About Me:
I specialize in anxiety and depression. We live in a fast-paced, demanding culture that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, on edge, and worried. The responsibilities and requirements we carry feel so heavy, we struggle even to get through a day. I help clients understand what fuels their anxious and/or depressive thoughts and discover coping tools that work for them. Since anxiety and depression often result from past traumatic experiences, I am skilled in trauma-informed approaches in client care.
I also specialize in relationship counseling. Even the best relationships get stuck. Reality is, stuck places can become the fertile ground for relationship breakthroughs couples never imagined possible! When I work with couples, I use a variety of relationship counseling modalities, including The Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
If you’re hurting and are looking for a safe space to work toward your best self and/or your best relationship, you've found the right person! Get in touch with me by calling, emailing me, or clicking on the scheduling button on this page right now – I would love to get connected and start working with you.
Education & Experience:
My undergraduate degree is actually in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin! In 1995, after 5 years of work as an engineer at the Boeing Airplane Company, I made a significant life transition toward working for a nationally known marriage ministry. In 2008, I obtained a Masters of Divinity from Denver Seminary with an emphasis in Pastoral Counseling and transitioned to the Hillsboro area to work as a pastor. Finally, in December 2020 I obtained a Masters of Counseling from Western Seminary and began work as a professional counselor. In all, I have over 25 years of experience working with adult individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have experience with a variety of mental, emotional, and spiritual issues, including anxiety, depression, survival of physical and/or sexual abuse, marital concerns, life transitions, grief over loss, parenting challenges, and spiritual crises.
To expand my services for couples, I have received additional training in the renowned Gottman Method for couples and have completed SYMBIS premarital counseling training.
Philosophy & Approach:
The counseling relationship is a unique bond based on acceptance and respect. I view counseling as a collaborative effort in helping clients recognize strengths, identify needs, understand conflicts, discover new options, set growth goals, and make informed choices. My approach to therapy explores how cognition (one’s thoughts and beliefs), affect (one’s emotions and desires), and narrative (one’s story and its meaning) impact behavior.
While I operate from a Christian worldview and enjoy helping people connect with God, out of care and respect I do not impose my beliefs or opinions onto clients.
Personal Life:
When I’m not working, you’ll generally find me enjoying our beautiful state hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, golfing or going for a long walk with my beautiful wife of 30+ years and/or one of our 4 adult children.