As a Marriage and Family Therapist who has been licensed for over 30 years, my approach centers on a systems perspective, viewing individuals, couples, and families as interconnected where change in one part of the system, or the person, can affect the greater whole and in turn that greater whole can impact us as individuals. I focus on understanding the dynamics, patterns, and relationships within these systems to foster healthier communication and connection. I take a practical approach with clients emphasizing actionable strategies, drawing from evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy, tailored to each client’s unique needs. I prioritize real-world solutions, helping clients navigate challenges like conflict, anxiety, or life transitions with clear, collaborative steps toward lasting change.
I became a therapist in part because of a profound personal journey early in life, as well as, a deep-seated calling to help others heal. I later realized it was an ability not everyone had, and I came to feel compelled to use it. Early in life I faced significant issues that I later came to terms with and eventually overcame thru a therapy process of my own. In discovering a path to overcome these issues, experiencing firsthand the transformative power of a supportive therapeutic process, I also received what was my initial introduction to the field. This not only helped me heal but also gave me an insight into the resilience of the human spirit and the impact a therapist could have on others. Feeling a calling, I was driven by a sense of purpose, knowing I could use my empathy, perceptiveness, understanding, and skills to guide others through the challenges life eventually brings to us all. The realization that I could facilitate healing in others became a driving force, making my role as a therapist a natural and what has become, a fulfilling choice.
My therapy clients likely enjoy working with me because of the unique blend of wisdom, practicality, and warmth I bring to the therapeutic process. As an older man, husband, and father, I offer a seasoned perspective grounded in decades of navigating life’s complexities—marriage, parenting, and personal growth. Clients probably feel reassured by my lived experience, sensing that I’ve “been there” and can relate to their struggles, whether they’re grappling with relationships, family dynamics, or existential questions. I try at maintaining authenticity in all areas of life and hope that fosters trust, making clients feel understood and safe to explore their challenges.
I take a practical approach, emphasizing functionality and application, which resonates a lot with people. Clients want to eventually move past how an issue is impacting them emotionally and move on to what they can do about it. Clients likely appreciate how I help them translate insights into actionable steps that improve their daily lives. Rather than getting lost in abstract theories, I try to guide them toward solutions that work—whether it’s managing stress, resolving conflicts, elevating their mood, improving their marriage or building healthier habits. I focus on real-world outcomes that gives clients a sense of progress and empowerment, which is especially valuable for those who feel stuck or overwhelmed.
The way I incorporate the power of faith and spirituality adds a profound dimension to our work. For clients who value these aspects, my ability to weave spiritual perspectives into therapy—without judgment or dogma—likely feels like a lifeline. And it incorporates what is a valuable resource to so many of us, into the healing process. Even for those less spiritually inclined, my approach probably feels inclusive, offering a moral or philosophical framework that strengthens their resilience by meeting them where they are at, not where anyone else believes they should be.
I allow my sense of humor, when appropriate, to be part of the therapy process. Clients might describe me as “approachable” or “real,” someone who can laugh with them even in the midst of serious work, which helps them feel more at ease.
Overall, clients likely value how I combine the challenges of life experience with a practical, solution-focused mindset, a touch of spiritual depth, and just the right amount of humor. I hope they at times leave sessions feeling both grounded and uplifted, confident that they’re working with someone who not only understands their struggles but also equips them to face them with clarity and hope.