New to Grow
I have had the great privilege of serving a wide range of individuals, couples, and families for over almost three decades of professional practice. In that time, I have worked with a vast array of clinical issues including chronic stress and anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, marital and family struggles, substance abuse, trauma in all of its forms, esteem and self-worth, identity, disordered eating, academic and employment challenges, death and dying, and transitions across the life span. I subscribe to the belief that people are doing the best they can with what they have, and that the more one can expand their knowledge, understanding, and skills, the higher the likelihood is they will achieve at the level they desire. I believe that what happened to people matters, and a major focus of the work I do is in assisting people with healing from the wounds life has inflicted.
The first session is first and foremost a chance for you to have any and all questions you have about me and the process we will build together answered. I very much belief people do best when things are clear, so towards that end I work to ensure that as many question marks as possible are removed in the first meeting. The first session can also be a time to begin framing what it is you may wish to take from therapy, and to begin introducing the knowledge and skills that will be fundamental to supporting you in your growth.
I have been told that I am a mix of "regular guy" energy, enthusiastic teacher, and highly invested coach. I am relationship oriented but also recognize the value of process. From a methods standpoint, my therapy process has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and the ultimate goal of our work together is to teach you how to be your own therapist.
I work best with both people who are invested in their growth, are open to new learning, and not afraid to make mistakes and learn from the experience. I also admire and work well with clients who have a sense of humor and can find the joy in the struggle of life. I appreciate people who are curious and have a desire to expand their knowledge and skill as it relates to their own experiences.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have Utilized CBT for three decades. The primary application of this model revolves around recognizing the relationship between belief, emotion, and behavior. In short, if you wish to change your emotions and behavior, and how you engage the world as a whole, we have to change beliefs first. My approach assists clients with identifying their desired outcomes and then supporting them in developing and modifying new belief systems that will allow for them to achieve their stated goals.