Branden Hidalgo is a third-year Psy.D. student of Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School, currently honing his skills as a DBT therapist extern at The Chicago DBT Institute. Since entering his doctoral program in 2022, he has earned a M.A. degree in clinical psychology and has enjoyed studying his various interests in clinical, forensic, and health psychology. In his undergraduate studies, Branden was a research assistant in two clinical psychology labs studying anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. After earning a double bachelor's degree in computer science and psychology, Branden worked as a behavior technician, delivering ABA therapy to children and teens on the autism spectrum.

As a practicum student extern at CDBTI, Branden is dedicated to learning and practicing the skills of DBT. Branden channels his passion for holistic health and wellness into his therapeutic approach with clients using DBT-adherent, evidence-based practices. Branden believes the quality of the relationship with his clients is paramount in the therapeutic process. As such, Branden values meeting his clients where they are at, fostering a warm, trusting, and validating environment while also using direct and honest communication to help his clients to better understand themselves and find their way through difficult times. Striking a balance between warmth, empathy, humor, and practical skills use, Branden provides a space for his clients to feel safe and comfortable as they expand their comfort zones, pursue their goals, and overcome the turbulence that life sometimes brings. With a keen interest in the mind-body connection and experience in behavioral intervention, Branden strives to help clients develop practical skills, such as breathing and visualization techniques, to manage emotions, navigate relationships, foster personal growth, and facilitate lasting change. As a cancer survivor, Branden has personal experience in managing the unpredictable adversity that life sometimes throws at us. Branden believes these experiences have contributed to his personal growth, and he often leans on them to inform his empathy and compassion with his clients. Branden is dedicated to helping his clients harness their innate potential and live more fulfilling lives through the transformative power of DBT therapy.

In his personal life, Branden enjoys exercising, playing video games, reading, watching his favorite shows, and spending time with his fiancé and family. Branden is a life-long Cubs and Bears fan, despite their many challenges, and enjoys watching their games both at home and in the stands. Branden loves finding new ways to push himself out of his comfort zone by doing fun, new activities that challenge his physical and mental toughness. In his senior year of college, Branden went on a challenging 10-day vipassana meditation retreat to help strengthen his mindfulness meditation skills. Branden goes skydiving every summer with his family and friends, an activity he has enjoyed for the past three years and counting. Additionally, he recently participated in his first adventure race, wherein he and his team ran, biked, and kayaked through the wilderness collecting as many checkpoints as possible within an 8-hour time limit. Branden also loves animals and welcomes any of his clients to bring their furry canine companions to sessions.