Brad Yetman - Counsellor & Speaker

Confidence is something many of us are chasing.

We often think it arrives first—that one day we'll wake up feeling ready, certain, or fearless enough to take the next step.

But confidence rarely works that way.

More often, confidence grows through preparation, practice, and action. Every time we step outside our comfort zone, follow through on a commitment, or learn from an experience, we give ourselves evidence that we can handle what comes next.

That's why confidence is more within our control than we sometimes realize.

We can't control every outcome, but we can control the habits that build confidence:
✔️ Preparing with intention.
✔️ Practicing consistently.
✔️ Taking action, even when we're unsure.
✔️ Reflecting and learning from each experience.

Confidence isn't something you're born with. It's a skill that can be developed, strengthened, and trained over time.

This week's Mental Edge:
Don't wait to feel confident before taking the next step.

Take the step—and let confidence grow from there.

💬 What's one small action you'll take this week to build your confidence?

People sometimes ask me how I went from coaching hockey to becoming a counsellor.

The truth is, it wasn't really a change in purpose.

It was a change in environment.

As a coach, I had the privilege of working with athletes in high-performance environments. Every day, I saw how confidence, focus, resilience, and emotional regulation could influence performance when the pressure was highest.

But my belief in mental skills didn't come from coaching alone.

It also came from my own experience.

There was a time when I sat on the other side of the room—as a counselling client.

That experience gave me the opportunity to better understand myself, challenge unhelpful patterns, and develop practical skills that continue to shape both my personal life and my professional work.

It reminded me that asking for support isn't a weakness. It's often the beginning of growth.

Today, I have the privilege of bringing those experiences together.

Whether I'm working with athletes, professionals, parents, or anyone navigating life's challenges, my goal is the same:

To help people develop practical mental skills they can rely on—not just when life feels easy, but especially when life becomes difficult.

Because confidence can be built.
Resilience can be strengthened.
Mental skills can be learned.

And sometimes, the greatest growth begins when we're willing to ask for support.

💬 I'm curious—what's one lesson or skill that's helped you navigate a challenging season in your life?

Welcome to Monday Mental Edge.

Every Monday, I'll be sharing one practical mental skill you can apply throughout the week—in sport, at work, and in everyday life!

These aren't just motivational quotes. They're skills you can practice.

Because mental wellbeing isn't just about feeling better—it's about developing the skills to respond more effectively when life becomes challenging.

Mental Edge #001: Control the "Controllables"

There will always be things outside our control, such as:

• Outcomes
• Other people's opinions
• The past

But there are also things we can influence every single day for example:

• Our effort
• Our attitude
• Our next action

This week, whenever you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or stuck, pause and ask yourself:

"Is this in my control?"

If the answer is yes, take action.

If the answer is no, let it go and redirect your energy toward what you can influence.

Small shifts in focus often create the biggest changes over time.

💬 What's one thing you'll focus on controlling this week?

If you know someone who could use this reminder, share it with them, and follow along every Monday for a new practical mental skill through Monday Mental Edge!

Lucky to be with such a great group!

Meet Brad! Brad works with youth and adults and fosters a therapeutic relationship focused on care and collaboration.

He is an empathetic, kind therapist who focuses on establishing and maintaining a strong therapeutic relationship, while exploring practical solutions to both everyday problems and complex issues.

Most athletes spend countless hours training their bodies.

They work on strength, skill, speed, and conditioning. But when the pressure rises, it's often the mental side of performance that makes the difference.

That's why I believe mental training deserves the same attention as physical training.

This post isn't about becoming mentally "tough." It's about understanding that confidence, focus, resilience, and emotional regulation are all skills that can be developed through intentional practice.

Whether you're preparing for tryouts, competing this summer, or looking to take the next step in your sport, investing in your mindset is an investment in yourself. The confidence, focus, resilience, and emotional regulation you develop through sport extend far beyond competition—they're skills that support you in school, work, relationships, and everyday life.

Because the goal isn't just to become a better athlete.

It's to develop the mental skills that help you perform at your best—in sport, at work, and in life.

If you're new here, my previous post shares more about who I am, the philosophy behind my practice, and why I'm passionate about helping people perform at their best in sport, at work, and in life.

And this is just the beginning. Starting next week, I'll be launching **Monday Mental Edge**—a weekly series where I'll share practical strategies and insights to help you strengthen your mindset, one skill at a time.

**Which mental skill do you think has the biggest impact on performance, and why?**

Over the past few months, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on the purpose of this social media page.

While many people know me through my work coaching hockey and supporting athletes, my passion has always been much broader than sport. It's about helping people navigate life's challenges, build resilience, strengthen their mindset, and having someone there to support.

That's why I'm excited to introduce this new chapter.

As a Certified Counsellor and speaker, my goal is simple: to help people perform at their best—in sport, at work, and in life.

Whether you're managing anxiety, navigating a life transition, working through relationship challenges, pursuing personal growth, or striving to perform under pressure, I believe mental wellbeing isn't just about getting through difficult times. It's about developing the skills and the confidence to know that you can overcome life’s challenges.

Here, you'll find practical strategies, honest conversations, and evidence-based insights to help you strengthen your mental wellbeing and build a life that feels more balanced, fulfilling, and intentional.

Thank you to everyone who's supported me so far. I'm excited for what's ahead, and I'm grateful to have you along for the journey.

Welcome to this new chapter.

June is Men’s Mental Health Month

Although men account for about 75% of su***de deaths in Canada, fewer than 30% of men experiencing mental health challenges seek professional support, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Stigma, social pressures, and traditional expectations can make it difficult for men to talk about their struggles or reach out for help.

This month, we recognize the importance of creating communities where mental health can be discussed openly and without judgement. Simple actions like checking in on a friend, listening with compassion, or sharing resources can make a meaningful difference.

𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿:

Call 𝟴𝟭𝟭 for 24/7 mental health and addictions support, information, and referrals.

Men’s Mental Health Network (CMHA-NL) offers community and outdoor activities that foster connection, reduce stigma, and promote wellness.

bridgethegapp.ca provides free online resources, self-help tools, and a directory of local services.

𝗗𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 offers rapid-access counselling services throughout the province with self-referral options.

𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 provides daily non-crisis mental health support.

In a 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀, call or text 𝟵𝟴𝟴, or in an 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 call 𝟵𝟭𝟭.

𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿:

Join NL Health Services and Community Mental Health Initiative Inc. - CMHI for a free one-hour virtual webinar on men’s mental health featuring William Lummis and Peter Parsons.

This candid discussion explores:
How mental health impacts men and boys and what meaningful support can look like.

Register here: https://nlchi-nl-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/1YZ_UTkAS56QZDcsKFlNEA

𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿: 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁. 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻’𝘀

The Doorways Community Counselling Clinic (St. John’s) has relocated from 80 Charter Avenue to 20 Crosbie Place, suite 502, St. John’s.

Doorways provides rapid access to mental health and addictions counselling and support and offers in-person and virtual sessions.

For more information, please see the PSA: https://nlhealthservices.ca/news/relocation-of-doorways-community-counselling-clinic-in-st-johns/