in community mental health before discovering my true calling in couples and relationship therapy.
In 2018, I began working with couples and multi-partnered relationships. I quickly realized how much I loved helping people strengthen or clarify their relationships. The Gottman Method resonated deeply with me — its structured, research-based approach helped me understand conflict and personal accountability in a new way. Later, I discovered Discernment Counseling, which offered a compassionate framework for couples uncertain about whether to stay together or part ways. Having personally benefited from both approaches, I was drawn to help others find the same clarity and grace in their own transitions.
My curiosity about human sexuality and connection naturally led me to specialize in sex therapy, particularly around ethical non-monogamy, kink, and the diverse ways people express intimacy. I believe sexuality and relationships are essential aspects of who we are — and everyone deserves a space to explore them without shame.
Trauma is another thread that weaves through many of our lives, often surfacing in subtle ways. EMDR therapy has been a transformative tool in helping clients rewire their responses and heal deeply.
Today, in my private practice, success means helping people live in alignment with their values and reconnect with their authentic selves. I believe every person has innate worth and resilience, and that we’re all meant for connection — even in life’s messiest, most human moments.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but I don’t think growth ever is. Like many therapists, my path has been shaped by both personal and professional challenges. I’ve experienced my own mental health struggles and complicated relationship dynamics, and those experiences taught me empathy in a way no training ever could. Learning to hold space for others while also tending to my own healing has been one of the hardest and most humbling parts of this work.
Building a private practice was both thrilling and terrifying. Leaving the structure of a clinic to create something on my own meant taking big emotional and financial risks. There were times I wondered if I could make it work, or if people would connect with the kind of therapy I offer — especially in areas like sexuality, ethical non-monogamy, and relationship transitions.
Adding motherhood into the mix has been its own beautiful challenge. Being a therapist requires deep emotional presence, and being a mother demands the same — often in completely different ways. There are days when I move from holding clients’ pain to soothing a child’s tears, trying to stay grounded through both. Finding balance, setting boundaries, and giving myself grace have become essential skills.
Even with all the bumps, I wouldn’t trade this path for anything. Every challenge — professional or personal — has deepened my compassion, strengthened my resilience, and reminded me that healing and connection are lifelong journeys we all share.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Irene Bradford Counseling ?
I’m the owner of a private therapy practice that specializes in relationships, sexuality, and trauma. My work centers around helping individuals, couples, and those in multi-partnered relationships llive more authentically, communicate more clearly, and connect more deeply — with themselves and with others.
I work with couples and individuals in all kinds of relationship structures, including monogamous, non-monogamous, and kink-affirming partnerships. My approach is warm, collaborative, and straightforward. I use evidence-based methods like the Gottman Method for relationships, EMDR for trauma, and Discernment Counseling for couples who are uncertain about staying together. I also provide sex therapy that’s inclusive, nonjudgmental, and grounded in the belief that our sexuality is a vital part of our overall wellbeing.
What sets my practice apart is the combination of professional training and lived experience I bring to the work. I understand what it’s like to navigate complex relationships, identity, and personal growth — and I meet my clients with that same empathy, curiosity, and respect. My clients often tell me that they feel truly seen and understood for the first time, which is the greatest compliment I could ever receive.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of creating a space that feels safe, affirming, and real. Therapy doesn’t have to be clinical or distant; it can be deeply human. I believe healing happens in connection — and that includes laughter, honesty, and sometimes a bit of messiness along the way.
I want readers to know that my work is about more than “fixing problems.” It’s about helping people live in alignment with their values, rediscover joy, and cultivate relationships that feel authentic and alive. Whether you’re healing from trauma, exploring your identity, or simply trying to communicate better with your partner(s), therapy can be a place to rebuild — and reimagine — your life.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was shy as a young child and felt a little more comfortable with adults over children. I loved arts and crafts, dress up, and reading, which I still do.
I’ve always been very social and was frequently in trouble for talking in school.
Pricing:
- 233/60 min session
- 175/45 min
Contact Info:
- Website: https://IreneBradfordCounseling.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-bradford-736a5238b/
