Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach
I believe strongly that God’s amazing purpose for the whole world -and us within it- is healing and renewal, re-creation and resurrection. The counselor acts as a wise guide and companion on your journey, and the counseling relationship is a powerful avenue of God’s healing grace and mercy which always transform whatever they touch. That touch of transforming grace is truly a taste of the resurrection, and that day when God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev. 21:4); Behold, he makes everything new! (v. 5)
No matter what your difficulty is, I believe that there is actually nothing “wrong” with you. Yes, problems/symptoms cause frustration and pain, but they arise not because there is something “wrong” with you, but rather because your system learned to adapt and survive to difficult circumstances in the best way that it knew how at the time. Eventually however, those strategies tend to outlive their usefulness, and at some point become more burdensome than helpful.
You may have noticed that thinking or talking about your problems often doesn’t seem to do much to resolve them, and you still feel stuck. I use a type of therapy called Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (STDP), which means that rather than just talking about your problem or feelings in order to gain insight about them, we will carefully bring those feelings and experiences alive in the room with us. We first equip you with resources, and move at whatever speed feels safe for you in order to access those parts of you which may have become isolated or stuck as a result of trauma or painful feelings, and which are difficult or impossible to access through talk/insight-oriented therapy alone. To resolve symptoms, we only need to access that deeper conflict held deep in you, and “update” your system with felt knowledge that the symptom-“solution” which was adopted originally at the time of the trauma/pain is no longer needed. It is my experience that this approach leads to more rapid and lasting change.
What to Expect in Therapy
It’s normal to feel some reluctance and fear when considering facing your demons, and maybe it’s difficult to imagine life without or beyond them. We will work together through three general stages to make this possible for you.
The first stage is fully to understand your problem and give you tools to stay grounded and feeling safe and regulated. The second stage is the actual processing and reintegration of your trauma or pain, going at whatever speed, and using whichever tools and techniques seem useful for your needs. The way out of your suffering isn’t to go around it, but through it. This process may be uncomfortable, but it is my job to make sure that in no way will it be overwhelming for you. The final stage is learning to navigate your life, relationships, and future in a new way, without the burden of whatever brought you to therapy. Our goal is transformational change.
Personal Qualifications and Experience
In 2008, I earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, and eventually a Master of Divinity degree from St. John Vianney Seminary. I was in ministry for about six years until 2022, when I decided to pursue professional counseling, earning my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2024.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (CCTS-I), a Certified First Responder Associate (CFRA), and I have been trained in multiple therapeutic modalities including Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, and Coherence Therapy. I also use Psychodynamic tools and Internal Family Systems with great results.
Personal Interests
I’ve lived in or around Denver for basically my whole life. I have a passion for mental health and fitness. I spend my free time with my best friends, geeking out about the Bible and theology, writing, and cooking.
I’ve had a stutter since I was a kid which has taught me a lot about how to navigate obstacles and suffering as well as how possessing levity and a sense of humor is indispensable for joy.
You can find my Substack at www.theovoxblog.com
