Hello! Congratulations on taking this step toward living a happier and more meaningful life! It takes courage! I received a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 1999 at Auburn University in Alabama and have been providing care since then. I've worked as a full-time clinician, mentored and provided clinical supervision to new professionals and also oversaw a community behavioral health center for more than a decade as the clinical director. Most recently, I provided military and family life counseling at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson before opening a full-time private practice. An important goal of mine is to help you feel comfortable and confident that counseling is a safe place. I operate from a position of compassion and empathy. Together we will work through the issues you're struggling with. I do not take the stance that I'm the expert on your life but instead will guide you through the change process at your own pace and readiness.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In the first session we will work on establishing a relationship of trust by getting to know each other. I will be asking questions to better understand your background, culture, current state, strengths and reasons why you are seeking professional help. I will explain the counseling process, my expectations of you and asking you for your preferences in working with me.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Over the past 25 years as a therapist/counselor I have had many unique experiences providing care and training less experienced professionals. Through these experiences I've learned that I am most effective when I am fully present with you-listening intently to your experience. By being present, I'm more likely able to tailor interventions specific to your needs. My expectation is that you have come to therapy to do the work both in and out of session. I will help us stay focused on your treatment goals so that the duration of services will be as brief as possible. I think some of my best strengths are being a non-judgmental and empathic listener while also nudging clients to take meaningful action to obtain the changes they desire.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds. Though I am experienced in working with a variety of behavioral health struggles, what I enjoy most is helping people resolve trauma and working with individuals struggling with anxiety and depression. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I respect the spiritual beliefs of my clients. I provide counseling to all people, regardless of their religious and spiritual beliefs.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I was first introduced to IFS while in graduate school 25 years ago. Since then, it's grown and is continually being proven as an effective mode of treatment. The IFS model of therapy can be used for a variety of presenting issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, and even in decision making. In IFS we identify that parts of ourselves experience events differently. Some of those parts have unresolved issues they are holding onto; other parts of ourselves are trying to protect us from further pain. The goal of IFS is to resolve past issues so we are not hijacked by any one part of ourselves. IFS has become one of my favorite models of care due to the success many clients have with it.
EMDR
I was trained in EMDR about 4 years ago and have been amazed with the outcomes. EMDR is usually a very efficient way to treat trauma and can be effectively done via telehealth. Because of the positive results I've seen from it, it's made trauma work my favorite work to do.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is a combination of CBT and mindfulness practices. I like to think of it as the best of the best from both approaches. What I like about it most is that it's goal is to help you live a meaningful and fulfilling life-however you define it. To do that, we help you identify what is most important to you and how you want to show up in life and then help you align those two things. In the process we overcome the emotional and cognitive hurdles that stand in the way.
Christian Counseling
I'm not specifically trained in Christian counseling techniques but would consider myself sensitive to the needs of religious individuals who want their views and beliefs treated respectfully. My first seven years providing counseling was with a private Christian-based organization. I also served as a missionary for two years in Venezuela and in many local positions, including leading a congregation, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
5 ratings with written reviews
August 14, 2025
Paul was very open to listening to me. I tend to ramble at first but when i would stop he would promt me with a question. It is very helpful. He is complete with his intake and makes you feel comfortable.
July 31, 2025
By far the best intake appointment I’ve ever had. Paul is insightful and asks meaningful questions.
June 16, 2025
He heard both our sides, ackwoledge our both of outr needs.