About Me

My Passion

I came to the work of therapy in mid-life.  After my own journey with high anxiety, suppressed anger, low self-confidence and shame, I discovered that I not only have a fascination with human psychology, but I also have a natural inspiration to help others.  And after years of practice and feedback from clients, I can confidently say that I’m good at what I do.

My Qualifications

My training in therapy has focused primarily on emotions.  Research is showing that long-term change, in both relationship patterns and for individuals, requires changing our emotional experience.  I am certified in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, which uses attachment theory to provide a framework for real structural change.  I also have additional training in trauma-informed hypnotherapy, Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, and Rapid Resolution Therapy.  (Please see the Resources page for more information about these approaches.)

Prior to becoming a therapist, I completed a certification course from the University of Utah in Conflict Resolution.  I also completed a Masters of Divinity from Emory University.

My Values

One of the most important factors for success in therapy is trust.  Do you feel safe in the presence of the therapist?  (This means, of course, emotionally safe – is it okay to be honest, open, and vulnerable?  Is it okay to really be yourself?). If you’re considering me as a potential therapist, it’s important for you to know something about my values and beliefs.

I believe that every person has the right to say what they want and need – therapy is a service to help the client get what they want, not to fulfill a therapist’s agenda.  I believe that every behavior, thought, and emotion is understandable – and that making sense of ourselves helps us to change.  I believe that real transformative change begins with an awareness and acceptance of yourself in the moment, as well as a strong desire to grow.  I believe that the Divine is at work within each of us, and that our religious beliefs and religious communities can be both helpful and harmful in that work.  I believe that our diagnoses for mental health disorders can be helpful at times, but are easily abused and must be held carefully – a human being is far more than any diagnosis.  I believe that each person’s deep intuition is far wiser and more capable of creating a good life than any prescription from psychology – my job is to help you clear the path to your own wisdom, strength, compassion, and peace, then let you be your own guide.

My History

I was born and raised in a small town in the North Carolina foothills.  After college, I worked in a National Park, a ski resort, and a national nonprofit before attending Seminary at Emory University.  In 2010 I returned to graduate school for a degree in counseling.  I developed a group practice in Greenville, South Carolina for 10 years focused on EFT and healthy relationships.  Then in the summer of 2024, my family and I relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah to follow a career opportunity for my wife.

I currently live in downtown Salt Lake City with my wife of 23 years, my teenage son and daughter, an enthusiastic dog and our particularly affectionate cat.  When I’m not working, I enjoy playing acoustic guitar, mountain biking, hiking, diy home renovation, and taking moments of extreme laziness (which I consider a form of meditation).