Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

I believe I cannot do any good work without Christ. I am just the conduit and vessel of the Holy Spirit, which empowers me to do His work and help all I encounter. We all will have trouble in this world and we may suffer at times, but we don’t have to do it alone. Counseling is a gift. We must assist each other in this world to help grow and the therapeutic approaches used are a part of that gift. Animals also can help us heal from past pain and trauma. The therapeutic touch from an animal can aid in this process. That is why Baker, my AAT certified Yellow Lab, is available to my clients during therapy sessions.

My hope and goal is to counsel with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience to all who I meet. I also believe the gift of laughter and play can help heal us from pain. I don’t always fit one way of therapy or strategy, but use multiple to help you. 

What to Expect in Therapy

I always love to sit down and work with people to heal and grow in all walks and avenues of life. I will always work at your speed and may have an occasional gentle push to help grow or heal. Baker, my Animal Assisted Therapy dog, will also be there if you need the therapeutic touch from an animal. Also, with God’s help, we can overcome obstacles in life together. I will be truthful and honest with you and expect nothing less in return. I believe in a non-judgmental and client centered approach to help you grow and be you. 

Qualifications and Experience

As I was working on getting my master’s degree, I worked for a behavioral facility with emotionally troubled youth in Massachusetts. I then transitioned to working in adoption counseling with children (ages birth to 18 years of age) and adoptive families to help them heal from past trauma and grow as a family unit. During this time, I received my Master’s of Educational Psychology in Adjustment Counseling as well as a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Counseling, both from American International College in Springfield, MA. I then started working as a Mental Health Therapist for an agency in Massachusetts, when God called me to be a youth director and start my counseling career in NY. There I worked for 2 mental health agencies, one of which was faith-based. After a total of 13 years counseling and 20 years as a director of youth, I felt God call me to Colorado to work here to help others in need.

I have extensive experience working with children, teens, couples, adults, and families for a wide range of issues including substance abuse, children with special needs, adoptions, and conflict resolution. I also am the handler of Baker, my Animal Assisted Therapy Dog. Baker is available by consent to clients who want her as a part of therapy.

Personal Life and Interests

A good cup of coffee is important, but not as much as my faith. My faith is important to me and helps me to help others.

I’ve been married for over 14 years to my amazing wife, and we have two beautiful children. We met at college in Springfield, MA. She is a Red Sox fan and I am a Yankees fan, which keeps things interesting. We are… to put it bluntly… big Disney fans. We love going to Disney, watching Disney movies, or even just singing a Disney song.

I read and collect comic books, mostly Marvel, but I do not discriminate against DC.   I still play video games, watch cartoons, and enjoy some musicals. I am a child at heart.

My word is my bond and I believe in having integrity in all that I do.