Therapy for me is the art, informed by the psychological sciences, of helping a person bring integration and wholeness to their life with the profound understanding that the human person has the potential to be more beautiful after we experience trauma in whatever form than before. I’m convinced this is true, even if it may sound hard to believe and just a nice-sounding statement.

I believe Jesus of Nazareth is God, possesses complete insight into our psyche, and has the potential to bring healing of an infinite nature. Yet, no matter anyone’s beliefs, I always strive to meet people wherever they’re at, for freedom in counseling needs to be respected for healing and flourishing to take its course.

Education

I completed my Master’s degree in counseling and my Bachelor’s degree in theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. The coursework and training for my counseling degree were particularly careful to integrate the psychological and spiritual components of the human person.

Experience and Approach

• I mainly work out of a framework of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and have completed foundational and advanced IFS training through Souls and Hearts and IFSCA (IFS Canada’s organization Stepping Stones). I also rely heavily on existential therapies of Logotherapy and Affirmation Therapy (Conrad Baars) which focuses on meaning, value, and self-acceptance with the practical approaches of Cognitive-Behavior (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused therapies to address barriers.
• I have been working in the mental health field for 10 years, mainly with adults but also with some children and adolescents.
• I have extensive experience in Carmelite Spirituality, characterized as an intense thirst for a direct experience of God through prayer. I spent four years as a Carmelite Friar.

Some of my focus areas

• Depression/melancholy
• Anxiety/Panic
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Relationship issues/boundaries
• Spiritual issues/development
• Insomnia