About

Yes, family therapists work with individuals. In fact, most of the work I have done has been with individuals. It helps to hear “family therapy” as “systemic therapy.” Systemic therapists focus on how “big picture” factors (family, work, society) influence us and, thus, how we have to cope with them.

My training has been both academic and from “the school of hard knocks.” In 2005, at age 40, I completed my PhD in child at family studies with an emphasis in counseling at the University Tennessee. I was taking a heavy course load, working two part-time jobs, and raising two young children. I consider my time as client at the student counseling center the most important part of my training. I completed my family therapy training at Good Shepherd Counseling Center under one of the earliest family therapists in Tennessee. I started by training as an undergraduate psychology major (and creative writing minor) at Carson-Newman University. I then went to seminary where I majored in pastoral counseling and worked as an aide at internationally known Norton Psychiatric Clinic.

People describe me as down to earth. I grew up the son of teachers and grandson of farmers. I have baled hay, fed cattle, and spent a summer pulling steel from a 1500-degree furnace and driving a fork lift. I also was captain of my high school soccer team. If I’m not working, I’m riding my bike, watching a movie, reading a book, playing scrabble, hiking, canoeing, or refinishing furniture.