Qualifications & Experience

I have worked as a clinical psychologist for 37 years. I hold a B.A. in psychology from the University of Oregon Honors College. I earned my M.A. in Theological Studies and my Ph.D. in Psychology both from Fuller Theological Seminary. I am also EMDR Certified.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I had long felt a call to serve God and serve people in some fashion, but this calling became clearer in college as I grew in my faith through participation in the campus ministries of InterVarsity and the Navigators and became exposed to a few therapists who were openly Christian. Becoming a psychologist has been a natural expression of this calling. I have felt God’s leading throughout my professional career, witnessed the Lord doing amazing things in the lives of my clients, but never forgotten that “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I moved with my wife of 34 years to Orange County in the summer of 2025 to be nearer to my two daughters and young grandchildren. We are enjoying the “early grandparent” phase of life! I’m also an avid soccer fan, having been a player in my youth and young adulthood, then coached my daughters for several years as they grew up, and now enjoy watching world class competition. A bucket list item was attending the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• ADHD
• Aging and Geriatric Issues
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chemical Dependency
• Counseling for Teens
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• EMDR
• Grief and Loss
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Lifespan Integration
• Marriage Counseling
• Men’s Issues
• OCD
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Premarital Counseling
• Professional Development
• Relationship Issues
• Sex and Porn Addiction
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma
• Weight Loss

Grief and Loss

I did my doctoral dissertation on grief and more recently have walked alongside both of my parents through the final challenging chapters of their lives. I know this area both professionally and personally. Grief comes in many forms and while there is no one correct way to process and heal grief, one common denominator is the need to share one’s experience of loss with caring others and adjust to the many changes in life and identity that arise from it. If this is your current reality, my hope for your counseling experience with me is well summarized well by Paul’s words: “God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

Marriage Counseling

I believe marriage is an institution God uses not just for our fulfillment but even more so for our spiritual and relational growth and maturity. If you are experiencing struggles in your marriage, please do not despair. I’ve seen God bring good things out of the most difficult of situations. Together we will work to discern what God is wanting to bring about in your lives as individuals and as a couple and provide both the insights and tools to address the issues.

Men’s Issues

Men in today’s culture face a bewildering chorus of voices telling them what it means to be a man. Sorting this out as a Christian in the context of your role as a son, a husband, and/or a father, as well as your role at work, can be challenging. I would be pleased to work with you to examine your unique situation and bring to it the wisdom of Scripture, the example of Christ, and practical psychological knowledge in order to “live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ” (Eph. 5:2).

Professional Development

Having worked for decades with Christian professionals from all walks of life, but particularly with pastors, missionaries, and non-profit leaders, I am well aware of the unique pressures and stresses that come with such Christian service. If you are facing challenging vocational circumstances, dealing with balancing ministry/work and home life, or just want an outside perspective to help determine your next career move, I would be honored to come alongside to help you discern God’s leading and to provide practical guidance to bring that about.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

God’s heart has a special place for those who have been wounded by others or have been harmed by circumstances beyond their control. Sometimes these wounds linger in the form of memories, emotions, and reactions that continue to interfere with life long after the traumatic event has passed. Having conducted research on as well as counseled many people dealing with such experiences, I know the importance of creating a safe place for you to share your story, process its impact and meaning, and experience God’s healing and restoration in your life. “I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak” (Ezekiel 34:16).

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• Irvine – Monday and Tuesday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals, and couples looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session, the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment, the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, most insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out-of-Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals, and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.