Experience
I began seeing clients over 25 years ago. I have a Master's Degree and Certificate of Advanced Study in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland (basically, a conventional counseling psychology degree with the addition of diverse spiritual and faith components). My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from St. Mary's College of Maryland. I have been licensed as a professional counselor continuously since 1999, first in Maryland (#LC0619) and now in Tennessee (#2061). I strive to provide you with competent care in an ethical manner. No complaint has ever been filed against me.
I have worked in a variety of settings over the years including a medical clinic welcoming the LGBTQ+ community, a child and family community mental health center, a separation and divorce support center, a church based pastoral counseling practice, and a program supporting adoptive and foster families. I am comfortable working with you on any size concern from a small matter to the depths of your troubles. I have worked with children, adolescents, families, and individual adults.
Outside of my professional life, other experiences help to inform who I am. When I was young I did my time working in restaurant kitchens, churches, and summer camps. I have an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy. I currently live with my wife of 28 years and our three children. Caring for our environment is important to me. I have designed, built, and lived in an off-the-grid home made with natural materials. I enjoy an active lifestyle with outdoor work, hiking, boating, exercise, yoga, and several sports. I especially value a mindfullness meditation practice
I have worked in a variety of settings over the years including a medical clinic welcoming the LGBTQ+ community, a child and family community mental health center, a separation and divorce support center, a church based pastoral counseling practice, and a program supporting adoptive and foster families. I am comfortable working with you on any size concern from a small matter to the depths of your troubles. I have worked with children, adolescents, families, and individual adults.
Outside of my professional life, other experiences help to inform who I am. When I was young I did my time working in restaurant kitchens, churches, and summer camps. I have an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy. I currently live with my wife of 28 years and our three children. Caring for our environment is important to me. I have designed, built, and lived in an off-the-grid home made with natural materials. I enjoy an active lifestyle with outdoor work, hiking, boating, exercise, yoga, and several sports. I especially value a mindfullness meditation practice
Philosophy
Psychotherapy is a passion for me. I have had the pleasure of witnessing hundreds of people make changes that have improved their lives and the lives of those with whom they interact. Each of my clients has taught me something, and my future work gets better as a result. I strive to walk gracefully with each and every client toward their expressed goals.
Psychotherapy can be a sacred healing experience. I provide my clients with the confidential counseling experience they need to obtain the change they want, whether that change is on the inside, the outside, or both. I welcome and celebrate clients' strengths: creativity, intelligence, imagination, common sense, humor, and many others. We activate those strengths to achieve your goals. My philosophy is holistic in nature. I appreciate the synergy between physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual health. I believe people naturally grow toward health given the right environment. I seek to provide that healing environment, while also identifying and removing any blocks to the natural healing process.
Sometimes, just having a safe place to open up to a trustworthy objective person is enough. At other times, greater expertise is required. I choose from a wide variety of therapeutic methods to assist clients in making the changes they desire. Some specific therapies I utilize include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing); CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy); TF-CBT (Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy); ARC (Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency); behavioral interventions; and pastoral counseling.
I welcome frequent and honest feedback. I work for you! Your goals are my goals for our sessions. Hearing your feedback helps me to adjust your care to make it as effective as possible. I look forward to talking with you.
Psychotherapy can be a sacred healing experience. I provide my clients with the confidential counseling experience they need to obtain the change they want, whether that change is on the inside, the outside, or both. I welcome and celebrate clients' strengths: creativity, intelligence, imagination, common sense, humor, and many others. We activate those strengths to achieve your goals. My philosophy is holistic in nature. I appreciate the synergy between physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual health. I believe people naturally grow toward health given the right environment. I seek to provide that healing environment, while also identifying and removing any blocks to the natural healing process.
Sometimes, just having a safe place to open up to a trustworthy objective person is enough. At other times, greater expertise is required. I choose from a wide variety of therapeutic methods to assist clients in making the changes they desire. Some specific therapies I utilize include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing); CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy); TF-CBT (Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy); ARC (Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency); behavioral interventions; and pastoral counseling.
I welcome frequent and honest feedback. I work for you! Your goals are my goals for our sessions. Hearing your feedback helps me to adjust your care to make it as effective as possible. I look forward to talking with you.
