Brett Cotter
Brett Cotter is the award winning author of The Suicide Prevention Family Handbook, 3 Keys to Managing PTSD, and The Stress Is Gone Method. He has 25 years experience helping clients process the most traumatic events of their lives.
Brett has taught in Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, schools, military bases, the VA, and holistic centers such as the Omega Institute, Kripalu, Himalayan Institute, New York Open Center, Tibet House US, A.R.E. Center of New York, Dharmakaya Center, and Sivananda Bahamas.
Brett serves as the trauma expert for Meditation University’s teacher training program, as a Diplomate with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, and trains groups in his suicide prevention protocol.
Brett’s programs are accredited by the International Mindfulness & Meditation Alliance and his breathwork method is certified by the American Institute of Stress.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAY ABOUT BRETT’S WORK
“Stress Is Gone training had a positive impact in the interactions I had with participants in our SSG Fox Program. Brett teaches you how to be in a good mental state to be able to help participants. By using a simple breathing exercise, you can learn to control your emotions and be in present. I can tell veterans feel more relaxed and comfortable to open- up and share. Being a peer-to-peer specialist brings stress due to the different situations you encounter. Thanks to the training I can regulate my emotions. I also am able now use ‘key questions’ that allow veterans to search for the main issues affecting them.”
Gloria Dietz, Peer Specialist SSG Fox SPGP, Veteran
“I was depressed and suicidal. In 45 minutes that all changed. I owe my life to Brett. I learned how to cope with PTSD and be at peace within myself. You have reminded me that I have a purpose in life. Thank you Brother and God Bless!”
Rick Williamson, Army Veteran, Peer Support Specialist, MT
“Brett took us from well-intentioned staff to properly trained non-clinicians always emphasizing the critical steps and information flow needed to capture an at-risk client and to channel them towards safety. Brett is an experienced and calming voice we really appreciated. Hope to have him back.”
Martin Krongold, Chief Operating Officer, Black Veterans for Social Justice
“SIG unlocks the stress that makes clients feel trapped. This awakens their creativity to see the solutions that help rebuild their lives and relationships.”
Nicci Eisenhauer, Crisis & Emergency Response Chaplain, NY
“Brett brings an incredible nurturing energy to the training and provided me with new tools I immediately integrated into my coaching practice.”
Andrea Mitchell, Intuitive Mental Health & Creative Arts Therapist
“Brett provided extra time, found us opportunities outside the course, and was available offline. I couldn’t recommend a better person to learn from.”
Bruce Philie, Navy Veteran, Certified Meditation Teacher & Hypnotherapist
“This handbook is not only a guide but also a beacon of hope. Whether you’re supporting someone in crisis or seeking to rebuild after tragedy, Brett’s work reminds us that healing is possible, and help is always available. Highly recommended for anyone touched by these challenging issues.”
William Heckman, Executive Director, The American Institute of Stress
“I had a call on the Veteran Crisis Line this weekend. A veteran was distraught and in crisis. I was able to use elements of our training to get him into the office today. I got him connected with all kinds of resources / services. He left with a brighter outlook. We helped keep this man alive today.”
Jose Rios, Program Director, SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Program, Black Veterans for Social Justice
“The wisdom Brett brings to his students is truly amazing. I accessed a deeper part of myself. I am so grateful I took this training.”
Karen Proctor, LMSW
“Our AmpSurf instructors have taught thousands of disabled veterans, first responders, and children to surf. Brett taught our instructors how to spot, assist, and quickly de-escalate anyone stressed in the water. His workbook is part of our training materials.”
Dana Cummings, AmpSurf Founder, USMC Veteran
“Brett quickly brought us to a place of calmness and clarity. His guided visualization is now a part of our training program.”
DiDi Marcal, Volunteer & Bereavement Coordinator, Jansen Hospice
“Battling depression, anxiety, and PTSD for decades. Brett guided me through the exact healing I needed. Life is sweet again. He’s a “Miracle Worker” and I’m a miracle!”
Rhonda Stockstill, Ret. USAF, FL
“Brett taught us how to help others let their pain come up, gently look at the origins, and release the pain by shining divine light through it.”
Kim Allen, Ordained Minister, Certified Meditation Teacher
“I now have the confidence and skills to help with trauma. This course was healing for me and my family. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to learn trauma management skills.”
Laura Caton, Mom of 4, Sound Practitioner, Yoga Instructor, Reiki Master
“Brett worked with our psychiatrically disabled adults in such a unique way everyone participated, even staff joined the group. We can’t wait to have him back!”
Audrey Goodman, Coord., New Horizons Counseling Center
“Yesterday, our team had the honor of training with Brett Cotter, founder of Stress Is Gone, whose work deepened our capacity to meet client dysregulation, stress, and even suicidal ideation from a place of inner groundedness. Brett’s guidance reminded us that we are the safety we offer others. Through breath, touch, and affirmation, we learned tools that empower clients to find calm within chaos ~ and ourselves to stay steady in the storm.
One takeaway we can share with you is the Stress Stopper Breathwork; a 3-step practice to guide the nervous system back to rest.
- Step One: Touch the Tension: Gently place your hand where you feel stress. Your healing touch invites your body back into balance.
- Step Two: Breathe Deep and Slow: Inhale peace, exhale pressure. Breath becomes a bridge from survival to safety.
- Step Three: Say “I’m Okay” with each breath. This simple affirmation shifts our inner dialogue from fear to trust.
We were reminded that affirmation is medicine, a way to rewire the brain and re-root the soul.
Extra highlight: My favorite affirmation from yesterday ~ ‘My divine light shines brightly, throughout every aspect of me. I seal in all these changes, energetically, inside my bodv, I am free, for all eternity.’
Thank you, Brett, for equipping us with tools that heal from the inside out.”
Molly McCarthy Tweedy, Evolutionary Psychology & Holistic Healing Co-Founder, LCSW, Substance Abuse Counselor, AF—EMDR Level III