Dr. Peter Brandes, MD

Dr. Brandes, I want to start by expressing my genuine appreciation for your initial support and diagnosis. During a particularly vulnerable time in my life, you provided insight and guidance that helped me navigate a dark period when I was enduring abuse in a domestic relationship. As a young man, finding myself as the victim of domestic violence was an unexpected and isolating experience. Your compassion was something I clung to, and at that time, I found solace in having someone to confide in. Since our sessions, my journey has taken me to places I never anticipated. I was wrongfully convicted and served time in San Quentin—an experience that nearly broke me. Those years should have left me with nothing, but instead, they fueled a resilience that I carry forward to this day. I eventually moved to Texas, where I was fortunate enough to work with NBA players and, later, as an executive at FOX/NBC TV. Now, having lived in Arizona for the past eight years, I am on a new path as a… pre-med student, working toward my goal of becoming a doctor. In retrospect, I respectfully disagree with the diagnosis I was given. Distance from that painful chapter and my own growth have given me clarity, leading me to a more evolved understanding of my experiences. I recognize that I have survived and even thrived beyond the pain that could have defined me. For your records and for the growth of your practice, consider this my “Where Are They Now” update. Despite the circumstances that led me to your office, I’ve come full circle to pursue a career in medicine. Thank you for being a part of my journey, even if my path led me to conclusions different from those we initially explored together.