About Me 

I entered the field of psychology with a goal of helping people. But what does it mean to be "helped?" In my experience, this process can take many forms. Some people's depression leaves them feeling hopeless and alienated from themselves, and they need assistance with clarifying who they are and what matters to them, as well as getting back to doing the things that create a meaningful life. Other people are under the spell of an internal dialogue that is critical and pessimistic, and they need help developing an outlook towards themselves that is kinder and more confident. Others still may be silently carrying a trauma that is miring them in shame and isolation, and they need to learn that they are not broken, and are capable of much more than they know.  Additionally, some folks seek refuge from their emotions with impulsive coping strategies that provide momentary relief, and thus need help learning to sit with difficult feelings. I enjoy the complexity of humanity, and I embrace the challenge of getting to the bottom of what each client needs from treatment. I fundamentally believe that all of us are worthy of love and acceptance, and I deeply believe we all have the capacity to change, as I have witnessed it  many times over the course of my career!

Regarding my training, I obtained my PhD at the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an emphasis in assessing and treating trauma. I completed my internship at the West Los Angeles VA, and then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Long Beach VA . I have obtained education in many specialties over the course of my career, including advanced training in teaching meditation and mindfulness. Outside of doing therapy, which I love, I also enjoy spending time with my wife and two children, meditating, going on runs, and laying on the couch watching sports.

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