I Value Relationships and Service
Growing up, I experienced traumas within my family, schools and community in upstate New York. I was highly sensitive and didn't fit the mold of a typical "boy". Even though I often was harassed and shamed for who I was, I also had several family members, teachers and mentors along the way who aided me in recognizing that I am beautiful and perfect as I am. They encouraged me to focus my rage and wounding into the commitment I hold today: to help others to heal and shine.
My History
I was taught the value of serving the community as a young person. Since I was 14, I have been caring for and working with others to facilitate social justice and harmony of the mind body and spirit.
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 (EFT or Tapping) in 2009.
In 2010, I went back to graduate school and completed my Masters in Counseling Psychology at CIIS. I became licensed in 2015 and now provide psychotherapy and relationship coaching to individuals and couples in the Bay Area – and love my work!
A Note On Power & Privilege
I understand that I have a lot of privilege as a white, cisgendered male in a higher socio economic class. My identity privileges growing up supported me to get the education, training and the power position I’m in as a healer and licensed therapist today.
I strive to be aware & responsible and use my position to support others in feeling connected, empowered and cared for.
Being queer has influenced my passion for making an impact on the institutions and systems of oppression.
I will have blindspots, and believe more safety and repair occurs when we can have open, honest dialogues with an intention to help each other learn and grow.
Education
Masters in Counseling Psychology • California Institute of Integral Studies • San Francisco, CA • 2013
Multiple Subject Credential & Masters in Teaching • USF • San Francisco, CA • 2006
Bachelors of Arts (Major: Education) • Eugene Lang College, New School University • New York City, NY • 2004
Professional Training
“Bringing Radical Aliveness Into The World” Facilitator Training with Ann Bradney • San Francisco, CA • 2023-present
“Peer led Client Consultation Group” • San Francisco, CA • 2022-present
“Integrating ISTDP & PACT with Couples” Group with Diane Byster • San Francisco, CA • 2022-present
“Transforming Resistance: Trauma Training” ISTDP Group with Steve Shapiro • San Francisco, CA • 2021-2022
“Exceptional Marriage Mentoring” Embodied Couples Training with Brian Gleason • San Francisco, CA • 2019-2020
“Radical Aliveness Core Energetics” Training with Ann Bradney • Los Angeles, CA • 2018-2021
“PACT Couples Consultation Group" with Hans Stahlschmidt • Berkeley, CA • 2018-2020
“Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) II” Training with Stan Tatkin • Berkeley, CA • 2018-2019
“Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) I & II” Training with Hans Stahlschmidt • Berkeley, CA • 2016-2018
“AEDP Essential Skills I & II” with Karen Pando-Mars • San Francisco, CA • 2015-2017
“Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) Training” with Chip Cooper • San Francisco, CA • 2016
“Couples Consultation Group" with Dr. Michael Klein • San Francisco, CA • 2014-2016
“Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) Immersion Course” with Diana Fosha • Vancouver, BC • 2014
“EFT Advanced Core Skills” with Rebecca Jorgensen • San Francisco, CA • 2014
“The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy” with Dr. Ellyn Bader • San Francisco, CA • 2013-14
“Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Couples Externship” with Dr. Scott Woolley and Dr. Lisa Palmer-Olsen • San Diego, CA • 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
“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 Core Energetics, but it is CRAZY powerful. If you’re even slightly curious, just try it. It’s transformative.”
I look forward to meeting you!
Contact me for a free 20-minute chat to see if we’d be a good fit to work together.
415.890.3773