I enjoy working with individuals and couples.  My credentials include a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology, a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, a Masters degree in Counseling, Certification as a Clinical Anxiety Professional, and a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist.  My professional experience includes leadership positions in hospital settings where I created and developed outpatient treatment programs to assist those struggling with mental health issues and to bring healing.  To help people create their desired change, I apply the principles of Cognitive-Behavioral therapy.  This psychotherapeutic approach helps people identify and eliminate thoughts that are dysfunctional and that limit personal progress.  Learning ways to develop more positive thought patterns will lead to the development of more positive feelings and behavioral choices.  In addition to counseling, I enjoy speaking professionally.  Speaking engagements include colleges, universities, churches, and major corporations.

Psychotherapy

I have been providing psychotherapeutic services for over 20 years.  I have had the privilege of working successfully with many people and helping them get out of the darkness of depression, and into the light of living life again.  Anxiety often co-exists with Depression and can be as disabling if not more so.  Sometimes people encounter situations in their lives that can lead to an unexpected psychological trauma.  As a result, they are not equipped with knowing how to overcome the horrendous emotions that can follow. It can be very difficult to know how to manage your life and recover from the trauma.  In therapy, you will learn skills to help you take away the power from the traumatic event and move forward in a positive way with your life. Things can change.  Life can get better.  You have to be willing to really work at it to make it happen, even if you don't have the energy.  If you truly desire to make positive changes and are willing to do the work involved to make it happen, I extend an invitation to you to contact me and begin the process.

Special Interests

Depression-Life's challenges can feel unbearable.  At times people lose hope and see no way out of the depression.  Through use of proven techniques and hard work, life can become satisfying and enjoyable.

Anxiety-The ill effects of prolonged stress is that stress can turn into an anxiety disorder such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Panic Disorder.  The good news is that stress can be managed effectively and joy and laughter can become a part of daily living.

Bipolar Disorder-The mood fluctuations from mania to depression can be overwhelming.  Stress in family relationships is often the result.  By working with a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, a life of improved emotional stability and more functional relationships can be attained.

Trauma-Unpredictable traumatic events can throw more than a curve into life. Conquer the emotional distress and regain control of life again.  The healing will be worth the effort.

Relationships-Approximately 40-50% of marriages in America end in divorce with the divorce rate for subsequent marriages being even higher.  While some problems within relationships are inevitable, improved communication, greater self-awareness, and a sincere renewed commitment to the relationship can lead to greater happiness, a true sense of partnership, and mutual feelings of love.