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.

“I feel fortunate that I was raised in a Christian home. This set the foundation for much that has guided my life. It was at the age of three that I said the sinner’s prayer and made a verbal commitment to Christ. However, it was not until adolescence that I sought the purpose of life through the exploration of various world religions, one which was Christianity. It was in reading the four gospels multiple times that I became convicted of my ways. Like the Apostle Paul, my sin became exceedingly sinful. I then had to trust that Christ’s payment on the cross was sufficient for my sin. My life was forever changed as I became a new creation.”

As a young adult, I considered pursuit of full-time ministry as a missionary. In fact, at age 15 I went to the democratic republic of Congo for over a year and lived a missionary family and loved it. If I had been allowed to stay, I think I would be there to this day. While I have found life outside of Congo, I have it on my retirement plan to go back with my wife. Once I saved enough money, working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Utah as a young adult, I went to a Bible school in Minnesota. Some events happened, and I eventually found myself as a traveling project manager. With the recession in 2008, my job slowed greatly. This led me to join the United States Army. Indeed, I served a little over a half-decade in the Army as a Rescue Technician and then a Human Resource Manager. I was a top graduate of the NCO Academy and was a commandants list recipient. With a specialized mission as a rescue tech in the Army, I received board certifications from the National Fire Protection Agency in everything from Hazmat at the Operations level to Rope Rescue.

Just after discharge from the Army, I completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Christian Counseling from Liberty University graduating Suma Cum Laude 4.0.

With careful consideration, I then decided to pursued a Masters in Clinical Social Work with Walden University and graduated in 2018 with a 4.0.

In finding passion in working with couples and those struggling with certain struggles (e.g. anxiety), I then decided to pursue a Doctoral degree in social work with a specialization in families and interventions. I maintained a 4.0. My Dissertation was : The Experience of Empathy Based Strain Among EFT social Workers working with Couples Experiencing Infidelity.

One thing I appreciated about Clinical Social work was the emphasis on Holism. Thus, in my work with clients, I take into account the biological, psychological, physical, and the spiritual. Understanding that each person has a different background, I seek to fit the treatment to the person. I am a bit existential in theoretical disposition, and this allows me to easily draw from other modalities that the client finds work best for them and maintain a foundational basis. I also find experiential therapy valuable and occasionally intertwine aspects of the modality in my practice.

Previous experience in mental health was working on the national suicide hotline as a volunteer, a veteran’s behavioral health center as a Graduate Intern case manager/counselor, and at a Christian Counseling Center in Utah as a Graduate Intern Therapist. As a CSW, I then did a three-year post-masters internship at Grace and Peace Christian Counseling. I have found myself mostly working with adults and some adolescents.

My particular interest are in working with relationship issues, spiritual issues, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and some trauma disorders. I am licensed in Utah as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I hold membership in the psychology Psi Chi (ΨΧ) Honor Society and the social work Phi Alpha (ΦΑ) Honor Society. and the Veterans National Honor Society and others.

Finding a counselor your comfortable with is the most important factor in the effectiveness of therapy. If you want to know more about me, even my religion or politics, just ask and I will be happy to share in our first session. I believe in being genuine.



Qualifications

Education (Additional Counseling Education Listed Below Experience)

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

Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, Feb 2022

  • Core Focus: Theories & Techniques in Couple & Family Therapy

  • Conducted Research on Empathy Based Strain, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy and Infidelity

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

Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, Aug 2018

  • Core Focus: Trauma, Crisis, & Stress with Military Personnel; Social Work with Military Spouses, Families, & Children; Psychopathology; Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice I; Advanced Clinical SW Practice II.

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

Liberty University—Lynchburg, VA, May 2016

  • Core Focus: Crisis Intervention; Psychology of Disaster; Counseling for Children; Counseling for Marriage and Families; Intro to Christian Counseling; Issues in Christian Counseling; Developmental Psychology; Issues in Human Sexuality; Introduction to Sociology; Psychological Foundations of Learning; Social Psychology; Psychology of Personality; Psychology of Childhood; Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Abnormal Psychology; Introduction to Research Statistics in Psychology; Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences; Psychology Internship.

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

U.S. Army—Fort Polk, LA, April 2014


License

LCSW, UTAH


Honor's/Societies/ Professional Affiliation

  • Summa Cum Laude

Liberty University—Lynchburg, VA, May 2016

  • International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

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

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

  • Association of Christian Counselor.........................................................Since 2016

  • Phi Alpha (ΦΑ) Honor Society

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

  • Golden Key International Honor Society

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

  • Psi Chi (ΨΧ) Honor Society

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

  • National Association of Social Workers……………..……….….….…Since 2016

  • Veterans National Honor Society……………..………..…………..…Since 2021


Related Experience

Grace and Peace Christian Counseling

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

  • Utilize assessment to develop unique treatment plans to help clients address the issues that cause them dysfunction. Assessments include diagnosing, and completing a biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment.

  • Empower individuals through use of proven modalities and treatments to overcome dysfunction caused by things such as depression, anxiety and trauma.

  • Help move couples and families from dysfunctional relationships to functional relationships using Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Christian Counseling Centers of Utah

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

  • Engaged in biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment, diagnosis, treatment and discharge planning and co-collaborated with clients to develop treatment plans.

  • Provided individual counseling focused on treating depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma disorders.

  • Provided couples counseling utilizing the Gottman method.

  • Conducted and trained further in psychodrama through weekly groups at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center (Journey Healing Centers).

Volunteer @ Crisis Call Center of Reno

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

  • Used engagement and active listening skills with an array of psychopathologies to provide phone or text support for individuals who were suicidal or in a crisis.

  • Helped individuals to discover their options for dealing with their crisis and explore resources at their disposal.

Veterans Resource Behavioral Health Center

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

  • Empowered Veterans in wellness and autonomy through assessment, advocacy, education, case management and counseling (Substance Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, & Trauma).

  • Identified client’s needs and co-collaborated with clients to discover solutions and resources available to them.

  • Led groups on reducing Anxiety and Depression utilizing DBT and CBT, a medication education group and a Seeking Safety group focused on treating PTSD and Substance Abuse. (60 sessions)

Christian Counseling Centers of Utah

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

  • Participated in, observed and took therapy notes for psychodrama in a group setting at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center on a weekly basis.

  • Shadow training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnosis, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Person Centered Therapy (PCT) and Psychodrama.

  • Trained in record keeping process for mental health care.

U.S. Army

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

  • Rescue Tech Operations in Support of DCRF

  • Managed personnel administration activities on over 180 personnel, such as the creation of orders, disciplinary and legal paperwork, applications, leave, awards and promotion orders.

  • Conducted coordination with departments to resolve pay problems, promotion issues, assignment issues, and evaluations.

  • Prepared memos, forms and letters on an as needed bases for company commander.

Sally Beauty Company/Davaco

Project Manager. Dallas, TX. Apr 2009.………………………………….....…….…Aug 2010

  • Managed the setup of new stores and ensured deadlines of project were on track.

  • Supervised employees and assisted in the setup of inventory to planogram.

  • Mitigated dilemmas that arose in the setup of new stores: contractor, building, & layout issues.


On Call LLC

Certified Nursing Assistant. SLC, UT.

  • Traveled to various hospitals and departments in the SLC valley to perform CNA duties such as:

  • Family and patient emotional support.

  • Patient vital sign monitoring and reporting.

  • IV removal and bandage change.

  • Suicide watch and prevention.

  • Assisted physicians and nurses in the care of patients on an individual case by case bases.

Professional Training

CCCU

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

  • Happening Here and Now………………………………..…….….…………Feb 2020

  • Psychodrama & Sociometry for Individual Psychotherapy……….…………Sep 2019

  • Psychodrama & Sociometry Preparation………………………….…………Feb 2019

  • Starting and Stopping in Psychodrama: Warming Up and Sharing…………Aug 2018

  • Addressing the Elephant in the Room (3 CE hrs.).……………………........ May 2018

  • Conducting a Psychodramatic Dream Exploration…………………...….….May 2018

  • Psychodramatic Roles: The Double and Doubling………………….....…….Apr 2018

  • Psychodramatic Roles: The Auxiliary Ego and Role Playing……………….Mar 2018

  • Bibliodrama: Psychodrama & the Sacred…………………………....……….Feb 2018

  • Hypnodrama and Psychodrama……………………..……………….…….…Nov 2017

  • United We Stand, Divided We Fall: Reconciling Groups and Nations..…..…Oct 2017

  • Addressing the Trauma and Pain of Victims and Perpetrators…….……...…Sept 2017

  • Standing Back to See Up Close………….……..……………………….…...Nov 2016

  • The Courage to Dream Again…………………..……………………...……May 2016

  • Touching the Heart: Developing Deep Empathy……………………….……Apr 2016

  • Psychodrama Short and Simple: Role Reversal and the Auxiliary………….Mar 2016

  • Psychodrama: Psychotherapy to Go………………………….…………....…Feb 2016

Tri EFT Alliant

  • Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy……………………………..…May 2019

  • Core Skills........................................................................................................Present

Gottman Institute

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level 1 Bridging the Couple Chasm.…July 2018

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level 2 Assessment, Intervention, and comorbidities…………………………………………………........................Apr 2020

PESI

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intensive Training under Timothy Gordon, MSW, RSW…………………………………………..…June 2019

  • Mindfulness Certificate Course under Terry Fralich, LCPC……………………………………………..…………… October 2018

  • Treating Insomnia: Evidence-Based Strategies to Help Your Clients Sleep under Margaret M. Danforth, PH.D., CBSM…………….............…….Aug 2018

  • Legal and Ethical Issues with Technology in Mental Health under
    Joni Gilbertson, MA, NCC, LCPC. SLC, UT.     …………………...…………..Jul 2018

  • Autism Meltdowns in Children and Adolescents: Practical Strategies for Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention under Kathy Morris, M.ED., B.S. SLC, UT. ………………………………………………..………………..…….…..Jun 2018

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Certificate Course under Amy Tibbitts, LSCSW, LCSW. SLC, UT.…...….….....Jun 2018

  • Nutritional and Integrative Interventions for Mental Health Disorders: Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar & ADHD under Anne Procyk, ND. SLC, UT. ………………………..….….…..April 2018

  • Trauma Competency Conference: The Core Competencies and Treatment Strategies for Trauma, PTSD, Grief, and Loss under Eric Gentry, Ph.D., LMHC. SLC, UT…………………………………………………………………..….Dec 2017

Living Works

  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training …………….……….….….…..Oct 2016

Light University (APA approved continuing education provider)

  • Caring for Kid's God's Way…………………………...……………...…...May 2015

  • Unit 1: Understanding Teens and Their World

  • Unit 2: Faith and Life

  • Unit 3: Love, Sex, and Relationships

  • Unit 4: Teens in Crisis

  • Unit 5: Challenging Issues

  • Healthy Sexuality………………………………………..…...…………….May 2014

  • Unit 1: Sexual Foundations

  • Unit 2: Sexual Enrichment

  • Unit 3: Sexual Challenges

  • Unit 4: Sexual Brokenness

  • Unit 5: Controversial Issues

  • Marriage Works………………………………………………...……….….July 2014

  • Unit 1: Core Issues

  • Unit 2: Enrichment Issues

  • Unit 3: Challenging Issues I

  • Unit 4: Challenging Issues II

  • Unit 5: Intervention and Policy Issues

  • Caring for People God's Way……………………………………….December 2013

  • Unit 1: Introduction to Biblical Counseling

  • Unit 2: Faith and Life

  • Unit 3: Marriage and Family

  • Unit 4: Challenging Issues In Biblical Counseling

  • Unit 5: Emerging Issues in Biblical Counseling

  • Breaking Free………………………………...…..…...….………..…December 2013

  • Unit 1: Foundations of Spiritual Care, Discipleship, and Godly Living

  • Unit 2: Helping Process, Skills, and Working with Tough Cases

  • Unit 3: Applications in Mood Change, Medicine, and Addictions

  • Unit 4: Applications in Crisis Care and Relationships

  • Unit 5: The Ethics of Care and Helping Ministry in the Church

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

  • Confined Space Technical Rescue I

  • Confined Space Technical Rescue II

  • Hazardous Materials First Responder at the Awareness Level

  • Hazardous Materials First Responder at the Operations Level with Product Control Mission Specific Competency

  • Rope Technical Rescuer I

  • Rope Technical Rescuer II

  • Structural Collapse Technician Rescuer I

  • Structural Collapse Technician Rescuer II

  • Trench Technical Rescuer I

  • Trench Technical Rescuer II

  • Vehicle and Machinery Technician Rescuer I

  • Vehicle and Machinery Technician Rescuer II

Family: wife and four children

Additional interest in psychodrama, emotionally focused therapy, existential therapy, travel, nutrition & integrative healthcare.

Lived a year in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a year and a half in Germany.