I wasn’t always a therapist – but looking back, it all makes sense. My path wasn't linear, but every experience was a stepping stone. If you’re interested in the long-ish version of the story, read on and I’ll show how the puzzle pieces of my journey came together.

Growing up, I wasn’t one of those kids who jumped off their Big Wheel proclaiming they'd grow up to be a counselor. However, I was always fascinated by people – how we think, what motivates us, why we do the things we do. At first, that curiosity led me into the business world. But as time went on it became clear that my true passion was more about helping people than closing deals, and eventually, that passion led me to where I am now.

Nebraska Nice: The Early Years

Growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska in the 1970s and 80s, I was that kid who was always fascinated by people – how we think, what drives us, why we do the things we do. Life was simpler then: Star Wars was good, music was iconic, and the neighborhood was our playground until the streetlights called us home. Alongside my older brother, with two loving, hardworking parents, I grew up in what now feels like "the good ol' days”. That’s not to say childhood didn’t have challenges. But I learned. And I grew. And as I came of age, I set my sights on college. I earned my bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska in 1994.

Corporate Life: Suit, Tie, and Frequent Flier Status

For the next 15 years, I rode the corporate roller coaster in marketing and sales, climbing the ranks in the financial sector. A decade as an investment wholesaler taught me plenty about competitiveness and success. I learned to build relationships, polished my public speaking skills, and became intensely focused on personal and professional growth. But I also slowly became aware of something missing in my life. Despite thriving in various Fortune 500 companies, the “game of thrones” and "what have you done for me lately" culture started to feel hollow. Success without fulfillment left me yearning for something more meaningful.

Plot Twist: Publishing Entrepreneur

In 2011, I took what felt like a huge leap – leaving my corporate career to buy a publishing company. I had heard the call of entrepreneurship and it felt like a new frontier. For eight exciting years, I experienced the full roller coaster of business ownership. While I loved the independence and learned to wear many hats (sometimes all at once!), something still didn't feel quite right. That nagging sense of unfulfillment persisted, leading me to some deep soul-searching.

I started asking myself and those around me a lot of questions: Why did I look successful on the outside, but feel lost on the inside? Why did it feel like I was just going through the motions every day?

The Path Straightens

Through my own therapy journey and many hours of conversation and reflection, I started wrestling with these questions and many more. I started to see my own blind spots. Slowly, the puzzle pieces started to come together.

In time, I began to see the common thread throughout my life – a genuine fascination with human behavior and psychology. While continuing to run my business, I took the plunge into grad school to study clinical mental health counseling. It felt both terrifying and exhilarating. I discovered that every class, every client session during my practicum and internship, brought me more alive than any business deal ever had.

In 2019, I sold my business and shortly after earned my master's degree in from Regis University with honors. I graduated just as the world was grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Back to the Future

Today, in my private practice, I'm finally doing work that brings genuine joy. With clients, my approach is integrative. That means I believe in drawing from a wide field of evidence-based theories. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Solutions Focused Therapy (SFBT), Positive Psychology, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are the approaches I most often utilize. If you’re suffering from past trauma, or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), I have formal training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. I know, I know…That’s a whole lotta lingo! Suffice it to say that in counseling, I don’t believe ‘one size fits all’ and so I introduce whatever tools are best suited to help you make progress.

Working Together in Therapy

You may find my approach a little more directive than other therapists. I’m not a fan of meandering therapy. I care deeply about helping in a way that isn’t canned, formulaic, or pushy. Just like you, I want to see and to celebrate progress. When appropriate, I love to have us bring a little humor into the process as well. Laughter is buoyant and can be a powerful way to lift a person up. Genuine conversation can help us to see ourselves in a new way.

Free Consultation

Research has shown that the relationship you have with your counselor has a profoundly significant effect on the outcome of your therapy. Because of this, it’s important to take your time to find the right fit. I believe the connection between counselor and client is sacred – it's the foundation for real transformation. That's why I offer a free consultation call: it's important that we both feel confident about working together.

Life Outside the Office

After 25 years in Denver, I've fully embraced the Colorado lifestyle. When I'm not working with clients, you might find me camping, hiking mountain trails, catching live music, or reading a biography – I'm a voracious reader who loves learning about people's stories. I'm always queuing up interesting podcasts and planning my next travel adventure. If we end up working together, there’s a good chance that at some point you’ll hear my perspective on work-life “balance”. And I try to practice what I preach: an active social life, regular exercise, daily meditation, regular journaling, and community involvement with causes and organizations I care about.

Ready for your own journey of growth?

The human brain evolved to seek out connection and is hard-wired to thrive with emotional support. I have experience in a wide variety life challenges and I’ve helped adult men find relief from their struggles. I’ll work hard to do the same for you.

Let's connect and discover how we can make that happen together.