My Approach to Helping

I chose to call my practice Chiron Psychotherapy after Chiron who is the wounded healer from Greek mythology as I see my humanness as the most important quality I can offer you. A good therapist should be real and have walked the walk not just talk the talk. My approach is informed by my education, work experience and by practicing what I preach. Our therapy is about you not a disorder. The time we spend together is completely focused on you and what is most important to you. Together we will apply what I know with what you know to help you find your own healing.

More Info About My Practice

I have over 23 years of experience as a psychotherapist. I have worked in a variety of settings throughout north central West Virginia and have learned a great deal about West Virginia and its unique issues from my experiences. I also teach abnormal psychology and community psychology for Fairmont State University. Teaching has helped me stay current with the field of psychotherapy and research which naturally enhances the therapy I provide. I am a preferred provider with many insurances including Medicare and Medicaid. Evening and Saturday appointments are available.

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

I have specialized education, training and experience in working with individuals who are dealing with an addiction. The first 10 years of my career I worked exclusively with individuals with substance addictions. I also worked with family members who were dealing with addiction in a family member or had dealt with addiction in a family member in the past. In the last 12-13 years I have maintained a specialty in addiction counseling and have continued to work with those with an addiction and with families affected by addiction. I expanded my work to mental health and mental illness in general. I have applied my knowledge and experience in addiction counseling to mental health and mental illness. I have found that the concepts for achieving recovery from an addiction are very helpful for a variety of issues.

What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process

A therapy session is a time in which a caring individual is giving you their complete and focused attention to listen to what you need to say. In our busy world, how often do we feel we have someone's undivided attention? In addition, you are in control and can take the time to get to know and trust your therapist. A therapist can make suggestions but cannot make changes for you or force you in a direction in which you are not comfortable.