We are all a product of our backgrounds and experiences, and clinicians are no different. My own history as a combat infantryman in the Army, as well as time spent as an EMT, State Trooper, and wilderness field instructor, all contribute to the worldview through which I treat my clients. Additionally, I am a Professor of Counselor Education, whereby I have the immense privilege of teaching the next generation of clinical mental health counselors during their graduate studies.
Although I have worked in a multitude of clinical settings from hospice care to structural family therapy, my predominant focus now is on working with men (men's issues, masculinity, work/life balance, family life, sexuality, meaning/purpose, etc.), as well as fellow veterans of the Armed Forces and members of the First Response community. With these populations, I have found that humor and directness work best, always accompanied by compassionate understanding.
Clients can expect to be seen and heard, for starters. Many times that is what people need the most: genuine listening and empathy. They can also expect to be challenged to grow, as I don't subscribe much to the "talk" in talk therapy without there also being action items clients can take away from our work together and implement in their daily lives.
