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Brett Holeman, PsyD, is an esteemed child mental health clinician based in Clark, NJ, USA. With over 20 years of dedicated service, he brings a wealth of experience and compassion to his practice. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in central New Jersey, Brett’s academic journey led him to excel at Rutgers College, Rutgers University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1995. Furthering his education, he pursued a Masters in Educational Psychology and a Doctorate in Professional Child/School Psychology from New York University, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his field. He completed his doctoral dissertation and oral examinations and earned his Psy.D. in 2002. Brett was voted by his patients and their parents as a “Favorite Kids Doc” in the field in 2016 and again in 2017, as published in NJ Magazine’s Best Docs edition. Brett’s approach to psychotherapy is characterized by trust, compassion, and a keen understanding of developmental nuances. His integration of sports psychology and performance enhancement into his practice underscores his holistic approach to mental well-being. With a passion for helping others, especially children and adolescents, Brett remains deeply committed to facilitating growth and emotional wellness in every individual he serves.

Q & A with Dr. Brett Holeman

Can you tell us about your background and where you’re currently based?

Dr. Brett Holeman: I’m based in Clark, NJ, USA, and I’ve spent over two decades in the field of child and school psychology. Born in New York, I later moved to New Jersey, where I completed my public school education, enjoyed time with my parents and siblings, and developed many friends, which I still have to this day. I became interested in working with children from my work as a counselor at a local day camp in high school and college, along with watching my younger sister go through various developmental stages while I was a decade older. It became integrated into my personality to always be around kids. My academic journey led me to Rutgers University for my Bachelor’s in Psychology, followed by a Master and Doctorate in Child Psychology from New York University in 2002. Most of my classes at NYU were of the psychodynamic/psychoanalytic leaning, which helped me to conceptualize a holistic view of any patient sitting before me. It was an amazing experience. I had many standout clinical experiences there, like working at a therapeutic nursery school, preschool, inner-city high school, and hospitals. I completed a clinical APA-approved internship at UMDNJ Hospital in Newark, NJ, in 2001. There, I specialized in child psychological evaluations, neuropsychology, partial care hospitalization work, pain management, and Pediatric Child Life liaison, where I worked with children hospitalized for physical illness. All of these rotations and specialties were integral to my professional development.

Could you share some insights into your approach to psychotherapy?

Dr. Brett Holeman: Absolutely. I believe in creating a safe and nurturing environment for counseling. This cocoon of trust allows individuals to develop the resilience and confidence they need to navigate Life’s challenges. It’s about fostering not just emotional wellness but also building genuine, caring attachments that allow the person to be true and vulnerable so stress and mental health challenges can be worked on in therapy. I integrate features from many different orientations, and I conceptualize each patient’s situation with a developmental lens, which was the hallmark of my training at NYU. Once these areas are addressed, there will be an overall positive impact on health, relationships, self-esteem, perspective, and life satisfaction.

You’ve been recognized as a “Favorite Kids Doc” by NJ Magazine. What does this recognition mean to you?

Dr. Brett Holeman: It’s a great honor to be recognized for my work, especially since it stems from my kids and their families in terms of the nomination process. I will cherish this forever because It reinforces my belief that compassionate, child-centered therapy is making a difference in people’s lives who come to work with me. It is extremely moving for me to be honored in this way, knowing that I’m helping young individuals and families find emotional wellness and good health. This is my Life’s work, purpose, and passion. It makes me very proud.

How do you incorporate sports psychology into your practice?

Dr. Brett Holeman: Sport psychology is a fascinating area of focus for me. I’ve had the privilege of working with various scholastic sports teams and individual athletes, some of whom continue to participate in athletics in college or professionally overseas. My aim is to help them achieve peak performance while maintaining mental wellness. It’s about harnessing the power of the mind in sports. I am a firm believer in the adage, “In order to get mentally tough, you have to get physically tough.” With that, I incorporate weightlifting, fitness, and gradually challenging physical activities to allow the individual to develop self-discipline, resilience, commitment, adjusting to setbacks, perseverance, and stick-to-it-iveness that easily applies to their athletic domain. Despite the physical training, it is their mind and mindset that are strengthened most in these endeavors.

What personal qualities do you think are essential for success in your field?

Dr. Brett Holeman: Patience, a solid knowledge base, and a calm, lighthearted approach are crucial. I’ve found that a sense of humor and a deep passion for helping others also play a significant role in effective therapy. Patients see and appreciate genuineness in the therapist. This authenticity of who you are and your purpose is crucial.

Could you share a particularly impactful moment in your career?

Dr. Brett Holeman: There are so many moments that have been truly meaningful and special for me professionally. Each session with each patient has its own definition and spark and means different things to different people. For me, one moment that stands out is when a 12-year-old patient described our sessions as creating a cocoon and drew a picture of herself as a butterfly with my office in the background. She said she left each session feeling stronger and freer. This profound insight affirmed for me that our approach to therapy is making a meaningful difference in the lives of young individuals. It was super sweet to see her draw this and explain this in the session on her own initiation.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, given the demands of your profession?

Dr. Brett Holeman: It’s imperative for me to prioritize self-care. This includes activities like running, swimming, biking, weightlifting, fitness, and triathlons. Family time, relaxation, and recreation are equally crucial. Balancing my own well-being allows me to bring my best self to my practice. It also creates more energy and passion for my professional work to help others feel good about themselves and Life. I never want to retire from the field and sit around. Self-care and my professional work go hand-in-hand, and they are my purpose and meaning in Life.

What drives your passion for helping children and adolescents?

Dr. Brett Holeman: I believe that providing support during the formative years is vital. Every child or teenager is different, and they all require varying levels of help. Being able to assess their needs and provide the right strategies and counseling is incredibly fulfilling. I have a vivid and fond memory of my own developmental years, and along with my formal training, I have a unique understanding of each age in childhood, and that drives me to do what I believe I can do to help others.

How do you measure success in your profession?

Dr. Brett Holeman: For me, success is reflected in the positive feedback I receive from patients and their families. When I hear that therapy has resulted in improved behaviors, reduced stress levels, and better family dynamics, it affirms that I’m making a meaningful impact. Inherently, Life is challenging and stressful. So, if someone tells me that the sessions are a highlight in their week or if they notice that they are lighter, happier, and able to deal with Life better, it’s a positive for me.

What keeps you motivated and excited about your work?

Dr. Brett Holeman: The ever-evolving field of psychology keeps me engaged and eager to learn. Taking on new patients of different ages, particularly college-aged young adults, has been a rewarding aspect of my practice. The opportunity to make a positive difference is what continues to motivate me every day.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Brett Holeman’s approach to psychotherapy emphasizes trust and compassion, creating a safe space for individuals to explore and grow.

• His extensive background in psychology, including a Doctorate in Professional Child/School Psychology from New York University, reflects a profound commitment to his field and the well-being of his patients.

• Dr. Holeman’s integration of sport psychology demonstrates his holistic approach to mental wellness, highlighting the diverse range of techniques he employs to support individuals in achieving emotional balance and optimal functioning.