My therapeutic approach is to join with the client to begin to understand his/her personal world and create an environment where that individual feels safe to open up about his/her world. These are the initial steps in developing a therapeutic alliance where I work in the client’s best interest. In this effort I offer what guidance I have to the issues presented. The therapist helps the client make use of his/her strengths to build a better future. I lean towards a “Positive Psychology” model. The model is to strive towards optimal human functioning and towards what makes life worth living. 

My journey through the healthcare field began as a medic in the U.S. Army. After discharge and some time finding my direction, I completed a certification training program in group psychotherapy and began work at a youth program funded to address teen drug abuse. A majority of my time in the Behavioral Health Field has been in the treatment of substance abuse. I have facilitated intensive outpatient groups, provided DUI counseling, and helped others to consider moderation management as a reasonable alternative to problematic use of substances. I have worked as an administrator of a detoxification program and helped in the development of the Women’s Treatment Center in Chicago. For the last 10 years I have worked at the THA practice providing therapy for a fairly broad spectrum of issues: youth adult issues, relationship issues, couples therapy, cannabis and alcohol related issues, grief counseling, life transition, anxiety and panic disorders, depression, and gay related issues. I have also developed a second specialty in couples’ therapy. I have helped people overcome infidelity in their marriage, helped others to stop fighting and to hear each other’s needs, and for others to learn to be accepting of their differences and supportive of each other’s personal growth. I have experience working with both heterosexual and gay couples.