About

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist. I've had a lot of diverse life experience and never get tired of the complexity of people and their relationships with each other. A lot of my work has been with persons who have suffered sexual and physical trauma. I've worked with those who struggle with substance abuse. I've visited many cultures and immersed myself in some to gain better understanding of homelessness and some of the unique challenges persons of color face. Despite the differences between people, it's interesting how many unsung heroes there are, and how rarely they realize it.

I've worked with ADHD, OCD and autistic spectrum issues. I have a lot of empathy and compassion for people, especially those who feel somewhat powerless. I've always been interested in what motivates people's behavior.

I have a lot of empathy for those who are down-trodden. I've been fervently involved in seeking openness and respect in society. I've worked hard to protect children in abusive situations. I've worked to intervene on behalf of and to protect people of color and LGBTQ+ people who have been unfairly treated. I've worked with groups to reach out more effectively to underserved populations.

I worked on a secured Military Base with a civilian and military population as Family Advocacy Program Manager. I worked for 15 years with inmates of correctional facilities as a professional therapist volunteer. I worked for 10 years with men and women as a professional therapist with substance abuse issues. For the same amount of time I worked with domestic violence offenders and survivors. I worked for three years with survivors of sexual assault. I worked for five years with men with sexual assault offenses.

I have a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Later in life, I graduated with an MS in Family and Human Development from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. In 2004 I graduated with a Post-Master's Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary's University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and then later became certified as an approved supervisor with the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy where I am a clinical fellow.

In the 1980's as I did volunteer work for the Women and Children in Crisis Center in Provo Utah, I developed a theory I called, "Displaced Power." I use that theory to help people who feel powerless. It has seemed to me that almost anyone who comes to therapy for almost any reason feels some powerlessness. I like to help people make a shift from what I call "displaced power" toward "the power within." I help them regain or gain a sense of control over their own lives. This process has been very helpful to me personally, and many clients have complimented me on my ability to give them greater hope and a sense of their sense of being able to take more effective control of their lives. "The Power Within" is the name of my private practice.