Lance Joseph Martinez

How This Doctor From Baguio Turned Pandemic Struggles Into A Nationwide Mental Health Movement

Mission Towards a Million: How This Doctor From Baguio Turned Pandemic Struggles Into A Nationwide Mental Health Movement

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<p>Life stories are always unpredictable—one moment, you hear about someone’s unfortunate situation, and the next, you learn how they turn that very struggle into inspiration to rise from the ashes. Such is the story of <strong>Dr. Bryce Fabro</strong>, who used her own trauma as the driving force to establish a company dedicated to mental health.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757483317781Metro.Style Bryce Fabro 9.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Bryce Fabro</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>In an exclusive with <strong>Metro.Style</strong>, Dr. Fabro shared how her company, <strong>Emotional Reset Center USA LLC</strong>, was born out of her fear of slipping into depression during the pandemic.</p><p>“It started from a worry, a worry. I was so worried I would fall into depression, <em>kasi noong</em> pandemic, I was doing a big project for Canada. I was organizing a big global event in Canada. And then all of a sudden, <em>nag</em>-close <em>ang</em> borders, and then because of that, <em>parang</em> I was looking at the walls longer than I should. And <em>sabi ko,</em> I will fall into depression if I don’t do enough self-regulation and mindfulness,” she recalled.</p><p>The 51-year-old certified resilient coach from Baguio City admitted she knew she couldn’t do it alone. She reached out to people she trusted—including her eventual co-founder, <strong>Dr. Brenda Fortune</strong>, a licensed mental health coach and marriage and family therapist.</p><p>“I chose to reach out—not to hide my struggle, but to lean on the wisdom of colleagues and dear friends in the mental health field. The very first call I made was to Dr. Brenda Valenzuela-Fortune, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and to her husband Dr. Don Vincent Fortune, a retired U.S. Navy officer and a Certified Trauma-Informed Care Coach,” she said.</p><p>&quot;Together, we birthed something small yet powerful: the Brainshare Webinar Series. At first, it was simply a way to share coping strategies and offer encouragement to Philippine schools navigating the chaos of the pandemic. Our first audience numbered around 20. But week by week, as word spread and the hunger for mental health support deepened, our webinars grew—soon reaching hundreds of educators, leaders, and communities,&quot; she added.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757936861693Mayor Magalong.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Bryce Fabro</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Five years later, what started as a personal struggle has grown into a full-fledged organization serving schools and communities. “And five years later, <em>ito na kami, </em>we started serving the schools because we believe that the school is the biggest village,” she revealed.</p><p>But Dr. Fabro and her team didn’t stop there. Driven by their vision of a mentally healthier Philippines, they launched <strong>AnchorED 1M</strong>, a national campaign with a goal of training and certifying one million Filipino mental health coaches and first responders by 2030.</p><p>“AnchorED 1M is our national call to train and certify one million Filipino mental health coaches and first responders by 2030. It’s how we’ll make the Philippines the Mental Health &amp; Well-Being Capital of Asia,” she explained.</p><p>Unlike one-off seminars, Dr. Fabro emphasized that their program is a rigorous certification course lasting six to eight months. </p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:left"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757936789776Project David.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Bryce Fabro</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">“We certify, we’re not just giving seminars. Our program is a certification program, meaning you finish in six months to eight months to become a mental health and well-being coach. <em>Iba</em> ‘yung approach <em>namin</em>. There has to be a relationship, a genuine relationship as a coach,” she clarified.</p><p>Drawing a powerful analogy, she added, “We’re developing mental health coaches, <em>kasi</em> we believe that the mental health coaches are our soldiers. <em>Kung</em> <em>digmaan</em> <em>ang</em> mental health crisis, <em>ang mga sundalo mo rito</em>, mental health coaches.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Training and Certification<br/></strong></div><p>Today, the Emotional Reset Center has grown into a training and certification hub for Mental Health and Well-Being Coaches, First Responders, and Peer Support Leaders.</p><ol><li><strong>Flexible Learning:</strong> They offer 100% online, self-paced programs paired with live classes, making their certifications accessible no matter where you are in the world.</li><li><strong>Completion Timeline: </strong>Depending on your pace, their courses can be completed in as little as three to four months.</li><li><strong>Hands-On Practice:</strong> Every trainee is required to complete at least 20 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) in real-life settings to build applied experience.</li><li><strong>Certification Standards:</strong> To be certified, participants must also pass a final certification exam, ensuring both knowledge and skill readiness.</li></ol><p>According to Dr. Fabro, this model, which combines academic rigor with hands-on exposure, equips graduates not only with a certificate but also with the confidence and competence to address real human needs across schools, workplaces, churches, and communities.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757936740897Dr Jette.JPG" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Bryce Fabro</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>The Mental Health Crisis in the Philippines</strong></div><p>According to Dr. Fabro, the Philippines has fewer than 2,000 licensed mental health professionals—a gap her team hopes to bridge.</p><p>“<em>Noong nakita namin na hindi lalagpas sa</em> 2000 <em>ang</em> mental health professionals, <em>nu’ng nakita namin itong problem na ito, sabi namin</em>,<em></em> if we are to position our company in solving one problem, it has to be the provision of mental health and well-being coaches,” she said. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757483348980Metro.Style Bryce Fabro 4.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Bryce Fabro</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>She further explained why a rigorous program is necessary: “<em>Gumawa kami ng </em>mental health certification program <em>kasi ayaw namin na ‘Oh, nagdalawang araw ka lang, nagtatlong araw ka lang ng </em>workshop, <em>p&#x27;wede na.’ Hindi siya p&#x27;wedeng gano’n, kasi ang luwang ng </em>mental health, so <em>kailangan ng mas malalim na pagkakaintindi </em>especially on coaching.”</p><p>As part of the certification program, Dr. Fabro enumerated the <strong>seven roles a mental health and well-being coach takes on after training</strong>:</p><ol><li>Conduct one-on-one coaching sessions to assess and address individual mental health concerns and goals.</li><li>Develop personalized well-being plans tailored to each client&#x27;s unique needs and circumstances.</li><li>Provide emotional support, empathy, and active listening to create a safe and trusting coaching relationship.</li><li>Educate clients on mental health topics, coping mechanisms, and self-care practices to empower them in their journey.</li><li>Collaborate with clients to set realistic and achievable goals for mental health improvement.</li><li>Monitor client progress and make adjustments to coaching plans as needed.</li><li>Stay informed about current mental health trends, research, and resources to enhance coaching effectiveness.</li><li>Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in all coaching interactions.</li><li>Act as a mental health first responder.</li></ol><div><br/></div><div><strong>Why Mental Health Coaches Matter</strong></div><p>When asked how important it is to have mental health coaches in the Philippines, Dr. Fabro did not hold back.</p><p>“It’s a must to have mental health coaches and first responders in schools, organizations, communities, and in every home. They don’t just respond in times of crisis—they create a culture of safety and openness where people feel seen, heard, and supported before problems escalate. One distinct benefit is that they serve as the first line of early intervention—catching warning signs and providing immediate care that can prevent small struggles from becoming life-threatening situations,&quot; she declared.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757937041717with Mother Mary John.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Bryce Fabro</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Drawing parallels to the world of sports, she added, “<em>Wala tayong </em>Manny Pacquiao <em>kung walang </em>coach. <em>Wala tayong </em>Alex Eala <em>kung walang </em>coach. So, <em>hindi lang ‘yung </em>sports, <em>pati ‘yung </em>mental fortitude <em>nila </em>and all of that. So <em>&#x27;pag</em> mental health coach, of course, <em>naka-</em>focus<em></em> <em>kami</em> on the mental well-being <em>ng</em> <em>isang</em> <em>tao</em>.”</p><p>To assure the public, she highlighted the importance of certification: &quot;At Emotional Reset Center, we take the readiness of our mental health coaches very seriously. That’s why our certification programs are built on a strong foundation of learning modules that cover psychology, with special attention to Filipino Psychology, so our coaches understand the cultural context of the communities they serve. We also include whole-person development, ethics in coaching, and the proper process of referral—because we know that coaches must be both compassionate and professional.&quot;</p><p>She went on to highlight what sets their program apart, noting that the training is anchored on the <strong>five pillars of wellbeing.</strong></p><p>&quot;What makes our Center unique is that we train our coaches around the 5 Pillars of Wellbeing—Relationship, Emotions, Spirituality, Energy, and Thought (RESET). This holistic framework ensures that every coach we certify is equipped not just with knowledge, but with a balanced approach to caring for the human mind, heart, and spirit. In this way, the public can be assured that when you meet one of our trained coaches, you’re meeting someone prepared, grounded, and ready to walk with you through life’s challenges. In mental health coaching, we abide by the mantra &#x27;We do no harm,&#x27;&quot; she stressed.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>From Brainshare to AnchorED 1M</strong></div><p>What began in 2020 as the Brainshare Webinar Series with just 20 participants has now grown into the Emotional Reset Center USA LLC, serving thousands across schools, organizations, and communities.</p><p>The company is blessed with strong mission partners, including the following:</p><ol><li>San Beda College Alabang led by Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB</li><li>St. Paul University Philippines under Sr. Merceditas Ang, SPC, leading Project David to train 100,000 peer coaches</li><li>Rotary Club International, through CP Luz Pacifico, funding 115 public school teachers</li><li>Mayor Benjie Magalong of Baguio, supporting the training of 40 Mental Health Responders</li><li>The Philippine National Police. They have trained 450 + officers from the Children and Women’s Desk. </li></ol><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757936990516with Sr Merceditas.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Bryce Fabro</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><p>According to Dr. Fabro, they are guided by Dr. Julieta Gabiola of Stanford University School of Medicine, and for the AnchorED 1M Movement, they are honored to have Mr. <strong>Ernie Lopez</strong> (in photo below) <strong></strong>as Ambassador. They are also deeply supported by St. Scholastica’s College Manila under Sr. M. Rosario R. Obiniana, OSB, and the Battig Foundation through Sr. Agnella Capili, OSB.</p><p>From a small webinar, they have grown into a movement with partnerships across schools, cities, and global institutions—proving that mental health is a mission shaping the future of the nation.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757936903076Ernie &amp; Bryce (1).png" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Bryce Fabro</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>The Core Mission of AnchorED 1M</strong></div><p>Although her journey began with fear and uncertainty during the pandemic, Dr. Fabro has since turned her worry into a nationwide mission. She and her team continue working toward their ambitious goal of anchoring one million Filipinos to become mental health and well-being coaches.</p><p>“So far, we have trained almost 8,500 plus, and we have certified 535 mental health coaches to date. Our goal for this year, at least for 2025, at least to reach about to double the number. So we’re working harder. That’s why we launched AnchorED 1M,” Dr. Fabro stressed.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757936707473AnchorED1m.JPG" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Bryce Fabro</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>To conclude, Dr. Fabro echoed the words of the Department of Health on why mental health must remain a national priority.</p><p>“If you want a healthy nation, if you want a healthy school, an organization, mental health is the core of it,” she declared.</p><p>“People will not excel without it. If you’re not mentally healthy, you can’t work. You can’t perform. You can’t be a mother. You can’t be a legislator. You can’t be a writer. It’s difficult to function. So we need coaches because coaches can help. They can work hand-in-hand with the doctors, with the psychiatrists. They can regulate, can help regulate the pulse of our country,” she explained.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757483491560Metro.Style Bryce Fabro 8.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from Bryce Fabro</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Indeed, the movement is finally taking shape, with Dr. Fabro and her team guiding Filipinos to become certified mental health and well-being coaches. </p><p>For those eager to join the cause, you can sign up and learn more through their official website: <a href="https://anchored1m.com">https://anchored1m.com/</a></p><p>You may also reach Dr. Bryce Fabro through the following contact details: 0917 192 7471 and <a href="mailto:bryce@emotionalresetcenter.com">bryce@emotionalresetcenter.com</a></p><div><br/></div><p>Photos courtesy of <strong>Bryce Fabro</strong></p>

<p>In an exclusive with Metro.Style, Dr. Bryce Fabro shared how her company, Emotional Reset Center USA-LLC, was born out of her fear of slipping into depression during the pandemic.</p>

In an exclusive with Metro.Style, Dr. Bryce Fabro shared how her company, Emotional Reset Center USA-LLC, was born out of her fear of slipping into depression during the pandemic.

Mission Towards A Million: How This Resilient Coach From Baguio Turned Pandemic Struggles Into A Nationwide Mental Health Movement

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Mission Towards A Million: How This Resilient Coach From Baguio Turned Pandemic Struggles Into A Nationwide Mental Health Movement

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published Oct 06, 2025 08:30 AM PHT

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Updated Oct 06, 2025 08:33 AM PHT

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