Qualifications & Experience

I have been counseling as a supervisor, chaplain, and counselor for over twenty years with backgrounds in career counseling, performance counseling, mental health counseling, and pastoral/spiritual counseling.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, Registered Hypnotherapist, and Clinically Certified Chaplain. I hold a Doctor of Ministry with a focus in psychology and chaplaincy, a Master of Arts in Theology with a focus is counseling and Anglican communion studies, a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a focus in Business and Administration, an Honorary PhD in Counseling, and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity. I also have a certificate in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. I did my clinical time at the VA Regional Medical Center in Seattle and St. Josephs in Bellingham, WA.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I had been serving in the U.S. Army for many years, and frequently had contact with soldiers suffering from trauma due to combat. I sent my soldiers to psychologists, but there was not much change in their mental state. I found that the soldiers needed more than just cognitive treatment—they needed spiritual treatment as well. This led me to become a chaplain and work closely with the soldiers. Over time, it became apparent that a deeper understanding and knowledge was needed, so I took additional classes in psychology. As human beings, we are more than mind and body; we are mind, body, and soul. The three must be combined to heal the trauma that reach beyond the mind and body by integrating all in the treatment process. This is where I find my calling.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I served in the Army, Army Reserves, and National Guard for 34 years as a soldier and as a Chaplain. While I was in the Reserves and National Guard, I was also a Real Estate Appraiser and a police officer for a short time. I have three sons, and I am the primary caregiver for my 94-year-old mother.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Men’s Issues
• Trauma and PTSD
• Marriage Counseling
• Couples Counseling
• Premarital Counseling
• Domestic Violence
• Grief and Loss
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Professional Development
• Spiritual Development
• Abandonment and Neglect
• Anger Management
• Individual Counseling
• Relationship Issues
• Sexual Abuse
• Family Counseling and Parenting

Trauma and PTSD

As a soldier in the Army I witnessed many things, but none worse than a soldier who could not reconcile what they had done with their morals and beliefs. I have worked with service members and non-service members, helping them to face and to process their trauma and PTSD. The trauma that we experience does not need to be suffered alone. When we are in the service, we have our team of brothers and sisters that we depend on and they depend on us. We are taught that we are strong and can do anything; depend on your battle buddy. We are told we are stronger because of the team. As a result, when we get out, we can feel alone. You are not alone; the burden is light when there are others to share with. Don’t let your pain control you. Through Christian trauma counseling, you can learn to understand, process, and heal from your pain.

Anxiety

With everyday occurrences such as financial struggles, family dynamics, and health issues, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. When we add a pandemic and the resulting limited interactions with others, we can easily feel trapped by our circumstances. Extreme situations or long-term events can also lead to anxiety, which can become a paralyzing condition engrained in a person’s being. Through Christian counseling for anxiety, I’ll share with you the keys to unlocking the chains of anxiety and despair once and for all so you can be free to enjoy the abundant, joy-filled life you were created for.

Anger Management

Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion, but when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems—problems at work, in your personal relationships, and in the overall quality of your life. It can make you feel as though you’re at the mercy of an unpredictable and powerful force. You may have tried to control it by sheer willpower and found that it works—for a while—and then, you just lose it once again. Through Christian anger management counseling, I will help you identify the root causes of your anger and show you how to deal with it in a way that is healthy for you and everyone around you. Anger doesn’t have to control you anymore!

Personal and Spiritual Development

As an ordained clergy member, I am well versed in may theological ideas and beliefs. Christian counseling for personal and spiritual development can be a great opportunity to learn God’s message for you, and to learn to love yourself and accept His grace. As your counselor, I will help you explore and come to understand what God wants for you as you learn to be happy with who you are.

Couples Counseling

A good deal of my time as a chaplain was spent working with couples prior to and during marriage. Living life with one other person can have its rewards as well as its challenges. Throughout all of this, communication is key to a happy and rewarding life together. Finances are another area that can cause tension. I have taught basic and advanced finances as well as communication skills to couples for many years. As your counselor, I will help you and your partner have a wonderful, God-centered life together.

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):

• Everett – Fridays and Saturdays

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 some 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 Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), some 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 3.0% plus $0.15 per transaction will be added for credit card payments.