Welcome to ACT II Psychology
This is where your second act begins.
Dr. David Brillhart is a licensed psychologist, educator, and creator of the Pain2Purpose program—an evidence-based approach for transforming physical and emotional pain into forward movement, resilience, and deeper meaning.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
— Neale Donald Walsch
“Courage is feeling fear, not getting rid of fear, and taking action in the face of fear.”
— Roy T. Bennett
“You should always put your mask on first before helping others.”
— American Airlines Flight #997 Pre-flight Message
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”
― William James
“What you resist, persists. What you accept, transforms.”
— Carl Jung
“Never confuse motion with action.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Values are like lighthouses; they are signals giving us direction, meaning, and purpose.”
— Recruiter Journal
Featured Work
Explore selected works that highlight my perspectives on mental health, therapy, and human connection—shared through media, journals, and public talks.
Pain2Purpose App
For anyone suffering from chronic emotional and/or physical pain, you know how overwhelming it feels when all you desire is relief from your profound pain experience. Pain2Purpose (P2P) is an engaging mind-body mobile app combining the guiding principles of ACT, therapeutic tapping, and yoga, to address these chronic conditions. P2P takes the guesswork out of “where do I begin?” through a simplified “P2P Bullseye Target Assessment” that not only calculates your recommended intervention choices based on your assessment, but also provides reminder notices for you to engage in your chosen intervention. Neuroplastic mind-body healing of your chronic emotional and/or physical pain occurs with regular practice of the P2P app.
Books & Workbooks
Dr. Brillhart is a recognized ACT expert with nearly 20 years of clinical experience guiding people suffering from chronic emotional and/or physical pain through his Pain2Purpose therapeutic approach. He’s also lectured and taught workshops on the topic; his Pain2Purpose workbook is currently in publication.
Photography
Dr. Brillhart’s photography reflects the same themes as his clinical work: Presence, story, and transformation. These images are featured in his app, workshop trainings, and his clinical practice.
All images copyright © David Brillhart
A Note From Dr. Brillhart
There’s a reason this project is called ACT II.
I believe in second chances. Even when life takes unexpected turns—as it does in ACT I of a good play or musical—there’s always potential for renewal. Through my work with Pain2Purpose, writing, and photography, I’ve watched people reshape their stories and reconnect with what matters most. To witness this gift of healing is humbling and life-affirming; I hope you are inspired today to rewrite your ACT II through Pain2Purpose.