A Broader Perspective
As one of Vancouver’s only health professionals that is a qualified counsellor, fitness coach and educator, I offer people a broader perspective that engages them in personal health projects that go deeper into what actually motivates them or prevents them from feeling the way they want to.
As a growth-oriented person, I continually do my own personal growth work to respond to the demands each new phase of life is requiring of me. Although my body, my routines and my relationships may need to change along the way, I have found that physical activity, defining my intentions and reflective personal growth work will always be a part of the process. I guide and help my clients to gain the same growth-oriented approach to life. And I believe that my own dedication to a growth-oriented life is what makes me valuable to others as a health coach.
Here is a list of the most common reasons people work with me:
The presence of anxiety & depression
Healing trauma
Sports performance & growth mindset
Family & relationship counselling
Behaviour change & addictions
Personal growth projects
I work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Connect with me to set up a free 15 minute consultation to discuss your needs.
Individuals
My experience in the field has taught me that no one style or modality works for everyone. I picture counselling to be like a mosaic design - a balance between variety and structured form. I feel this helps keep open-mindedness and attentiveness at the fore-front of our collaborations together, especially in the beginnings of our work.
Relationship / Couples
In every relationship we bring a personal “love code” that functions as our “operating system” through which we experience and share love. This love code influences all aspects of your participation in the relationship, including your communication style, how you perceive and give affection, and your emotional safety needs.
Youth / Adolescents
The focus of my professional life for the past fourteen years has been working with young people as a high school physical education and english teacher. The thousands of students I had the honour of instructing and coaching in the school system were my greatest teachers in learning how to provide authentic counselling to young people.
Young Professionals / Students
The old saying, “being thrown in at the deep end” is perhaps never more appropriate than for young professionals and students in their 20s and 30s. This phase of life is filled with significant transitions where young people are initiated into a new existence we call “adulthood”. The experience of many young professionals and students is one of deep frustration and confusion. How can a time that is so exciting leave you feeling like you are simply “trying to keep your head above water?” Is this what adulthood is really like? What have you gotten yourself into?
Depression & Experiential Psychotherapy
The premise of experiential therapy, as I practice it, is that unlike interview-based styles, it integrates your thoughts, sensations and emotions to “imprint” new, preferred experiences that will override previous ones that have brought depression into your life. These new impressions “go with you” into your life outside of therapy and, little-by-little, they help guide your path away from the patterns of depression.
About Brendan
Brendan Starling, R.C.C., M.C., B.HKin.
Pronouns: he / his
As a counsellor, educator and personal fitness trainer I aim to integrate my knowledge to promote authentic health and well-being. My hope is that I will help people move their life in the direction they desire to go.
Fitness
Physical activity and movement are effective ways to increase emotional and mental well being. I offer both customized personal training and small group fitness sessions suitable for all activity and experience levels.