Marc de Bruin

Marc de Bruin

Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2K followers 500+ connections

About

Registered international counsellor, supervisor and educator "with a twist". If you're looking for a run-of-the-mill mental health professional, feel free to contact one of my very capable colleagues. I look at life through a different lens, with a transpersonal, even "spiritual" filter. Expect to discuss life from a bigger perspective, while still being very practical; and expect to work from the inside out: YOU will change before your circumstances will.

In order for things to change, you'll be the one to change some things.

Aside from Evidence-based modalities listed below, much of my approach to life has been influenced by the teachings of (for instance) Dr. John Demartini, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. Viktor Frankl, Dr. Joe Dispenza, A Course in Miracles, the Seth Material, Eckhart Tolle, Neale Donald Walsch, Byron Katie and others. I don't use their teachings in-session, per se, but they have definitely influenced my life and counselling "lens" and can be used, if the client wishes.

I specialise in assisting clients with "simplifying life", to increase personal & professional effectiveness, satisfaction and well-being. I am also experienced in dealing with symptoms of anxiety, depression and high stress levels.

Thousands of clients and students have been served globally via tutoring, lectures, seminars, workshops and conducting one-on-one sessions face-to-face as well via internet and phone. I have special interest in Neuro-psychology and behavioural science ("what makes people tick").

I possess broad knowledge, experience & skills in Life and Business Coaching and Counselling. CBT, NLP, SFBT, Mindfulness and other modalities are my tools of the trade. This is led by a focused skill set in Mindfulness integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MiCBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Moreover, I am also well-versed in Myers-Briggs and Keirsey Temperament profiling.

Business Development skills have been developed through 9 years of practicing Commercial Law in the Netherlands.

I practice counselling and coaching "differently". If you're up for something different -you may have "tried everything else" before- then we should meet for a coffee or tea.

I work with a number of leading global EAP providers, among which Converge International, Acacia Connection, AccessEAP, Drake Wellbeing, TELUS Health and Workplace Options. Even when your employer is linked in with another EAP Provider, you might be able to engage my counselling services under their EAP program. Medibank Private, AHM, HCF and Bupa private health insurance rebates apply.

Activity

Join now to see all activity

Experience

  • Marc de Bruin | Simplifying Life Graphic
  • -

    Australia

  • -

    Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia

  • -

    Queensland, Australia

  • -

    Australia

  • -

    Australia

  • -

    Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

  • -

    Australia

  • -

    Australia

  • -

    Queensland, Australia

  • -

    Australia

  • -

    Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

  • -

    Caboolture

  • -

    Sunshine Coast Queensland

  • -

    Worldwide

  • -

    Nijmegen Area, Netherlands

  • -

    Nijmegen Area, Netherlands

  • -

    Hilversum

Education

  •  Graphic

    -

    Activities and Societies: The program specialises in advanced counselling skills and theories, counselling and mental health, counselling and addictions, counselling children and young people, mindfulness based interventions, expressive therapies and solution focussed brief therapy. Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) approved. https://www.usc.edu.au/learn/courses-and-programs/postgraduate-degrees/master-of-counselling

  • -

    Certificate of Attainment of individual and group supervision (counselling).

    A competent Clinical/Professional Supervisor for counsellors and psychotherapists conducts supervision sessions using various supervision interventions, provides effective evaluation and feedback to supervisees as well as addresses the ethical and legal considerations of supervision.

  • -

    Upgrade to the most current Cert. IV in Training and Education/Training and Assessment, TAE40116

  • -

    Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or MiCBT (pronounced M-I-C-B-T) offers a practical set of evidence-based techniques derived from mindfulness training together with principles of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to address a broad range of psychological disorders and general stress conditions.

  • -

  • -

  • -

  • -

    Master at Laws

  • -

    Grammar school education:
    Latin, Greek, Dutch, English, German, Maths, Geography.

  • - Present

    Ongoing Professional Development.

    Http://www.mentalhealthacademy.com.au

  • -

    Activities and Societies: ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Immersion Certificate; course led by Steven Hayes

  • -

    An interactive 5-day course that gives participants the knowledge and skills to develop as a mediator, Introduction to mediation skills also provides useful skills for other situations.

    This course is a prerequisite to Mediation Level 2—Development of mediation skills and the accreditation assessment.

    Course topics:
    Philosophy of facilitative mediation
    Essential mediation skills
    Proven process to guide discussions

  • An interactive 5-day course that gives participants the knowledge and skills to develop as a mediator, Introduction to mediation skills also provides useful skills for other situations.

    This course is a prerequisite to Mediation Level 2—Development of mediation skills and the accreditation assessment.

    Course topics:
    Philosophy of facilitative mediation
    Essential mediation skills
    Proven process to guide discussions

  • -

    An interactive 5-day course that privdes the knowledge and skills to develop as a mediator.

    Theory and practice of facilitative mediation and interpersonal conflict management and building competence, confidence and communication skills.

    Course topics:
    Philosophy of facilitative mediation
    Essential mediation skills
    Proven process to guide discussions

  • -

    Introduction to mediation skills – level 1

    An interactive 5-day course that provides the knowledge and skills to develop as a mediator.

    Theory and practice of facilitative mediation and interpersonal conflict management; building competence, confidence and communication skills in alternative dispute resolution.

    Course topics:
    Philosophy of facilitative mediation
    Essential mediation skills
    Proven process to guide discussions

  • -

    from the EMDR Institute website:

    Welcome to our EMDR Institute Training program. Our EMDR training program and training materials were developed by Dr Francine Shapiro and our training is authorised by the EMDR Training Institute that Dr Francine Shapiro founded.

    It is truly an international training as it is the only training that is offered in many countries throughout the world, that has been accredited by each country’s EMDR association and the EMDR International Association…

    from the EMDR Institute website:

    Welcome to our EMDR Institute Training program. Our EMDR training program and training materials were developed by Dr Francine Shapiro and our training is authorised by the EMDR Training Institute that Dr Francine Shapiro founded.

    It is truly an international training as it is the only training that is offered in many countries throughout the world, that has been accredited by each country’s EMDR association and the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).

Licenses & Certifications

Volunteer Experience

  • Spirit Hive  Graphic

    Director and Head of Counselling, Global

    Spirit Hive

    - 2 years 8 months

    Social Services

    Spirit Hive is a charity with the focus to awaken the hearts and move the minds of millions across the globe through radical Self-awareness, Self-Discovery, a ‘Direct and Personal’ experience of the Innate Intelligence that is the HUMAN SPIRIT.

    OUR VISION – THE WHAT

    To have Spirit Hive be a household name with a target of 105 locations opened across Australia by 2020.

    To expand into 30 global communities by 2025

    To develop community leaders inspiring change and…

    Spirit Hive is a charity with the focus to awaken the hearts and move the minds of millions across the globe through radical Self-awareness, Self-Discovery, a ‘Direct and Personal’ experience of the Innate Intelligence that is the HUMAN SPIRIT.

    OUR VISION – THE WHAT

    To have Spirit Hive be a household name with a target of 105 locations opened across Australia by 2020.

    To expand into 30 global communities by 2025

    To develop community leaders inspiring change and transformation for all of humanity.

    To become a voice for personal responsibility in the community placing curiosity, exploration and ‘informed’ decision making into the hands of families and individuals.

    To be a resource for parents to draw on which supports the family unit and provides education and direction when needed.

    To arrest the statistics around suicide, depression, addiction and anxiety in all age groups

    To provide a non- religious, non-denominational yet spiritually rich alternative to communities around Australia and internationally.

    To deliver youth education around human potential and self-enquiry, encouraging free thinking, informed decision making, respectful interactions, self-love and self-control for all.

    To remain volunteer oriented in our staffing solutions giving access to opportunities globally.

    -------

    Spirit Hive is a nonreligious, nondenominational, not for profit, purposeful community.

    Enjoy our live ‘Hives’ on Sundays at a location near you where we explore the nature of spiritual expansion through metaphysics, the psychology of human experience, Oneness, and the Universal Intelligence that beats your heart, breathes you, bakes a baby and blooms a rose!

    Reach higher as you experience the grandest and most inspired version of yourself!

    Create a ripple effect in the world that is bursting with compassion, conscious creativity, and collaborative potency.

    You know you’re ready and we’re waiting for YOU!

  • Golden Key International Honour Society Graphic

    Member

    Golden Key International Honour Society

    - Present 5 years 11 months

    Education

    Golden Key is an academic honour society which recognizes scholastic achievement & excellence among university students, based on top 15% academic achievements.

    www.goldenkey.org

    Golden Key has emerged as one of the most dynamic, forward-thinking organizations in higher education. Committed to an ethos of recognizing academic achievement and encouraging altruistic service, the Society’s on-campus presence has reached over 400 chapters at colleges and universities in eight…

    Golden Key is an academic honour society which recognizes scholastic achievement & excellence among university students, based on top 15% academic achievements.

    www.goldenkey.org

    Golden Key has emerged as one of the most dynamic, forward-thinking organizations in higher education. Committed to an ethos of recognizing academic achievement and encouraging altruistic service, the Society’s on-campus presence has reached over 400 chapters at colleges and universities in eight countries: Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, The Bahamas and the United States.

  • Toastmasters District 69 Region 12 Graphic

    Member

    Toastmasters District 69 Region 12

    - 3 years

    Education

    Mastering the fine art of Public Speaking, and assisting others to do the same.

  • Member

    Rotaract Club Hilversum

    - 6 years

    Social Services

Publications

  • Why What Happened In Your Life Does Not Have To Matter

    Brainz Magazine

    Time and time again, I hear clients ask themselves why “things” (events; situations, etc) happened in their life. They want answers to their “why-question”. Especially when their question pertains to events they perceive as negative. Clients then also often state that they are not able to move forward in their life/with their business/career, etc. UNTIL they find that answer.

    See publication
  • Mindfulness Mathematics And The Tale Of Two Arrows

    Brainz Magazine

    In my counselling sessions, I often remind clients that mindfulness traditions and Buddhist philosophy contain one important mathematical equation. This equation, once understood and applied, could make the difference between leading a fulfilling, rich life or of suffering.

    See publication
  • Master Your Responses To Unpleasant Experiences ‒ Part 2

    Brainz Magazine

    Last month I wrote about a life and leadership skill called “Experiential Ownership” (find it here). To quickly summarise this personal and professional mindfulness concept: our emotions are sensations in our bodies which arise because of our strong (i.e., positively or negatively) judgemental thoughts about a particular situation. In other words: no-one can really make you “feel” anything ‒ other than by touching you. All our emotions are produced internally, and are based on our thoughts…

    Last month I wrote about a life and leadership skill called “Experiential Ownership” (find it here). To quickly summarise this personal and professional mindfulness concept: our emotions are sensations in our bodies which arise because of our strong (i.e., positively or negatively) judgemental thoughts about a particular situation. In other words: no-one can really make you “feel” anything ‒ other than by touching you. All our emotions are produced internally, and are based on our thoughts, perspectives, ideas, beliefs, convictions, etc., about what happened and about what was (not) said and/or (not) done. They are energies in motion: “e-motions”.

    See publication
  • The One Leadership Concept In Life To Master Unpleasant Experiences

    Brainz Magazine

    When I undertook training in the mindfulness school of thought years ago, I learned one life and mindful principle that I turned into a leadership principle for myself and my clients. It is this one: no one can make you feel anything; only you can. Or, to put it differently: no one is responsible for your feelings; only you are. I realise that’s quite a statement, even from a mindfulness perspective. We all are subjected to (sometimes very) unpleasant experiences in our personal and…

    When I undertook training in the mindfulness school of thought years ago, I learned one life and mindful principle that I turned into a leadership principle for myself and my clients. It is this one: no one can make you feel anything; only you can. Or, to put it differently: no one is responsible for your feelings; only you are. I realise that’s quite a statement, even from a mindfulness perspective. We all are subjected to (sometimes very) unpleasant experiences in our personal and professional lives. And we automatically tend to look to external causes for the way we feel rather than (first) taking full responsibility for our feelings.

    See publication
  • Four Practical Tools To Defuse And Redirect Negative Thinking Into More Useful Directions

    Brainz Magazine

    In the Dutch language (my native tongue) a 16th Century poem exists, part of which -loosely translated- goes like this:


    Man suffers most

    From the suffering he fears

    Yet which never appears


    Thus he has more to endure

    Than God gives him to bear

    The point of the poem is simple: in our minds, we often create more suffering by negative thinking than our actual life situation warrants.

    See publication
  • Pluralism in counselling and psychotherapy: An introduction to theory and implications for practice

    Psychotherapy and Counselling Journal of Australia (PACJA)

    This article provides an overview of the pluralistic approach to counselling and psychotherapy. It discusses the way the practices have moved from an earlier “schoolism” or “one for all” approach, to an interest in developing and testing integrative practices. Furthermore, the increasingly respectful relating with clients that emerges from taking client preferences and differences into account is discussed. The way pluralistic practice leads both logically and ethically towards an extension of…

    This article provides an overview of the pluralistic approach to counselling and psychotherapy. It discusses the way the practices have moved from an earlier “schoolism” or “one for all” approach, to an interest in developing and testing integrative practices. Furthermore, the increasingly respectful relating with clients that emerges from taking client preferences and differences into account is discussed. The way pluralistic practice leads both logically and ethically towards an extension of Carl Roger’s person-centred approach, introduced over 60 years ago, is discussed. The need for more detailed outcome research on pluralism is identified, and the inclusion of personal development within counsellor education, to prepare individuals to be flexible in their responses and willing to discover client perspectives is recommended.

    See publication
  • Counsellors as resilience guides: Ten ways that counselling support can develop resilience.

    The Australian Counselling Association

    [Scroll to p. 28]

    There are ten evidence-based pathways along which counsellors can support clients to develop their resilience: making connections, avoiding seeing problems as insurmountable, accepting that change is part of living, moving towards goals, taking decisive actions, finding opportunities for self-discovery, nurturing a positive view of self, keeping things in perspective, maintaining a hopeful outlook, and taking care of self. This paper advocates a pluralistic approach to…

    [Scroll to p. 28]

    There are ten evidence-based pathways along which counsellors can support clients to develop their resilience: making connections, avoiding seeing problems as insurmountable, accepting that change is part of living, moving towards goals, taking decisive actions, finding opportunities for self-discovery, nurturing a positive view of self, keeping things in perspective, maintaining a hopeful outlook, and taking care of self. This paper advocates a pluralistic approach to practice, incorporating multiple therapy orientations and methods, that counsellors may call on to enhance client resilience along these pathways.

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine November 2018

    Vanessa Finnigan

    Article on the "pursuit of happiness"; our need to feel happy at all cost has made us more miserable than ever. How to look at happiness differently, so we can stop "chasing" it?

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine, December 2017, January 2018

    Vanessa Finnigan

    With a new year looming, what to do? Set goals and intentions, or surrender to "what is" and "come what may". Perhaps there is a middle ground. This article explores this topic more in-depth.

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine August 2017

    Vanessa Finn

    Article on how to improve interpersonal communication and resolving conflicts with Mindfulness Techniques and stopping yourself from "reacting" to other people's communications.

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine

    Vanessa Finnigan

    Article on Mindful Parenting and increasing our influence on our children by cooperation rather than by force and authority, using mindfulness based techniques.

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine

    Vanessa Finnigan

    Monthly article; focused on men's mental health and the rather disturbing facts around how often men suffer mental health issues in silence, and how little they generally do about it openly.

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine

    Vanessa Finnigan

    Article on work-life balance and the importance of NOT letting work take over your life. Also discussing what to do if it has.....

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine

    Vanessa Finnigan

    Article on "Is your thinking stinking?" We often hold on to old thoughts that have become stale and musty, and don't serve us anymore. What to do in order to spring clean our thinking?

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine

    Vanessa Finnigan

    Monthly article. Focusing on how to accept that life is full of "good" AND "bad" things. Applying mindfulness skills so we don't get attached to wanting the "good" things only, and to running away from the "bad" things. Happiness is about accepting EVERYTHING as part of us.

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine

    Vanessa Finnigan

    Article about compassion as a learned skill. Compassion starts in the brain, and can be "trained and learned". Teaching ourselves compassion will lead to more connection with people, and to a happier life.

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine

    Vanessa Finnigan

    Article about the role of mindfulness and mindfulness meditation in relation to the topic of "bliss". Is bliss a state to be achieved and reached for? Mindfulness based philosophies have a fairly clear opinion about this, which will be helpful in cases of depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental issues.

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine

    Vanessa Finnigan

    Article about Mindfulness and how it developed into an accepted counselling modality through "fusion" of Buddhist principles and Western neuro-psychology.

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine

    Vanessa Finnigan

    Article on Mindfulness and "knowing thyself". Learning to know ourselves by becoming aware of our thought patterns and aware of our bodies' reaction to those thought patterns. Creating inner peace and calm.

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine

    Vanessa Finnigan

    Article about Mindfulness and breaking cycles of "bad" behaviour patterns (overindulging, New Years Resolutions, etc).

    See publication
  • Holistic Bliss Magazine

    Vanessa Finnigan

    Feature article on my personal and professional journey so far from litigation lawyer to life and business coach to counsellor to counselling tutor.

    See publication
  • 101 Great Ways to Compete in Today's Job Market

    David Riklan, Self Improvement Online, Inc.

    Learn how to compete effectively in today's job market from 101 leading job and career experts.

    Brian Tracy, Denis Waitley, Lewis Howes, Martin Yate, Harvey Mackay, William Arruda and many more of the World's Leading Experts have joined together to give you the most amazing, proven, and simple ways to immediately improve your career.

    Co-authored this book, and wrote an article on Career Values for it.

    See publication
  • 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Vol. 3

    David Riklan, Self Improvement Online, Inc.

    Ken Blanchard, Les Brown, Mark Victor Hansen, Byron Katie and a Host of Other Leading Experts Bring You This Complete Collection of 101 More Insider Secrets That Show You How to Instantly and Positively Improve Your Life!

    Co-authored this book, and wrote an article on Work-Life Balance for it.

    See publication
  • Conquering the Mid-Years' Blues

    Lulu.com

    Self published book.

    Coming from a corporate background as a real-estate and criminal lawyer in The Netherlands, Marc de Bruin decided in 1999 it was time for drastic change.
    He gave up his very well-paying profession and started to follow his passion: mentoring people in moving forward in their lives, physically and mentally. Marc named the period in which he was torn between the the comfortable old and the scary new "The Mid-Years’ Blues".
    Marc has found a very practical and…

    Self published book.

    Coming from a corporate background as a real-estate and criminal lawyer in The Netherlands, Marc de Bruin decided in 1999 it was time for drastic change.
    He gave up his very well-paying profession and started to follow his passion: mentoring people in moving forward in their lives, physically and mentally. Marc named the period in which he was torn between the the comfortable old and the scary new "The Mid-Years’ Blues".
    Marc has found a very practical and easy way to conquer the gap between the old and the new. In this no-frill, no-fluff book, you will find useful methods and thought provoking ways of looking at life that will assist you with taking your life and business to the next level.
    When you grasp the rules that govern all creation you will be astounded by the ease with which you can consciously change.
    This book explains those rules, and will reveal the secret behind living a fulfilling and abundant life.

    See publication
  • Ezine Articles Collection

    www.Ezinearticles.com

    Collection of my articles on various self-development topics, written over the years.

    See publication

Courses

  • AIPC Diploma of Counselling

    -

  • AusIDentities Personality Profiling Facilitation

    -

  • BSRA Body Stress Release Practitioner Training

    -

  • CMP University Certified Marketing Professional

    -

  • Cert. IV Small Business Management

    -

  • Cert. IV Training & Assessment

    TAE40110, incl. LLN

  • Grad. Dip. Mindfulness Integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

    MiCBT69791

  • Life Coaching Certification, New Insights Training Company

    -

  • Master NLP Certification, Life Design International

    -

  • Master of Counselling (AR708)

    Uni of the Sunshine Coast

  • NLP Certification Course, Life Design International

    -

Languages

  • Dutch

    -

  • English

    -

  • German

    -

Organizations

  • Association for Contextual Behavioural Science

    member

    - Present

    Vision Statement: ACBS is dedicated to the alleviation of human suffering and the advancement of human well-being through research and practice grounded in contextual behavioural science. Mission Statement: ACBS is an international community of scholars, researchers, educators, practitioners, and others whose mission is to: - support a dynamic interaction between basic and applied research; - disseminate contextual behavioural science; - continue to develop principles, theories, and practical…

    Vision Statement: ACBS is dedicated to the alleviation of human suffering and the advancement of human well-being through research and practice grounded in contextual behavioural science. Mission Statement: ACBS is an international community of scholars, researchers, educators, practitioners, and others whose mission is to: - support a dynamic interaction between basic and applied research; - disseminate contextual behavioural science; - continue to develop principles, theories, and practical applications grounded in empirical knowledge and guided by the best available scientific evidence; - support all members who wish to participate in this work. Values Statement: Throughout the ACBS community, we work in a collegial, open, generous, self-critical, non-discriminatory, and mutually supportive way.

  • Australian Counselling Association's College of Supervisors

    Member

    - Present

    ACA Professional Colleges have been designed to acknowledge counsellors and psychotherapists who have undertaken specialised training in specific areas of mental health. Only those who meet the high standards of ACA will be eligible for College membership. College membership reflects the pinnacle of professional training and delivery by the therapist and reassures the consumer that specialists who are registered with the appropriate college have met the high standards required of specialists.

  • Mental Health Academy

    Member

    - Present

    Ongoing Professional Development

  • The Australian Counselling Association

    Member, level 3

    - Present

    http://www.theaca.net.au/

  • Australian Life Coaching Society

    Fellow

    - Present

    www.lifecoaching.net.au

Recommendations received

More activity by Marc

View Marc’s full profile

  • See who you know in common
  • Get introduced
  • Contact Marc directly
Join to view full profile

Other similar profiles

Explore collaborative articles

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

Explore More

Others named Marc de Bruin

Add new skills with these courses