I Value Relationships and Service
I began my professional journey as a Kindergarten teacher from New York City, and worked in the public school system in Manhattan and San Francisco for 6 years. While engaged in education theory and practice, I was highly involved in healing arts and mental health communities with personal and professional fascination.
It was a natural transition for me to move into coaching as I discovered my passion for working with adults as well as children. I created my own company, Holistic Life, as a vehicle to deliver cutting edge services such as Holistic Coaching and Energy Psychology in 2009.
In 2013, I completed my Masters in Counseling Psychology at CIIS. I now provide psychotherapy and relationship coaching to individuals and couples in the Bay Area – and love my work!
Education
- Masters in Counseling Psychology (2013) at California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA
- Multiple Subject Credential & Masters in Teaching (2004-2006) at USF, San Francisco, CA
- Bachelors of Arts (2004) at Eugene Lang College, New School University, Major: Education, San Francisco, CA
Professional Training
- Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) Training with Hans Stahlschmidt, Berkeley, CA 2016
- Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) Training with Chip Cooper, San Francisco, CA 2016
- AEDP Essential Skills with Karen Pando-Mars, San Francisco, CA 2015-2016
- Couples Consultation Group with Dr. Michael Klein, San Francisco, CA 2014 Ongoing
- Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) Immersion Course with Diana Fosha, Vancouver, BC 2014
- EFT Advanced Core Skills Trainings with Rebecca Jorgensen, San Francisco, CA 2014
- Level 3 Internship Training Program at Oak Creek Counseling Center, Private Practice Internship – Somatic and Humanistic Psychotherapy with Drew Hutchinson, MFT, San Francisco, CA 2014
- The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy with Dr. Ellyn Bader, San Francisco, CA 2013 – 2014
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Couples Externship with Dr. Scott Woolley and Dr. Lisa Palmer-Olsen, San Diego, CA 2013
- Level 2 Internship Training Program at Bayview Hunters Point Foundation for Community Improvement – Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychotherapy with Sheryl Pliskin, MFT, San Francisco, CA 2013-2014
- Level 1 Practicum Training Program at The Clinic Without Walls – Psychodynamic and Dialectical Behavioral Psychotherapy with Mark Purcell, PsyD, San Francisco, CA 2012-2013
- Non-Violent Communication Foundations 1 & 2 through BayNVC with Nancy Kahn, San Francisco, CA 2012
- Holistic Life Coaching Credential Program at The Spencer Institute, Los Angeles, CA 2009
- Levels I, II & III Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner Certification, San Francisco & San Diego, CA 2009-2010
Testimonials
“My husband and I went to see Brendan to decide if we needed a divorce - things were terrible between us - and I literally had to drag my my husband there. After just the first month, there was a ton more listening and warmth between us. Brendan really helped us see the positive in each other and he’s so encouraging and loving. We are doing so much better and still go in for “tune ups” when we need it.”
“I’ve been working with Brendan for a year and my life has changed immensely. I was so depressed with the dating scene and really needed some help figuring out why I couldn’t find Mr. Right. Brendan’s caring and direct style really works for me, and I learned there was nothing “wrong” with me - just really wounded from family and past guys. Now I’m learning to love being alone and seem to be manifesting awesome dates - ironic, right? Brendan is a really encouraging and authentic therapist, I think he’d be able to help almost anyone.”
“Brendan is doing exactly what he should be doing on this planet. His warmth, sincerity, and intuitive nature allow him to access people on a deeper level where real work can be done. I am so grateful to have known him and worked with him through his program. Also, I don’t know how to explain MTT, but it is CRAZY powerful. If you’re even slightly curious, just try it. It’s transformative.”
“Brendan is so good at what he does because he has spent the time working on himself as a person and he applies what he’s learned in his life’s journey to his clients. He makes it a priority to get to know his clients on a deeper level and tailors his approach depending on that person’s unique needs and preferences. Brendan has a way of making everyone feel understood and he gives 100% of his love and expertise to every person he encounters.”