My education includes a PhD in Religious Philosophy, a Master of Divinity, and Master of Science in Psychology, and I am working on a PhD in Psychology. Although my schooling may sound impressive, I credit most of my ability in working the field is due to my upbringing and a legitimate concern for people. I also have a background in chemical dependency treatment. Regarding mental health treatment, there is no greater joy than working with my veterans. I realize that trauma is not purely a veteran or first responder issue. Trauma changes our outlook on life. As we deal with the source and effect of the trauma, regardless of the age and time when they occured, we can find resolution. I have been a counselor for more than 30 years and have honed skills that are often missing in many new therapists. My main focus has been working with veterans and their issues. PTSD, depression, anxiety, survivor's guilt and combat related issues are issues I have dealt with for many years. I understand PTSD because I live with PTSD and understand.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
It is my goal that each session ends with my client feeling like there has been some change or insight having occured. I seek to make a difference with each session. During our time together I want you to feel understood and that someone has actually listened to you. We work together on solutions, options, and gaining new perspective on their issues. A client usually comes to me because they feel stuck. By the end of each session, I want my clients to feel hope and to see options for healing.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Most of my experience is not due to reading about psychology in a book. The best knowledge comes from life itself. I grew up in the Salvation Army, my parents being officers and working a rehab center. Two of my brothers are retired police officers. Because I understand and have lived many of the issues faced by people of first responder occupations, I understand the gallow's humor that keeps you sane in those professions or in the high stress of the military. I have lived life. I have survived divorces. I have had a colorful background with many unique experiences. All these go to provide a basis as a counselor that is not 'book' oriented but from real life.