Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach
“Take seriously the story that God has given you to live. It’s time to read your own life, because your story is the one that could set us all ablaze.” – Dan Allender
Your story matters. And every story is unique, which is why connecting with someone who resonates with your story is crucial. I take great care in helping each individual enter into their stories with compassionate support and unwavering empathy in order to bring about their innate capacity for healing and growth. I will take the time to actively listen to the particularities of your story and work with you in order to form new, specific narratives and pathways that lead to hope and freedom.
Our bodies, hearts, and minds are not meant to carry the weight of untold stories. Unprocessed stories will manifest physically, mentally, and emotionally, consequently impacting our everyday lives, relationships, and thoughts and feelings about ourselves and the world. Our bodies long to have these stories seen and heard in the safe presence of another. You do not have to continue holding these stories on your own.
It is my job and my joy to provide a place where your story can be engaged with tremendous care and compassion. Relief from the heartache you’ve endured is possible, and you are worth that relief. You get to take power back. You get to know the fullness and joy that is available to you. But you need someone you can trust to talk through your problems, tell your story, and discover the deeper reasons for your struggles. It would be my profound privilege to be that person for you.
What to Expect in Therapy
Clinically, I am a narrative trauma therapist. I help individuals and couples overcome the effects of trauma, negative relationship patterns, and mental health challenges through storywork. Steps for behavior modification alone will not change a person or a couple—we will engage your heart and your stories, which can transform your overall experience of life and your view of yourself and others. This will be done by exploring family of origin, cultural contexts, style of relating, triangulation, binds, shame stories, and much more. While thoughtfully and gently exploring your heart and stories, we will put together clear plans and goals that will allow you to synthesize your discoveries into realistic changes within your life.
Personal Qualifications and Experience
From a young age, I was fascinated by the power of human connection. This curiosity about interpersonal relationships grew exponentially when, after college, I joined a ministry and traveled around the country for two years. I spoke to teens, parents, and individual adults about the power of human relationships and how the connection we have to one another can be a source of understanding and healing.
I experienced this healing for myself when I finished traveling and began my own therapeutic journey. By processing through my own trauma story, I gained insight, clarity, comfort, and resolution. This ignited a passion in me to help others navigate their challenges, so I pursued my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University which I received in December of 2022.
I now hold a Certificate of Completion in Narrative-Focused Trauma Care Level 1 under the direction of Dan Allender and The Allender Center and am currently completing the Level 2 track. I am also Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy informed and regularly implement this technique into storywork, as I have found the marriage of these modalities creates a space not only for deep exploration, but clear paths towards practical implementation.
Personal Interests
Like many Coloradans, my escape is in the great outdoors! I have a passion for hiking, mountain biking, camping, and general adventuring with my beautiful wife, Ashleigh, of four years as well as with our two dogs — Leika (Entlebucher Mountain Dog) and Maverick (English Cream Golden Retriever). My indoor-enthusiast hobbies include writing, woodworking, and watching way, way too many movies!
