Who am I?'
"Perhaps the most important existential question ever asked! I believe that we are (at least in part) what we feel. After a bumpy life journey, I feel grateful and content, mostly happy but sometimes scared, too! I believe in honesty as the best policy for individual growth, both with others and with ourselves".
"I believe in turning around and facing the shadows that cause us fear and drag us down, mentally and emotionally. As we become stronger, we also become gentler and more at peace. Helping others find their peace is extremely rewarding. I see counselling as an epic journey, daunting at first, difficult and uncomfortable at times, but ultimately, enriching and rewarding.
I was raised in Washington D.C. and lived on both coasts of the USA before coming to Aberdeen in 2011. In the US, I studied International Relations and have worked in large private companies as well as large US government agencies. I came to counselling first as a client in search of answers and understanding of my past. As my healing began, I realised that I wanted to help others do the same, and I began my journey to becoming a counsellor. In learning about self, we can also gain understanding about others and learn how to manage relationships. This is why I decided to gain additional qualification in relationship counselling, working with couples to help them work on the dynamics of their relationship."
Brendan received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations from Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland in 1995, and an MSc International Relations from the University of Aberdeen in 2012. He went on to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma (with Distinction) in Person-Centred Counselling from the University of Aberdeen in 2020, and in 2022 he received his Certificate in Couples Counselling (CC-Cert) from Relationships Scotland and also became a qualified counselling supervisor, having received his Certificate in Creative Supervision that same year from the Jenny Biancardi Consultancy (BPA Accredited - UK Council for Psychotherapy) so that he can supervise other qualified counsellors or counselling volunteers.
Brendan is a Registered Member with BACP and a Counsellor Member with COSCA. He receives regular monthly supervision for his work ensuring client anonymity is maintained throughout. His personal development continues through attendance of CPD workshops and other professional development seminars and courses. Brendan is also PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) Registered with Disclosure Scotland.
