Brandon

Brandon, a leading psychologist and the founder of Connective Wellness in Denver, Colorado, has pioneered an innovative approach to mental health with his program, The Connection Blueprint. This program focuses on fostering deeper personal connections through regular mental wellness assessments, much like an annual physical examination but tailored for emotional and social well-being.

In collaboration with Dr. Laura Martinez, a retired Navy Commander, Brandon secured a $1.5M grant from the Department of Defense (DoD) to launch a comprehensive randomized control trial of The Connection Blueprint within the Navy's integrated behavioral health services. The study revealed that implementing the blueprint into naval primary-care settings not only enhances personal relationships among sailors and their partners but also significantly decreases stress levels.

As CEO of Connective Wellness Inc., Brandon spearheads initiatives to introduce The Connection Blueprint to both military personnel and civilians across the United States, aiming to boost overall mental health and relationship satisfaction. Connective Wellness Inc. works closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide training for over 1,200 counselors who serve all military branches.

Prior to this, Brandon was the principal investigator on a $1.2M grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), researching the effectiveness of similar programs in civilian communities. He teamed up with Dr. Emily White on a $3.4 million Administration for Children and Families (ACF) grant to integrate these practices into primary care settings for couples facing financial hardship.

Brandon is the author of "The Connection Blueprint: A Practical Guide to Enhancing Personal Relationships," which offers readers practical advice based on his research, and "Blueprint Practitioner’s Guide: Building Lasting Connections," published by Wiley Press. Besides, he penned "The Path of Us," a unique children's book designed for grown-ups that explores the concept of mindfulness.

His upcoming book, "The Heartful Way to Closeness," due out from Oxford University Press, delves into relational intimacy as a mindful practice, integrating research findings, clinical insights, and mindfulness techniques. It addresses themes such as openness, forming secure bonds, empathetic listening, interdependence, affectionate touch, managing emotions, recognizing patterns, letting go of grudges, resolving disputes, and dealing with illness or bereavement. The book includes specific exercises and serves as a hands-on guide for individuals and couples, as well as professionals in therapy, counseling, and spiritual guidance.

Brandon also conducts workshops for mental health professionals called The Connection Blueprint Sessions. These sessions emphasize evidence-based methods for preventive mental healthcare that build on individual strengths and certify participants as qualified providers of The Connection Blueprint.