Helping People Find Therapists & Advocating for Ethical and Healthy Therapy & Marriage Counseling Practices

My Approach to Helping

I utilize an integrative therapy approach that recognizes four dimensions of human behavior: Psychological, Social (relational), Physical and Spiritual. I view every client as a part of a system and heavily influenced by his/her family of origin or its substitute. The spiritual dimension is an important personal aspect of the client's life and is respected and supported. For me it is not inconsistent to focus first on the primary identified issue and when appropriate begin exploring deeper existential issues.

 

More Info About My Practice

I am a former psychology professor and director of a family psychology graduate program. I have been board certified nationally (and sometimes internationally) in marriage & family therapy, sex therapy, clinical sexology, behavioral medicine, and am best known for my research, writing, consulting and teaching in stress-related issues, including treatment of panic disorder, anxiety, depression and hostility. I am published in the above areas and hold copyrighted and registered trademarks in the field of stress, i.e., ABCs of Stress(r). I hold a seminary degree (published in spiritual formation) and have additional graduate and post grad work in two state universities. Currently coordinate a state-wide network of licensed providers.

 

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

Yes, my research and clinical work in treating stress-related issues in individuals has been my strength for over twenty years. I have written extensively in stress management, created a stress assessment tool and guidebook that is a part of my ABCs of Stress(r) model. These have been used extensively in hospitals and corporations. I also co-authored a book on forced termination, emotional and sexual intimacy in marriage, CDs in stress and panic disorder, and am currently reformating for publication a major testing instrument based on the interactional theory of stress. I have also provided training for clinical hospital staff and corporate management in the use of my stress management model. I have supervised the training and certification of counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists and MFTs in the use of my ABCs of Stress(r) model. These experiences provide a background I have used in my private practice for over twenty years. My approach is a combination of client centered, family systems and cognitive-behavioral, depending on the needs of the client.

 

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

First, I love people. I look forward to their arrival for a session. I have a natural capacity to accept people as they are and find ways to see the world from their perspective, recognizing that they were shaped and influenced over time by significant people in their lives and the culture in which they developed. I enjoy discovering what it is they want to change and the person they want to become. I see all clients in the system in which they function and enjoy employing that system, as much as is possible, in becoming a part of the change process. I become excited about the insight that emerges from within the client as they get a broader and clearer perspective of themselves, the system in which they function, and the empowerment they feel to make changes consistent with their goals. I feel that in a small way, when I'm doing therapy with a specific individual, a couple or a family, I am making a difference in our world today and in the worlds to come.

Services I Provide

• Individual Therapy & Counseling
• Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
• Family Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Consultation
• Clinical Supervision
• Other

Ages I Work With

• Adults
• Elders

Languages I Speak

• English

Therapy Approaches I Use

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy /REBT
• Conflict Resolution Therapy
• Contemplative Psychotherapy
• Existential Psychotherapy
• Family Systems Therapy
• Gestalt Therapy
• Guided Therapeutic Imagery
• Hypnotherapy
• Integration of different therapy models
• Mindfulness Based Approaches
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
• Person Centered / Rogerian
• Positive Psychology
• Systems Theory /Therapy
• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Concerns & Issues I Help With

• Abuse: Emotional, Physical, or Sexual
• Trauma
• Occupational & Academic Issues
• Life Changes
• Anxiety, Fear, & Stress
• Emotion Management
• Social Skills & Problems
• Attachment
• Family Problems
• Health & Body
• Relationships & Marriage
• Depression & Mood
• Identity Issues
• Self-Esteem & Confidence
• Childhood & Adolescence
• Spirituality
• Sexuality