Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

Throughout my life, I have found that I am drawn to people who practice compassion, empathy, and vulnerability, and it is these characteristics that I try to cultivate in session. I’m a firm believer that all individuals have encountered pain and shame in some form or another and that my role is to walk through this darkness with you. I’m not the expert on your life, but I will work hard to meet you where you are and move forward from there.

I believe we are all in the midst of our stories and it was the author Dan Allender who invited me not just to look to God as the Father of my life, but as the Author as well. I encourage this practice with all of my clients. To understand your story, it involves looking at your past/current relationships and life circumstances and how they are affecting you presently. Knowing your story and constructing a new narrative will help to guide you on your path to healing and self-understanding.

Certain counseling theories guide my approach (ABBT, EFT, PCT), but I don’t try and make a person fit a theory. Instead, I carefully evaluate each individual and practice according to his or her need(s). I have been trained both clinically and spiritually, and I will use an integrative approach throughout our time together.

What to Expect During Therapy?

I’m a relational person. I have always believed in the power of relationships because I believe we were created for them. I consider this truth to be not only scriptural but biological as well. Louis J. Cozolino who wrote The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy says, “From birth until death, each of us needs others who seek us out, show interest in discovering who we are, and help us to feel cared for and safe. Relationships are our natural habitat, while the isolated brain is an abstract concept.”

You can expect me to be nonjudgmental, kind, authentic, and well researched in the best practices of care. Also, in this fast paced life of ours, I think it is important to practice the art of slowing down and listening to the voice of God as well as being mindful of what your body and mind are telling you.

Lastly and most importantly, I am not afraid to sit with you in your pain, and I will rejoice with you in your triumph.

Personal Qualifications and Experience

In 2016, I graduated from Denver Seminary with an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In 2007, I graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology.

Before working for Cornerstone Christian Counseling, I was an intern at both Colorado Christian University (CCU) and Knippenberg, Patterson, Langley, & Associates (KPLA). At CCU, I worked with college-aged individuals, couples, and groups in a variety of different areas ranging from anxiety and depression to matters involving sexuality and childhood trauma. At KPLA, I co-facilitated socialization groups for adolescents with neurobehavioral issues such as Autism and ADHD.

Before pursuing counseling, I worked as a Staff Associate and Area Director for Young Life in both Fleming Island, FL and Melbourne, FL (2009-2013).

Personal Life and Interests

I was married in 2013, and after our first year of marriage, my wife and I moved to Denver to pursue our degrees in counseling. Now we are both graduates of Denver Seminary and practicing counselors.

In my spare time, I am an avid runner and reader, and I especially enjoy listening to audio-books as I run! I have a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and he loves to accompany my wife and me as we hike and travel around the U.S.

Growing up in Tennessee, I became a fan of all kinds of music, especially rock, folk, gospel, and bluegrass. To me, the best musicians are the greatest of storytellers. Artists like U2, Bruce Springsteen, Sandra McCracken, Elvis, and David Mead have played intricate roles in my life, and their music has brought me comfort over the years.

My wife and I are both members of the Anglican Church and for many years worked as Young Life leaders together. This year we have committed to reading the Bible together every day.

check out blogs written by Devin

• 3 Book Recommendations to Help Anxiety
• 3 Practical Ways to Engage With Hope 
• Is Pornography Bad For you? 
• Couple Bubble

NEXT STEPS