About Me

God has blessed me with a beautiful wife and four amazing girls! Take a look around to get to know a little about me and my Qualifications.

Hello there. Im glad your taking a minute to get to know me better. The most crucial factor in the effectiveness of therapy is finding a counselor with whom you're comfortable. I'm fortunate to have been brought up in a Christian environment, for which it has impacted my life and my perspectives in so many ways. From an early age of three, I made a verbal commitment to Christ but didn't fully grasp who Jesus was, or the severity of my depravity and wonder of Gods Grace. As I grew into adolescence, I sought to explore the purpose of life and dived into the study of various world religions, including what I had been raised with, Christianity. Reading through the 4 gospels multiple times, I found a profound conviction and, just like the Apostle Paul, recognized the depth of my sin and the infinite grace of Christ's sacrifice. That marked the transformational point in my life.

As a young adventurer with a burning desire to serve, I considered pursuing full-time ministry. At 15, I spent over a year in the Democratic Republic of Congo, living with a missionary family, an experience I hold dear to this day. Returning to Congo with my wife in our retirement is a dream I hope comes true.

When I had saved enough from working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Utah, I pursued theological education at a Bible school in Minnesota. Life then took a few unexpected turns and led me to a career as a traveling project manager. The 2008 recession, however, shifted my trajectory, and I joined the United States Army. My near six years in the army allowed me to earn various Board certifications from the National Fire Protection Agency and graduate at the top of my class from the NCO Academy. I also had the unique experience of being attached to the first Army Company modeled after a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Heavy Task Force. 


Once I returned to civilian life, I pursued my passion for understanding the human mind and helping others. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Christian Counseling from Liberty University, and later a Masters in Clinical Social Work from Walden University. I further specialized with a Doctoral degree in social work focusing on families and interventions. My dissertation was: "The Experience of Empathy Based Strain Among EFT Social Workers working with Couples Experiencing Infidelity".

In my work with clients, I deeply value the principle of holism, and I strive to consider the biological, psychological, physical, and spiritual aspects of each person. I understand that each person comes from a unique background, and my aim is to tailor the treatment to the individual. With an existential theoretical disposition, I am able to draw from various modalities that work best for each client, while maintaining a foundational basis. My previous experiences include volunteering at a national suicide hotline, working at a veterans' behavioral health center, and interning at a Christian Counseling Center in Utah.I find fulfillment in working with relationship issues, spiritual issues, and helping those with depression, anxiety and some trauma. I'm currently licensed in Utah and several other states as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I hold membership in the Psi Chi (ΨΧ) Honor Society for Psychology, the Phi Alpha (ΦΑ) Honor Society for Social Work, and the Veterans National Honor Society, among others.

Outside of my professional life, I am dedicated to my family man. My father's job with Delta Airlines allowed us to travel worldwide, and it ignited my love for exploring. Among my favorite places are Machu Picchu in Peru, Israel, Zambia, Malawi, and Japan. One day I hope to take my kids to those places and a few more. Now settled in Alabama, my family and I cherish the ample space we have for our children to play and for our favorite pastime in our backyard - archery. We also enjoy the proximity to Pensacola Beach, a few hours' drive away. 

I suppose I have a few hobbies including hot sauce tasting, archery, and marksmanship. I also liked riding my motorcycle but since I came back from Germany with a growing family, I havn't picked it back up. I also enjoy music from various eras, from Elvis to 70s folk and 80s tunes. I can also appreciate classical music from time to time. The 1997 Italian comedy-drama film "Life Is Beautiful" was one of my favorite films with its message and I also enjoy romantic movies and dramas. 

Driven by my love for learning, I dream of pursuing further education in law, medicine or in commercial flight. However, I have currently paused this pursuit as I juggle my responsibilities as a father and husband. An inspirational quote for many of my pursuits has come from Robert Kennedy, “There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask why? I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?” 

In my practice, I strive for a holistic approach, considering the biological, psychological, physical, and spiritual aspects of each person. I understand that every person comes from a unique background, and my aim is to tailor the treatment to the individual's needs. I deeply value the principle of holism.

The most crucial factor in the effectiveness of therapy is finding a counselor with whom you're comfortable. If you want to know more about me, don't hesitate to ask in the first session. I believe in being genuine and open, and I look forward to meeting you.

Remember, there is always hope!


Qualifications

Education  (Additional Counseling Education Listed Below Experience)

 

Doctor of Social Work, Family Studies and Intervention, GPA: 4.0  

Walden University, Minneapolis, MN.

 

Master of Social Work, Advanced Clinical Practice, GPA: 4.0 

Walden University, Minneapolis, MN.

 

B.S., Psychology/Counseling, GPA: 4.0

Liberty University—Lynchburg, VA.

 

NCO Academy Diploma, Commandant’s List Recipient (graduated in the top 20%)

U.S. Army—Fort Polk, LA.


 

License 

LCSW, UTAH, NEVADA,  IDAHO, ARKANSAS. LICSW ALABAMA


Honor's/Societies/ Professional Affiliation 

Liberty University—Lynchburg, VA, May 2016 

....................................................................................................................Since 2021 Northern Utah Emotionally Focused Therapy Community

....................................................................................................................Since 2021

Walden University Master of Social Work program…………………………Jan 2018 

Walden University Master of Social Work program………….......……….May 2017 

Liberty University Bachelor of Science in Psychology program ….….….April 2016 


Related Experience  

 

Grace and Peace Christian Counseling 

Christian Counselor & Psychotherapist. Offices in Ogden, Taylorsville,  and South Jordan, UT. Sep 2018…………….……….… Present 

Christian Counseling Centers of Utah 

Graduate Intern Therapist (500+ hrs.). Salt Lake City, UT. Feb 2018…………….…Aug 2018 

Volunteer @ Crisis Call Center of Reno 

Crisis phone and text line volunteer. Reno, NV.  Sep 2016.………………....…….…Aug 2017 

Veterans Resource Behavioral Health Center 

Graduate Intern (500+ hrs.). Reno, NV. Feb 2017……………………….……...……Aug 2017 

Christian Counseling Centers of Utah 

Undergraduate Intern (500+ hrs.). Salt Lake City, UT. Jan 2016…………..….……July 2016 


Previous unrelated work included: 

U.S. Army  

Rescue Tech and Later Human Resource Manager for the 178th En Co. Fort Polk, LA.  Aug 2010.…….......................................................................................…Nov 2015 

 

Sally Beauty Company/Davaco  

Project Manager. Dallas, TX.  


On Call LLC 

Certified Nursing Assistant. SLC, UT.  

 

 

Professional Training 


The Center for Excellence in EMDR therapy (EMDRIA approved)

EMDR Training 46 CEU hrs. .............................................................Present 2023

 

CCCU  

Psychodrama Training (93 CEU hrs.) under Rob Pramann, Ph.D., ABPP, TEP. 

2 years of additional shadow Training done under Dr. Pramman during his work at Journey Behavioral Health in facilitating psychodrama with a large group. 

 

Tri EFT Alliant 

 

Gottman Institute 

 

PESI 

 

Living Works 

 

Light University (APA approved continuing education provider) 

National Board of Fire Services Pro Board Certifications (Certifying Agency: Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training)…………………………………………..…….2011