Paul Brown, MA, RP (Qualifying)

I grew up deeply immersed in sport, from representing rep hockey teams to exploring martial arts and strength training. Athletics have been woven into who I am, but I’ve also known the pain of losing that identity. A motorcycle accident left me rebuilding not just my body, but my sense of self. That experience opened my eyes to something essential; recovery is more than physical.

Over the past 30+ years, I’ve coached athletes at every level from youth to elite. More recently, I have also worked with coaches and officials as they navigate performance, leadership, and pressure. Being on the bench wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to go deeper; to explore the mindset, the stress, and the identity shifts that come from both success and setback.

As a mature student, I returned to school and pursued a Masters in Counselling Psychology, graduating on the Dean’s list. Now, I combine academic training with real-world experience as a former world champion athlete, a longtime coach and trainer, a mediator, and nearly a decade as a volunteer firefighter. This unique blend helps me understand high-pressure environments, whether it’s a hockey rink or an emergency call.

What I Do:

Performance Psychotherapy: I help athletes, coaches, and officials to strengthen mental resilience, deal with anxiety or burnout, and reinvent identity when life after sport changes everything;
First Responders: Drawing on my firefighter experience, I provide support for cumulative stress, trauma, and the personal toll of service;
Life Transitions & Relationships: For those moving through career change, relationship challenges, grief, or other major life shifts, I offer a grounded, person-centered, and practical therapeutic approach.

My work integrates evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Mindfulness, but I always start with what you bring into the room. I believe that each of us is the expert of our own life. My role is to walk alongside you, reflect what I see, and bring tools that truly fit your path.

Credentials & Background:

over 30 years coaching in youth, competitive, and elite sport;
over 20 years working in the Social Work field;
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying);
Masters in Counselling Psychology;
Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology;
Diploma in Fitness & Lifestyle Management
NCCP Level 1 Certified Coach;
Development 1 Certified Coach (Hockey);
Development 1 Field Evaluator (Hockey);
Family & Child Protection Mediator;
Former Volunteer Firefighter;
Former Child Protection Worker
2000 Natural Mr Fitness Universe;
1999 Natural Mr Fitness Olympia.

Outside the Therapy Room:

When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me staying active — working out, running, cycling, skating, or waterskiing — or hanging out with my children. I have two boys, and co-parenting has also been a powerful teacher in its own right. I play guitar, ride my motorcycle, and love being on the water. These are not just hobbies. They remind me daily what resilience looks like, what recovery feels like, and how identity can be rooted in far more than performance or titles.

My Approach:

Empathetic & Relational: Therapy is a partnership;
Real-World Tools: Techniques and interventions come from both science and lived experience;
Safe & Confidential: A non-judgmental space where you can pause, reflect, and rebuild;
Growth-Focused: Not just helping you heal, but helping you strengthen and thrive.