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, to 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, 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, IDAHO, ARKANSAS. LICSW ALABAMA

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

The Center for Excellence in EMDR therapy EMDRIA approved

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

EMDR therapy procedures, protocols and techniques for treating trauma, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, loneliness, anxiety, depression and addictions.

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...............................................................................................2022

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.