I’m an integrationist. I take both science and faith-based knowledge to support my clients in their healing journey. I understand emotional pain from personal experience – I help my clients get well using research guided interventions. For my Christian clients, I take a Biblical Counseling approach, along with the evidence based approached mentioned above.

I have a bachelor’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies.  Although I’m a conservative Presbyterian elder, I have some understanding of the diversity of Christian belief, including the Orthodox denominations and Roman Catholicism.  I accept as siblings in the faith, all who are faithful to the creeds of the Church universal and catholic. Although we have differences in belief, I will respect the doctrine of your denomination.

I’m a student of psychology, which I learn from the Bible, historic theology, and social science. I have a master’s degree in mental health counseling, and continue to educate myself through books, articles, and trainings.

I’ve been trained in the treatment of insomnia, trauma, sexual deviance, addictions, OCD, chronic pain, and panic attacks. I’m a Certified Trauma Professional.

I receive weekly supervision from Ingrid Ord, author of ACT with Faith, and contributor to ACT for Clergy and Pastoral Counselors.

In my experience, evidence-based approaches are necessary, but not enough. Effective counseling requires a strong therapeutic alliance. A good therapist will be compassionate and non-judgmental, so that the client feels safe to self-disclose.

Some clients approach treatment with great expectations of finally getting at the root of their problems. Others are discouraged, skeptical that counseling or anything else will help. Integrated with evidence-based treatment, I practice counseling by faith and teach my clients to get well by faith.