About

I am a retired Navy Chaplain with 10 years of enlisted service and 8 years as a chaplain. I retired in 2008 and then worked as a mental health crisis worker and worked in private practice, then I housed homeless Veterans. I have a wide variety of experiences with many different types of people in many different situations. My expertise is in crisis and trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety and severe mental disorders. I am also quite friendly and easy to get to know and help you understand what's going on in your life. I can't say I know everything, but I can say that if I don't know it, I'll do the research to find out. Love research. I have two Master's degrees and a doctorate. My doctorate is also in ministry from Regent University. I have further PhD work in counseling and education from Capella University. So I can honestly say that learning is key to understanding. Of course, one of those is in counseling. I have counseling licenses in two states (Oregon and Washington). My other degree is in ministry.

I have worked in ministry and in the secular field which, I believe, gives me a good balance in helping people where they are at. I don't push my beliefs on anyone. It is my understanding that I am to journey with people. I know the answers are there but finding the answers is like taking a journey together and when the answer is found, you are the one who finds it. I am just there to guide and provide some information. You choose the direction.

Philosophy and Approach: I believe that everyone can reach an optimum state of health and has the potential to recover from life’s difficulties, and even trauma. I employ an eclectic approach with a strong reliance on person-centered, cognitive-behavioral aspects and the recovery model.

Formal Education and Training: I hold a master’s degree in counseling from Liberty University. My major course work included human growth and development with an emphasis on marriage and family counseling, individual counseling; all classes required for a licensed counselor’s certificate in Oregon and Washington. My major at Liberty University was Marriage and Family Therapy. I also hold a Doctor of Ministry from Regent University with major coursework in Clinical Pastoral Education. My undergraduate degree is from the University of Oregon, a Bachelor of Science in Sociology.

I abide by the Oregon and Washington Boards Code of Ethics. To maintain my counseling license, I am required to participate in continuing education, taking classes dealing with subjects relevant to this profession.

As a client of an Oregon and Washington licensee, you have the following rights:

∗ To expect that a licensee has met the qualifications of training and experience required by state law;
∗ To examine public records maintained by the Board and to have the Board confirm credentials of a licensee;
∗ To obtain a copy of the Code of Ethics;
∗ To report complaints to the Board;
∗ To be informed of the cost of professional services before receiving the services;
∗ To be assured of privacy and confidentiality while receiving services as defined by rule of law, with the following exceptions:
1) Reporting suspected child abuse;
2) Reporting imminent danger to you or others;
3) Reporting information required in court proceedings or by your insurance company, or other relevant agencies;
4) Providing information concerning licensee case consultation or supervision; and
5) Defending claims brought by you against me;
∗ To be free from discrimination because of age, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, national origin, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or socioeconomic status.