Self-Empowerment
for Gay Men & Queer People

Brown Bear’s Mission is to help you become the most well-adjusted, self-loving and effective version of yourself.

Everything about you is welcome here.

book 60 mins with ed

Meet Ed

Why Coaching?

You want action and results, not just talk.
You’re ready and willing to share, explore, learn, adapt and change.
You understand that only you can make change in your life, and a little
help can go a long way.
You want quick access to powerful self improvement techniques.
You’re healthy and functional – but not your best self yet.
Personal and professional life success is important to you.

What do you Get?

You are seen and heard. You are welcomed in, it is confidential, you’re safe.
Concepts, techniques and activities that are uniquely for you and your situation.
Insight into yourself – conscious and unconscious.
The chance to address everything you’ve been avoiding all this time.
Overcome self-defeating behaviour.
Support and encouragement as you walk your path forward, one step at a time, to make your lasting change a reality.

Client’s Coaching Journeys

Ryan LaPrade

2023-03-17

I wasn't sure if coaching would be what I needed at the time. I had heard many different friends and colleagues talk about the benefits and was still skeptical. It wasn't until I heard Ed on a podcast that something clicked. So I took a leap of faith and contacted him. We had our initial meeting and I couldn't have been more pleased. The connection for me was immediate. He really got me to force out all of the noise in my head. Stop using the term "I don't know" and let go for trying to control everything and not treat every scenario and relationship like a business transaction. I'm not saying I'm done or that there is nothing else left for me to do. On the contrary Ed has given me quite a few tools to leverage everyday in every situation to continue on my journey. I fully expect that I will need tune ups from time to time. His podcast and posts are very good nuggets that always seem to hit me right in the "feels" and gets me out of my head to focus on the right things. Thank you is not nearly enough.

Erik Ortolani

2022-10-06

I came across Ed's posts on Instagram and I immediately felt drawn to his message . I am a chef in my early 30s , as far as I remember I struggled with some degree of anxiety, swinging moods and body image issues. I found myself always drained from work and my social interaction outside my job were rare , and even when I hung out with friends I found it somewhat exhausting. I could never put a finger on the reason for this but I knew I couldn’t go on for much longer with this level of stress and discomfort. I tried therapy in the past and found it boring and saw the conversations going around in circles so I always quit after few sessions . When I met Ed I was coming off a solid 3 years of anti anxiety medication. He straight off the bat cut through the mental clutter , always offering a very simple perspective into my problems, which I found comforting. He helped me understand how living with authenticity and assertiveness can propel you into a state of joy . Something clicked in my mind after a couple of sessions and I can say that I don’t remember having been this consistently happy and fulfilled. My inner narrative somehow shifted and I stopped seeking external validation and wanting to please everyone. Just the way I go about my professional and personal life is much more effective and way less stressful and frustrating. I’m extremely grateful for this experience, It made me a happier , more compassionate and better human being all around ! ' 10/10 - would recommend- it’s the best spent money.

Andrew Savitsky

2022-09-29

Working with Ed was really pivotal for me. I can't tell you how much it meant to find someone who could help speak to the issues I was struggling with-- Ed truly was a guiding light during a 'roller coaster' period of my life. I only wish that I had found Ed sooner than I did-- cause I think it would have made my journey even smoother. Thanks Ed for everything.

Daniel Quigley

2022-08-16

Working with Ed was the most personally insightful experience I have ever had. I am now calm, confident, self assured and I value myself. The journey has been challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Paul Roberts

2022-06-22

I found Ed's Brown Bear Coaching at a perfect time in life – and I’m so glad I did. I had been thinking about utilizing some type of personal, self-growth, self-exploration “coaching” service for years – but had been reluctant & felt resistant. I wasn’t sure what I needed help on, exactly — but knew I could use it, if I found the right person to help me. I especially needed someone to dispel all the common clichés & misconceptions of working with a “life coach.” Ed was that guy for me! As a gay man, I decided it was important for me to work with another gay man – or, at least someone who works predominately with other gay men. I was wise about making that decision. I learned so much about the shared experiences of gay men, and the commonalities we all share growing up as closeted queer kids – which spills significantly into our adult lives. It’s so common, it goes unnoticed. The breakthroughs I had with Ed were massive! I was feeling a bit lost – and highly stressed with big dreams, the day-to-day hustle, the immense pressures I put upon myself, and general “existing” in this world. Add in the mix of other hardships that had gone entirely undetected my whole life, I was in need of help. I am so glad I found Ed, who helped me uncover it all. I thought I knew what my problems were. And, it’s true what they say. The answer truly was there, in front of me, all along. But, I never had pointed conversations with myself (or with a coach like Ed) to help me draw attention to the problems that were right in front of me. I worked with Ed through about nine sessions, and the growth I’ve gained is monumental! I feel refreshed, confident, and clear. And, most importantly, I feel a tremendous weight off my shoulders. It is a “free” feeling I had not felt in adulthood. Don’t get me wrong, though. Tough work takes, well, tough work. Some of the conversations I had with Ed were difficult for me – because I had to face some uncomfortable things head-on, that felt easier to avoid (but were causing me immense stress, which can be a form of pain!). I think having honest, safe discussions with Ed on a wide array of things was eye-opening, growth-inducing and life-changing for me. Ed is very kind & easy to talk to. I am glad I made the investment in myself with Ed. If you’re on the fence & thinking about it – give it a shot! Even the first intro session was rad & beneficial (and totally free, without any expectations or pressure *whatsoever*). And, if you’re worried about him being “online” all the way in Sydney, don’t be. I really liked his perspective, and we had no problems getting our schedules to sync between Southern California, USA and Sydney, Australia. Ed was always available when I needed him, and was a simple WhatsApp, Instagram message or email away in between our sessions. And, it was kind of cool to talk to him in the privacy of my own home. Ed, thanks for sharing your wisdom, sparkle and peace with us – especially us gay men! Brown Bear Coaching is fabulous - and you'll love Ed!

Dann Riebe

2022-06-07

Before I met Ed, I had convinced myself that I was “stuck”. I believed I was in a rut that I couldn’t find my way out of. Ed pointed out to me all of the ways that I was, in fact, not stuck and that I already had all the necessary tools to move forward. He helped me by identifying the ways in which I stood in my own way, ie: negative self talk, procrastination, etc. Turning my “I can’ts” and “I shoulds” into “I can” and “I will” is some pretty powerful stuff! I was also shown that I deserve the love that I receive from others, but more importantly, that I am beautiful the way I am and deserve to love myself. Ed is fun, friendly, utterly charming and exceptionally good at getting to the point. If you come to class ready to work you will not be disappointed with the result! Thanks, Ed! Now the path ahead is nice and smooth…

Edd Coomber

2022-05-02

Ed’s sessions are a good mix of real talk, relieved with some laughs. I engaged with Ed to talk through some issues I felt were stalling my moving onto the next stage in life. Few years on after coming out, and the dust had settled, I was at a place of “what’s next?” I now feel much more grounded with who I am. If you’re considering coaching, then you probably should. I’m happy with who I see in the mirror now, accept compliments and walk tall with confidence. What are you waiting for?

Jay

2022-04-19

I had tried a couple of life coaches before and given it away because I felt they just didn’t get me. After a few sessions with Ed I was feeling that this was just the same old stuff but then (I think it was our third time) something clicked and I never looked back. Ed's questioning enabled me to look at the underlying reasons for the self-sabotage in my relationships, the reasons behind some of my anxieties and that I had the inner strength to change these behaviours. But most of all he gave me the courage to come out of the closet to my friends and kids and to just be myself in public. After 9 sessions, I’m now feeling confident and comfortable with myself in a way that I’ve never felt in my entire life. I’m learning to love myself and to give my love unconditionally to others. I’ve NEVER felt happier. I’m on my way to being the best version of me, I can’t thank Ed enough.

Hamish Scott

2022-03-31

Coaching with Ed is like speaking with a good friend who will help you find and be that better version of yourself, help you find the way to have the life that you already know you want. If you are in any way curious, get in touch with him. I have not felt more confident, more energised, more productive, more focused and happier in many years - if ever. How I do life now, is how it always should have been. The struggles of the past seem a thousand miles away.

Jonathan Thomas

2022-03-15

My experience with Brown Bear Coaching was extremely successful. It has been the best money I have ever spent. My personal coach Ed, was very knowledgeable, extremely supportive and most importantly, was very honest. He basically assisted me to “dodge a bullet” in the outcome I reached as a result of my coaching. Ed was very skillful in actually getting me to arrive at my own decision, which was the best outcome. He helped me to build a “toolbox” of strategies and skills to assist and guide me through the situation I was in. I have been successful in now using these strategies to make me a better person and succeed moving forward in my journey. I’m newly out in the gay community, coming from a very complex, controlling religious background. Ed was very supportive in taking all this into consideration with how he coached me. I’d seriously recommend everyone in a gay relationship, wherever they are on the “relationship journey” to add brown Bear Coaching into your budget. You will never regret it.

Embracing your authentic self leads to lasting self-transformation

It might feel scary at first, but there’s no better path for you. Back yourself. You’re worth it. I’ll be there to be your sounding board and support your sincere efforts.

Creating your ideal life starts with finding the truth of what you love

A strong connection to self, first, is the gateway to the answers to your big ticket questions. What work is right for you, what you need in a partner, what cause you want to devote your precious time and effort to.

Book a free consult with Ed today.

Self-Empowerment for Gay Men & Queer People