About

I became a psychotherapist by accident. I originally wanted to be a musician, but I sustained an injury while in music school that prevented me from completing my performance degree. Instead I began to do volunteer work and took internships at various organizations in the Twin Cities area. I started working with people experiencing severe life problems: Trauma, homelessness, addiction, suicidality, criminal background, HIV, and others. This became a new career for me. I take being a therapist very seriously, and consider it an honor and privilege to help people. I am also a practicing Roman Catholic with a Masters Degree in Theology. I was raised non-religious and had a conversion experience in college which led me through several years in Evangelical Churches before finally becoming Roman Catholic. I am happy to offer Christian-based counseling if you ask me for it.

While I adjust my style according to what particular problems a person is experiencing, there are some things about my style that are consistent regardless of who I work with. I challenging people to grow and make concrete changes in thinking, behavior, and choices, to get out of their comfort zones, and to be active, invested players in their growth and healing process. I try to provide structure and information for someone to maximize their own self-healing efforts. I usually do this by giving people assignments after they leave a session.

I have been described by my clients as "brass tacks." I am open, honest, and direct with my clients about my recommendations. I ask for direct feedback in return which helps me provide the best services I can.