About Brendan

Brendan Callaghan is a Registered Psychotherapist with a doctoral degree in Positive Neuropsychology, a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology, and a Nutritionist Diploma. He brings to his clinical practice a rare integration of advanced neuroscientific training and genuine therapeutic warmth — always working from a holistic, biopsychosocial, Person-Centred perspective on health and wellness.

Brendan specialises in anxiety, phobias, depression, relationship issues, diversity-related concerns — including cultural, racial, religious, gender identity, and sexuality — professional and academic stress, sex therapy, and body-image-related concerns. He works with clients in late adolescence through late adulthood, of all backgrounds and worldviews, and provides both in-person and online sessions for individuals and couples.

Prior to joining Newmarket Therapy Centre, Brendan worked with a community policing centre in Vancouver's Chinatown, addressing sociocultural and psychological concerns, and subsequently as a therapist in the counselling services office of a public university in Ontario — experience that informs his exceptional multicultural competence and sensitivity.

Clinical Approach

Brendan applies a Person-Centred foundational therapeutic orientation, offering multiculturally competent, diversity-sensitive, scientifically informed psychotherapy and counselling in an accepting, supportive, honest, and encouraging environment. Empathic understanding, authentic communication, and unconditional positive regard form the foundation of his practice, atop which he offers empirically supported psychological tools and techniques.

During his doctoral research, Brendan integrated neuropsychology, evolutionary psychology, informed cognitive therapy (ICT), and positive psychotherapy (PPT) into a comprehensive biopsychosocial treatment model. He holds additional certifications and training in CBT, DBT, and Solution-Focused therapy, as well as postgraduate experience in ACT techniques and mindfulness-based strategies. Treatment plans are tailored specifically to each individual client based on their presenting problems, personal preferences, experiences, and worldview.

Nutritional Counselling

In addition to psychotherapy, Brendan provides nutritional counselling — exploring the connection between diet, mood, inflammation, and cognitive functioning. Clients can learn more about integrating nutritional counselling into their treatment plan through his blog on "Nutrition and Cognitive Functioning."

Education & Credentials

Registered Psychotherapist (RP), College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Insurance benefits claimable under Registered Psychotherapist — supervised practice. Additional certifications in CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and ACT.