In my 10 years of professional practice providing therapy, I have found that the most important attributes of any therapist are unconditional support, acceptance, warmth, empathy, and authenticity. I completely embody these attributes when I provide therapy. No matter what you have done in the past, what is going on in your life now, or what challenges you may face in the future, I will be there for you, support you, and accept you. Although our relationship will be professional in nature, my empathetic understanding and authentic care for you will provide a space where you can feel safe to open up and share your true self. This process will allow us to work together in such a way that I can assist you in reaching your goals, coping with any stressors, and making positive changes in your life. 

I take an integrative approach to therapy. That means that I pull from a variety of theories and techniques about how people can change, experience relief from suffering, and improve their lives. If you know what works for you in therapy, I can take that approach. If you have no idea where to start or what might be best for you, I will help you make that discovery. I have provided counseling at community mental health clinics, emergency shelters, substance abuse treatment centers, the VA, a college counseling center, and in my own private practice. During this time, I have worked with a diverse range of individuals and couples with a variety of different mental health conditions and life situations. 

My background as a psychological research scientist and professor of counseling psychology has helped me develop the ability to teach you skills that can drastically improve your well-being. In addition, my post-Master's advanced training in providing diagnostic assessments allows me the ability to identify the medical terminology for the problems you are experiencing and provide you with documentation and letters to communicate your needs to other professionals. I can also refrain from teaching and diagnosing if you so desire. Therapy is about you. Whatever you need from therapy, I will endeavor to provide it for you as a real, flawed human being, just like everyone else, who knows what it is like to struggle and recover from life's difficulties. 

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my 14-year-old, playing strategy board games, finding joy in nature, and reading science fiction.