Mary Kay Brennan, DSW (University of St. Thomas and St Catherine University), MSW (University of Michigan), LICSW, is a Clinical Professor and the Director of the Baccalaureate Social Work program at Seattle University. She has been a faculty member at SU since 2002, helping to develop the BSW generalist and MSW clinical programs. Dr. Brennan teaches generalist and advanced clinical practice, human development courses, mental health diagnosis, and trauma-informed work with children. Her scholarly interests include the training of clinical skills using videotaped simulation and self-reflection in a performance lab setting, pedagogical application of social learning theory, and anti-oppressive practice lens in clinical preparation.
Before transitioning into academia, Dr. Brennan was a practicing clinical social worker and supervisor in mental health and school-based settings. Dr. Brennan is an independent licensed clinical worker (WA -LICSW). She has advanced education and training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, child therapy, and trauma treatment. Areas of clinical specialization include children’s mental health, play therapy, sexual abuse and trauma treatment, crisis response within the school setting and adult insight-oriented psychotherapy.
Dr. Brennan has participated in numerous Jesuit formation opportunities; highlights include the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life and St. Ignatius Spain pilgrimage. She is an honorary member of Alpha Sigma Nu, Jesuit Honor Society and is a SU Faculty Associate for Mission Integration.