Qualifications & Experience

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management from National University and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University. I am also a Certified EMDR Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Certified Partner Trauma Therapist, Certified Couples Betrayal Recovery Therapist, and Certified Brain Health Coach. I have been in private practice since 2015.

My Call to Christian Counseling

After 26 years in the Information Technology industry, I wanted to do something else that allowed me to give back. I already knew I liked people, talking with people, and solving problems. I had also recently met someone who had become an LMFT, and the thought inspired me. I prayed about it, and the Lord opened so many doors that the path was obvious.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I have loved and hated golf for most of my life. I am an avid reader, enjoying all types of books in both fiction and non-fiction arenas. I am a private pilot, but don’t get to fly as much as I would like to, and I enjoy scuba diving when I am able to find the time and still fit into my wetsuit.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chemical Dependency
• Coaching
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• Grief and Loss
• Group Counseling
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Marriage Counseling
• Men’s Issues
• OCD
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Premarital Counseling
• Professional Development
• Relationship Issues
• Sex and Porn Addiction
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma

Sex and Porn Addiction

The decision to seek counseling for porn or sex addiction is often fraught with shame. I have spent the better part of 10 years learning about and working with clients who struggle in this area. During our time together, there will be no shame. The path to recovery is not only possible, it is highly probable when we understand what is driving the urges and compulsions as well as confront the dysfunctional behavioral patterns. My office is a safe place to deal with the issue and discover new ways to behave and see yourself.

Men’s Issues

Men, many of our societal and social systems are either outright against us or are actively destroying what it means to be masculine. Drawing from the truths about ourselves as men from the Designer, from biblical truth, and from practical experience, we will understand what is driving the behavior that led you to counseling and explore ways to be a man in today’s world.

Infidelity and Affairs

Infidelity is not necessarily the end of your relationship. If the betrayed partner is willing, there is a process available to restore truth, trust, and relationship. It is not easy and it takes a significant amount of time. However, I have counseled many couples through the discovery of infidelity and helped them find a new and dynamic relationship on the other side.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

I believe PTSD is far more common than is diagnosed and actually underlies many of the other diagnoses of depression, anxiety, codependency, or behaviors after betrayal. Together we will work to better understand what is contributing to the symptomology that is motivating you to seek counsel, and work to discover techniques to reduce or eliminate the effects.

Trauma

Traumatic events come in both “Little T” and “Big T” experiences. Regardless, it is important to discover what that event was and how it is now affecting not only your emotional state, but also your behavior. Many times, the current experience is tied to an unresolved event from deep in our past. Working together, we will explore attachment patterns, familial and relationship dynamics, specific events, and even perceived events that contribute to the dysregulation you are feeling. I am trained and certified in the most effective and trusted treatment modality for trauma. EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is clinically proven and recommended by our Armed Services and the World Health Organization.

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 – Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Newport Beach – Mondays and Tuesdays

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals, couples, and groups 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 Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), 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 individuals and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts or superbills 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.