(he/him)
New to Grow
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT 99412), I am authorized to provide psychotherapy services in the state of California. My experience spans over 15 years, during which I have worked in various mental health settings, including private practice, drug rehabilitation centers, community clinics, university counseling centers, and K-12 public school settings. Furthermore, I have served in leadership roles for community mental health clinics and non-profit organizations throughout the state of California.
Our work begins with what’s called a diagnostic interview—a conversation that explores your past and present life circumstances in depth. Along with information from your pre-intake assessment, this process helps us clarify the severity of your concerns and collaboratively develop S.M.A.R.T. goals for treatment (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). These goals give us a clear roadmap to guide your progress. Starting with a thorough assessment increases the likelihood of positive outcomes. My process includes both standardized measures and qualitative insights, as well as a written summary that I can provide upon request. You’ll also have the option to complete a personality assessment, the NERIS Type Explorer, which highlights your strengths and underlying needs—valuable information we can use together to support your healing and growth.
I am fully committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically gay men and couples. As a caucasian, gay, cis-gender man, I have engaged my own inner work to uncover and better understand both my privilege and otherness. My own personal therapy has helped me in this regard.
I work best with clients who are ready to actively engage in sessions and follow-through on supplemental therapeutic exercises and/or reading. Common issues include addressing anxiety, depression, relational trauma (C-PTSD), anger, ADHD, and addiction. LGBTQIA clients typically desire relief from hookup culture, minority stress, marginalization, internalized shame, self-sabotage, perfectionism, fear of vulnerability, family/social rejection, and insecure (anxious/avoidant) attachment. Additionally, common concerns expressed by gay couples include issues around power, control, care, connection, respect, and recognition that arise within the context of navigating conflicts related to intimacy, non-monogamy, finances, career, and many other areas of partnered life.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
The Internal Family Systems approach cohesively integrates and compliments many therapeutic theories and techniques. New clients are encouraged to read "No Bad Parts" by Richard Schwartz, the founder of IFS, to gain a practical framework by which to understand thoughts and emotions. Therapy guided by this approach is identity-affirming, culturally sensitive, and trauma responsive. Goals are achieved through insight and enhanced self-awareness, deep exploration and processing of thoughts and feelings, and increased authenticity, integration, and empowerment.
Trauma Informed Care
It’s natural to avoid painful memories, yet unaddressed wounds rarely heal on their own. Deep healing begins when you find the courage to safely face what you’ve been carrying so that you can freely move toward the life you deserve.
Strength-Based
Leaning on your strengths can help reduce the challenges of addressing vulnerabilities and taking emotional risks. Strengths enhance resilience, which is the brain’s ability to cope and recover from stressful life events.
Relational
The most effective therapy happens when there is synergy between the therapist’s method, personality, and style, and your unique needs and context. When that fit is present, the work feels safe, meaningful, and transformative. My approach is collaborative, strength-based, supportive, and nonjudgmental. I will model being genuine, honest, and accountable.