Hey There

All About Me

While serving as a Contracted Mental Health Therapist for the Department of Defense in Stuttgart, Germany, I worked closely with active-duty military personnel and veterans. This role provided me with profound insights into the unique complexities of military life, including sensitive issues like sexual harassment and the psychological impacts of deployment.

​

My tenure at Johns Hopkins Medical Center allowed me to specialize in areas such as fetal anomalies, fetal loss, and postpartum mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. During this time, I also supported new parents through these challenging transitions, enhancing my empathy and expertise in handling such delicate matters.

​

My personal life as a husband for over thirty years and a father of four enriches my professional perspective, giving me a deep appreciation of family dynamics and the nuances of various relationships, including marital and parental bonds.

​

In my therapeutic approach, I value the importance of understanding an individual's core beliefs—shaped by family background, religious teachings, and societal influences—from early childhood. Recognizing that some of these beliefs may become maladaptive, I work with clients to reassess and reshape these beliefs to better serve their adult lives, thereby alleviating distress and enhancing personal and interpersonal functioning.

​

My treatment modalities are eclectic, drawing from a range of methods including the Strength-Based, Client-Centered, and Solution-Focused approaches, along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). This diverse toolkit allows me to tailor my approach to best meet the unique needs of each client.

​

My educational journey in psychology began with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Utah State University, where I also engaged in research on shame and guilt and taught introductory psychology labs. I furthered my education with a Masters of Social Work from Eastern Washington University, conducting significant research on caregiving for terminally ill individuals and exploring the impacts of traumatic loss and grief.

​

Beyond the clinical setting, my commitment extends to child welfare, where I have substantial experience addressing chronic abuse and neglect. My role often involves first-response actions, thorough investigations, and the development of robust treatment plans, always prioritizing the safety and well-being of children. My wife and I have also been foster parents, providing a supportive home environment for many teenagers, and adopting two of our daughters through this process.

​

Additionally, I have actively collaborated on public policy with various stakeholders including legislators, judges, and educators to foster systemic change and improve community health resources. My work in this area highlights my ability to forge strong partnerships and advocate effectively for those in need.

​

My extensive professional background and personal experiences equip me to offer compassionate, knowledgeable, and effective mental health care and advocacy, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and communities alike.