Why Brendan?

Why Work With Brendan?

The relationship between you and your therapist is everything. To fully benefit from therapy, you must feel comfortable being your truest self. I provide an open, grounded, and authentic space for you to just be you.

Made in the South Bay
As a South Bay native, I grew up in this community- from Junior Lifeguards and Mira Costa to the local music and skate scenes. And while I love our bubble culture, I also understand its unique and very real challenges. I’m grateful to still live here with my wife and our two dogs, and I am dedicated to supporting the community that supported and shaped me.

An Integrated Perspective
I believe in the whole person experience. I don’t look at people as a set of symptoms; I see the individual in front of me. Our work focuses on the intersection of your social life, physical habits- movement, sleep, and nutrition- and your psychological goals, ensuring your lifestyle supports your growth.

Clinical and Practical
My background is a blend of clinical training and real-world experience. While I bring 15 years of mental health experience and education to the room, I also have many more lived and formative experiences, the discipline and determination of boxing training and coaching, and the cultural perspectives gained from international travels, and living and working in Japan.

“The meaning of life is that it is to be lived.”

Bruce lee

Background & Experience

  • Clinical Foundation:
    Two Master’s Degrees in General and Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.
  • Neurodiversity:
    Over a decade of experience with Neurodiverse individuals, including certification as a UCLA PEERS® Provider and five years as an ABA Case Supervisor.
  • Cultural Perspective:
    Basic conversational Japanese. I lived in Japan for three years (2000-2003) and passed the National Japanese Language Proficiency Test, levels 4 and 3.
  • Mentorship:
    Trained and mentored by renowned clinicians, Kevin Sousa, LMFT, and Dr. Michael Collins.
  • Alternative Modalities:
    Registered Pet Therapy team with my poodle, Yuuki, and Ocean Therapist with the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation.
  • Disciplined Determination:
    Licensed USA Amateur Boxing Coach and graduate of the Human Potential Institute.