(he/him)
New to Grow
As a Doctor of Social Work and a dual-certified clinician in both DBT (Linehan Board) and CBT (Beck Institute), I am dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s most complex emotional and spiritual challenges. My practice is built on the belief that meaningful change happens when we combine clinical excellence with a clear, values-driven vision for the future. I specialize in supporting parents of children and adolescents who struggle with Emotional Dysregulation and problematic behaviors. I understand the exhaustion and isolation that can come with high-conflict household dynamics. To address this, I developed Family Systems Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (FS-DBT)—a model specifically designed to treat the family as a connected ecosystem, fostering collective growth rather than just individual symptom management. Beyond family dynamics, I provide a safe, structured space for those experiencing faith crises or existential transitions. Whether you are deconstructing long-held beliefs or grappling with a loss of meaning, I help you navigate these "dark nights of the soul" by integrating clinical tools with a deep respect for your personal journey. My goal is to help you rebuild a life that feels authentic and anchored in your core truth. Whether I am working with a couple seeking to repair their bond or a parent striving to de-escalate crisis behaviors, my approach is rooted in "beginning with the end in mind." We will collaborate on a comprehensive, practical plan designed to point you and your family toward your specific goals. I offer specialized individual psychotherapy and real-time phone coaching to ensure skills are applied in the moments they matter most. I am deeply passionate about this work, and I would love the opportunity to support your journey.
What to Expect: A Collaborative Journey Toward a Life Worth Living Choosing to enter therapy is a profound act of courage. It is an investment in your future and a declaration that your current patterns no longer serve the person you wish to become. As a Doctor of Social Work and a dual-certified clinician in both Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), my goal is to ensure that from the moment you step into my office—or join me on a screen—you feel a sense of structured hope. The Foundation: Assessment and "Beginning with the End in Mind" In our first session, we will likely discuss the immediate problems that feel most pressing today. We will address the "fire" that brought you to seek help, ensuring you have the support needed for any crises. However, my approach is rooted in a specific philosophy: beginning with the end in mind. We don't just talk about what is wrong; we define what "right" looks like for you. I will ask you detailed questions about your goals for therapy. What does a life worth living look like to you? If we were to finish our work together six months from now, what specific changes would tell you that this was a success? By establishing these targets early, we transform therapy from a vague conversation into a strategic mission. Gathering Life History: Understanding the "Why" While our focus is forward-facing, we cannot navigate the future without understanding the map of your past. During our initial assessment phase, I will gather a comprehensive life history. We will look at the family systems that shaped you, the biological factors that influence your temperament, and the environmental experiences that have reinforced certain behaviors. This is not about staying stuck in the past; it is about finding the "validation" for why you do what you do. In DBT, we believe that most "problematic behaviors" were once attempts to solve a problem or survive a difficult emotion. By gathering your history, we can identify which old survival strategies are now getting in the way of your new goals. The Non-Judgmental Stance: A Radical Environment for Change One of the most vital things you can expect from me is a non-judgmental stance. As a clinician, I operate from a position of "radical acceptance." I am not here to judge your choices, your emotions, or the ways you have struggled. My role is to be an expert collaborator. In our sessions, we will look at facts, consequences, and effectiveness. We ask, "Is this behavior moving you closer to your goal or further away?" By removing judgment, we create the safety necessary to look at difficult truths. You are free to be your authentic self, whether you are navigating a faith crisis, a career transition, or the complexities of parenting a child with Emotional Dysregulation. Availability and the Coaching Relationship Therapy that only happens for 50 minutes a week is often insufficient for creating lasting change in high-stakes environments. Because I work with complex family dynamics and intense emotions, I make myself available in ways that traditional therapy models often do not. I offer real-time phone coaching to ensure that the skills we discuss in the office are applied when they are needed most—in the heat of an argument, in the middle of a panic attack, or during a difficult parenting moment. This "generalization of skills" is what separates high-fidelity DBT from standard talk therapy. You are not alone in the hours between our sessions. Determining the Skill Path: The FS-DBT Model A significant part of our work involves determining which specific skills need to be taught. No two families are the same, which is why I developed Family Systems Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (FS-DBT). We will assess whether the primary need is for individual distress tolerance, or if the larger family system needs a new "language" for communication. We will look at your life through the lens of a Behavioral Chain Analysis, identifying exactly where things go wrong so we can plug in the right skill at the right time. The Toolkit: A Comprehensive Integration of CBT and DBT I am committed to communicating and teaching the full breadth of evidence-based skills I have mastered through my certifications with the Linehan Board and the Beck Institute. You can expect to learn and master the following: From the DBT Toolkit (The Four Modules): Mindfulness: Developing the "wise mind" to stay present and non-reactive. Distress Tolerance: Survival strategies for when you cannot change a situation (TIP skills, ACCEPTS, Self-Soothing, and Radical Acceptance). Emotion Regulation: Understanding the function of emotions and reducing vulnerability to "emotion mind" (PLEASE skills, Opposite Action, and Check the Facts). Interpersonal Effectiveness: Learning how to ask for what you need and say "no" while maintaining self-respect and the relationship (DEAR MAN, GIVE, and FAST). From the CBT Toolkit (Cognitive Restructuring): Identifying Cognitive Distortions: Recognizing patterns like "all-or-nothing thinking" or "catastrophizing." Thought Recording: Systematically challenging the accuracy of your automatic negative thoughts. Behavioral Activation: Creating a schedule of activities that increase pleasure and mastery to combat depression. Core Belief Work: Identifying and updating the deep-seated beliefs that drive your self-image. Moving Toward the Goal Everything we do—the skills, the phone coaching, the family sessions, and the history gathering—is designed to serve the plan we built in session one. We will constantly check our progress against your goals. If a skill isn't working, we pivot. If a goal changes, we update the map. I am passionate about helping parents help their children, helping couples find their way back to one another, and helping individuals find peace amidst existential uncertainty. Our work together will be challenging, but it will be purposeful. I look forward to beginning this journey with you.
To ensure we stay under the 1,000-word limit while incorporating your background as an INTP, teacher, and chaplain, I have synthesized all the elements into a final, comprehensive "What to Expect" essay. This version clocks in at approximately 920 words, giving you a high-impact, professional narrative that remains concise enough for a website or introductory packet. What to Expect: A Collaborative Journey Toward a Life Worth Living Choosing to enter therapy is an act of courage and an investment in a future that looks different than your past. As a Doctor of Social Work and a dual-certified clinician in both Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), my goal is to ensure that from our first interaction, you feel a sense of structured hope. My approach is defined by a unique intersection of rigorous analytical thought, a deep history of spiritual service, and a commitment to radical inclusivity. The Foundation: Assessment and "Beginning with the End in Mind" In our first session, we will discuss the immediate problems that feel most pressing. We address the "fire" that brought you here, but my philosophy is rooted in beginning with the end in mind. We don’t just talk about what is wrong; we define what "right" looks like for you. If we were to finish our work together six months from now, what specific changes would tell you this was a success? By establishing these targets early, we transform therapy from a vague conversation into a strategic mission. Gathering Life History: The "Why" Behind the "What" While our focus is forward-facing, we cannot navigate the future without understanding the map of your past. During our initial assessment, I gather a comprehensive life history. We look at the family systems that shaped you and the environmental experiences that reinforced certain behaviors. This is not about staying stuck in the past; it is about finding the validation for your current struggles. In DBT, we believe most "problematic behaviors" were once attempts to solve a problem or survive a difficult emotion. By gathering your history, we identify which old survival strategies are now obstacles to your new goals. The Analytical Edge: The INTP Clinician As an INTP, my natural cognitive style is geared toward systems-level problem-solving. This benefits you through: Logical Clarity: I excel at deconstructing complex emotional "knots" into manageable parts. I help you spot the inconsistencies in your narrative that keep you stuck. Objectivity: I maintain the "cool head" necessary to lead a family or couple through a crisis, remaining steady and objective even during high-conflict sessions. Academic Precision: As a university professor, I don't just "suggest" skills; I teach them with the precision of an educator, ensuring you leave with concrete tools. A Radical Environment for Change: Non-Judgment and Inclusivity One of the most vital things you can expect is a non-judgmental stance. I operate from a position of "radical acceptance." My personal philosophy leans toward civil libertarianism, which translates to a profound respect for your individual autonomy. I provide a "shame-free" zone. My practice is kink-friendly and inclusive of all lifestyle choices. I am not here to judge your choices or your emotions; I am here to look at facts and effectiveness. We ask: "Is this behavior moving you closer to your goal or further away?" You are free to be your authentic self, whether you are navigating a career transition or the complexities of parenting. Faith, Transition, and the Existential Crisis My background as a former Chaplain, my personal journey through Buddhism, and my history within the LDS (Mormon) tradition provide me with a rare "theological fluency." I am uniquely equipped to help those navigating faith crises or existential transitions. Whether you are deconstructing long-held beliefs or grappling with a loss of meaning, I integrate clinical tools with a deep respect for your spiritual journey. My goal is to help you rebuild a life that feels authentic and anchored in your core truth. Availability and the Coaching Relationship Therapy that only happens for 50 minutes a week is often insufficient for creating lasting change. Because I work with complex family dynamics and Emotional Dysregulation, I make myself available through real-time phone coaching. This ensures skills are applied when they are needed most—in the heat of an argument or a difficult parenting moment. You are not alone in the hours between our sessions. The Toolkit: Mastering DBT and CBT I am committed to teaching the full breadth of evidence-based skills. You can expect to master: The DBT Modules: Mindfulness: Developing the "wise mind" to stay present and non-reactive. Distress Tolerance: Survival strategies for when you cannot change a situation (TIP skills, Self-Soothing, and Radical Acceptance). Emotion Regulation: Reducing vulnerability to "emotion mind" (PLEASE skills, Opposite Action, and Check the Facts). Interpersonal Effectiveness: Learning how to ask for what you need while maintaining self-respect (DEAR MAN, GIVE, and FAST). The CBT Framework: Cognitive Restructuring: Recognizing patterns like "all-or-nothing thinking" or "catastrophizing." Behavioral Activation: Creating a schedule of activities that increase pleasure and mastery to combat depression. Core Belief Work: Identifying and updating the deep-seated beliefs that drive your self-image. The FS-DBT Model For those struggling with high-conflict household dynamics, I utilize Family Systems Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (FS-DBT). I developed this model to treat the family as a connected ecosystem. We assess whether the primary need is for individual distress tolerance or if the larger system needs a new "language" for communication. Moving Forward Everything we do—the skills, the phone coaching, and the history gathering—is designed to serve the plan we built in session one. I am passionate about helping parents help their children, helping couples find their way back to one another, and helping individuals find peace amidst uncertainty. Our work together will be challenging, but it will be purposeful. I look forward to beginning this journey with you.
Practice Specialization and Expertise My clinical practice is specifically structured to support those navigating complex family systems and profound life transitions. My primary focus is on women, particularly mothers, who are balancing the demands of parenthood while managing their own emotional well-being. I provide a specialized space for divorced women navigating the unique challenges of post-marital life, as well as a non-judgmental, inclusive environment for current or former sex workers. I have deep expertise in working with families, children, and adolescents, with a particular emphasis on supporting parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). My approach is designed to help parents manage the "intense emotions" and problematic behaviors that often arise in high-conflict households. By utilizing Family Systems Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (FS-DBT), I treat the family as a connected ecosystem, fostering collective resilience and clearer communication. For individuals struggling with high-intensity diagnostic profiles—including Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bipolar Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)—I offer high-fidelity DBT and CBT interventions. These tools are essential for moving away from destructive patterns and toward emotional stability. Furthermore, I provide specialized support for those from Mormon backgrounds navigating faith transitions or crises of identity. My history as a former Chaplain and my journey through various spiritual traditions allow me to offer a unique "theological fluency" for those deconstructing long-held beliefs. Whether I am working with a couple seeking to repair their bond or an individual in an existential crisis, my goal is to provide the structure and skills necessary to build a life aligned with your truest values.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I am Certified in Both CBT and DBT. CBT through the Beck institute and DBT through the Linehan Board of Certification.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I am Certified in Both CBT and DBT. CBT through the Beck institute and DBT through the Linehan Board of Certification.