Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach
Life can be really hard sometimes, and even though relationships are meant to help us through those hard times, they too can be heavy. I believe that growth and healing in our lives and relationships are the most basic goals of therapy. I also know that growth and healing can require vulnerability, discomfort and courage.
I acknowledge that reaching out for help outside of your everyday circle is not easy and just by seeking out this website you are taking a brave step forward. God has blessed each of us with our stories so that we can empathize with others and walk through life together. When I sit with clients I want to understand their story and help them to navigate the varying currents of their lives and relationships.
Expectations of Therapy
Anyone that comes into therapy has goals for what he or she wants in life, even if they are initially unable to articulate those goals. I want to help my clients understand their goals for our time together and develop a plan to work towards those goals. For some people this process will be relatively quick and for others it will be a longer journey.
One of the most important things for me is helping those I work with understand what they will look like once their goals are realized and recognizing when our work is achieved and finished. While we are working together I hope to create a safe space, where we can tackle anything that is creating distress and develop a path to seek relief.
Professional Experience
I completed my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. I was trained as a Practicum student and an intern at Fuller Psychological and Family Services, where I worked with children, adolescent, and adult individuals as well as couples and families, and leading groups for 3 years.
I also interned as a school counselor at Hillsides Education Center, which is a therapeutic day school for 3 years. At Hillsides I worked primarily with children and adolescents who struggled to coexist in a public school setting because of a set of emotional, behavioral and psychological issues. Once licensed I worked at Pediatric and Adolescent Psychology Associates, typically with children, adolescents, young adults and families. I have worked with a range of different issues, including: anxiety, depression, technology and pornography dependencies, family and marital distress, problems stemming from ADHD, lack of motivation, absence of direction in life goals, etc.
Prior to graduate school, I was born in Texas, went to undergraduate at Baylor University and worked in youth ministry for my first 4 years after graduation. It was during my time working in youth ministry where I realized that, even though I loved what I was doing I desperately needed more training and equipping. Being able to walk with others through hard stretches of their lives is a calling for all Christians, and I am honored and blessed to be able to do this as a profession.
Personal Interests
After working in youth ministry, I moved to Los Angeles where I worked in radio and concert production and then met my wife, getting married almost 10 years ago. I am an avid basketball fan and one of the highlights of every year is attending NBA Summer League and geeking out over all of the past, current and future NBA stars. I probably feel most alive when I am able to play basketball, running up and down the basketball court and getting way-too-out-of-breath in this thin Colorado air.
My wife and I also enjoy spending time outside, be it hiking or merely marveling at the majesty of God’s creation. I also love sushi and ice cream just a little too much… but not together, that would just be gross.
