Brendon Braithwaite

About Me as a Human…

When I am not in therapy-land, you can find me:

You can find me spending some of my time at my computer searching for new recipes to try or playing videogames. If I'm not there I'm usually playing with my cats or watching tv shows with my fiancee. During the summer I can be found on camping trips to BC or visiting my family farm to help with the gardening. Whenever I get a chance to read, I tend to go for science fiction or book about psychological phenomena. My most recent read was the Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt. Currently I'm reading Dune by Frank Herbert.

Self Care:

The main course of my self care is stress-relief through strength training. Currently that means lifting free weights in my home office with a tv show or movie on. I find that occasional walks with my fiancee or some competitive videogames with my friends are also great for keeping my stress levels in check.

For Fun:

This varies day-to-day because I like to pursue a variety of hobbies and down time activities. One week I'll be camping in BC, the next I'll be developing and testing a new home cooking recipe, and the next I'll be engrossed in a new co-operative videogame.

For Growth:

My personal growth is mostly based around a widening appreciation of other peoples' perspectives. I enjoy listening to podcasts, interviews, and testimonials about serious events in the lives of people from a variety of backgrounds. I'm frequently inspired by the courage and determination that many people show in the face of hardship. I am a big fan of the Soft White Underbelly podcast for interviews of that nature.

Something unique about me is:

I continually develop home cooking recipes using my family as taste testers (my apologies to them).

What are your academic credentials?

I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from Grant MacEwan University. I am currently in the final 2 semesters of a Masters of Counselling degree from Yorkville University.

Before I was in the mental health field, I was doing/working in / volunteering at:

My previous work was focused in the culinary field following a stint working in an inpatient alcohol/drug/gambling rehab.

The most impactful thing about my experience here was:

My experience working with clients in an addictions recovery centre was inspiring and demonstrated to me that people can turn their lives around with the proper help and mindset.

Three things you are currently obsessed with and why:

1. Soft White Underbelly - This podcast is great for gaining some insight into other peoples' perspectives.
2. Strength Training - Mastering lifting technique, nutrition, and maintaining motivation for working out is a lifelong growth project that always has room for improvement.
3. Watching The Bear - On the surface the show is about one of my passions (cuisine) but it's really about another one of my passions (psychological drama)

The most helpful book I have read is:

The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt

My biggest takeaway from it was:

Moral Foundations theory is a useful explanation for political and moral differences between different groups of people. It helped me become more accepting and less judgemental about different belief systems.

The most interesting article or book I have read is:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Because:

This book gave me a blueprint for how to be more effective in everything I am trying to achieve as a person. "Begin with the end in mind" and "seek first to understand, then be understood" have been particularly useful habits in my life ever since I read the book.

Speciality and Specific Interest Areas:

Client populations:

I have a special interest in working with couples because meaningful and satisfying relationships are important and achievable with the right attitudes, knowledge, and motivation. It is very rewarding to work with people to achieve that.

Clinical concern:

I have a special interest in working with people suffering from major depressive disorders because I have seen firsthand how much positive impact therapy can have in some cases.

Non-clinical concern:

I have a special interest in working with clients struggling with stress management and burnout because helpful therapies can include a variety of solution-focused and emotionally-focused aspects, which I find interesting and fulfilling.

Expertise and Additional Areas of Study:

I have the following additional courses / workshops / training:

• Training in addictions recovery
• Workplace mental health assessment
• Supervised mock therapy sessions in emotionally-focused therapy

I have expertise and experience working with:

• Teen addiction issues
• Adult addiction issues
• General mental health concerns

Some of the clinical orientations, methods, and theories I integrate with ShiftGrit’s therapy protocol:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
<liSolution-Focused Brief Therapy

People like working with me because:

I try my best to combine a commitment to the mission with a commitment to the team. I genuinely value the contributions of other team members and do my best to help them excel and enjoy their time working with me.