Practice

I’m an integrationist. In other words, I use both science and faith-based knowledge to support my clients in their healing journey. Moreover, I understand emotional pain from personal experience and help my clients get well using research-guided interventions. For my Christian clients, I take a Biblical Counseling approach, along with the evidence-based approach 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 beliefs, including the Orthodox denominations and Roman Catholicism. In practice, I accept all who are faithful to the creeds of the Church universal and catholic as siblings in the faith. Although we have differences in belief, I will respect the doctrine of your denomination.

Training

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

Additionally, I’m trained in treating insomnia, trauma, sexual deviance, addictions, OCD, chronic pain, and panic attacks. I’m also a Certified Trauma Professional.

In order to continue improving my practice, I receive weekly supervision from Ingrid Ord, author of ACT with Faith and contributor to ACT for Clergy and Pastoral Counselors.

Approach

In my experience, evidence-based approaches are necessary but not enough. Effective counseling also requires a strong therapeutic alliance. Consequently, 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. In either case, I practice counseling by faith, integrated with evidence-based treatment, and teach my clients to get well by faith.