(he/him)
My first career includes 17 years of retail management. I worked in multiple divisions, environments, and roles within the retail management industry. Most of my experiences were in the Big-Box retail environments or within the corporate office environment, so I understand the expectations and stressors of P&L management, marketing, staff performance/recruitment/training & development, shrinkage, O.S.H.A. compliance, and merchandising. I transitioned from the retail management industry to the human services industry in March of 2010 after receiving my master’s degree in Human Services with a specialty in Mental Health Counseling. I recently obtained a doctorate degree in Human Services. This information is pertinent for adults who need assistance to cope with work-life balance, corporate industry standards, stressful work environments, conflict management with co-workers, and work performance due to compassion fatigue or inappropriate time management.
I ensure that each client feels empowered to be the leader of their journey, as I assist each client in achieving goals by using the S.M.A.R.T. model. The expert of my client’s life is the client.
I utilize the eclectic approach. As individuals, our emotional, behavioral, and psycho-social needs are completely different. This approach draws from multiple theoretical orientations to fit the specific needs of every individual, whose needs may not be resolved using only one approach.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Our goal is to empower each client to create their narrative as we address behaviors, trauma, or behavioral health symptoms that hinder personal, professional, and educational success. We identify the triggers and previous experiences that are causing "fight or flight" reactions and reduce the weight (or power) that the client is assigning to this person (or situation).
Person-centered (Rogerian)
My role as the therapist is not as “The expert” or “The fixer.” I facilitate the client’s therapy goals and empower the client to be the leader. I utilize a solutions-focused and person-centered approach within therapy to identify problems, develop plans, create paths, and establish monitored S.M.A.R.T. goals.
14 ratings with written reviews
March 31, 2026
Was a great session he really listened and cared.
March 25, 2026
Enjoyed my first session with Mr. Burns. Pumped for next week to dive deeper and learn more.
March 10, 2026
Honestly, I did not plan on getting that emotionally frustrated, happy, sad, and relieved all within one hour, but Clifton managed to hit them all. He used humor as a great way to help break difficult subjects or topics up ( which, as a marine, humor is my way of getting through anything) and had great analogies and insights I had not thought of before. If this is what I get out of one session, then I look forward to many more. Thank you, sir!