About Me

“I feel fortunate that I was raised in a Christian home. This set the foundation for much that has guided my life. It was at the age of three that I said the sinner’s prayer and made a verbal commitment to Christ. However, it was not until adolescence that I sought the purpose of life through the exploration of various world religions, one which was Christianity. It was in reading the four gospels multiple times that I became convicted of my ways. Like the Apostle Paul, my sin became exceedingly sinful. I then had to trust that Christ’s payment on the cross was sufficient for my sin. My life was forever changed as I became a new creation.”

As a young adult, I considered pursuit of full-time ministry as a missionary. In fact, at age 15 I went to the democratic republic of Congo for over a year and lived a missionary family and loved it. If I had been allowed to stay, I think I would be there to this day. While I have found life outside of Congo, I have it on my retirement plan to go back with my wife. Once I saved enough money, working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Utah as a young adult, I went to a Bible school in Minnesota. Some events happened, and I eventually found myself as a traveling project manager. With the recession in 2008, my job slowed greatly. This led me to join the United States Army. Indeed, I served a little over a half-decade in the Army as a Rescue Technician and then a Human Resource Manager. I was a top graduate of the NCO Academy and was a commandants list recipient. With a specialized mission as a rescue tech in the Army, I received board certifications from the National Fire Protection Agency in everything from Hazmat at the Operations level to Rope Rescue.

Just after discharge from the Army, I completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Christian Counseling from Liberty University graduating Suma Cum Laude 4.0.

With careful consideration, I then decided to pursued a Masters in Clinical Social Work with Walden University and graduated in 2018 with a 4.0.

In finding passion in working with couples and those struggling with certain struggles (e.g. anxiety), I then decided to pursue a Doctoral degree in social work with a specialization in families and interventions. I maintained a 4.0. My Dissertation was : The Experience of Empathy Based Strain Among EFT social Workers working with Couples Experiencing Infidelity.

One thing I appreciated about Clinical Social work was the emphasis on Holism. Thus, in my work with clients, I take into account the biological, psychological, physical, and the spiritual. Understanding that each person has a different background, I seek to fit the treatment to the person. I am a bit existential in theoretical disposition, and this allows me to easily draw from other modalities that the client finds work best for them and maintain a foundational basis. I also find experiential therapy valuable and occasionally intertwine aspects of the modality in my practice.

Previous experience in mental health was working on the national suicide hotline as a volunteer, a veteran’s behavioral health center as a Graduate Intern case manager/counselor, and at a Christian Counseling Center in Utah as a Graduate Intern Therapist. As a CSW, I then did a three-year post-masters internship at Grace and Peace Christian Counseling. I have found myself mostly working with adults and some adolescents.

My particular interest are in working with relationship issues, spiritual issues, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and some trauma disorders. I am licensed in Utah as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I hold membership in the psychology Psi Chi (ΨΧ) Honor Society and the social work Phi Alpha (ΦΑ) Honor Society. and the Veterans National Honor Society Additionally, I am a member of the NACC.

Finding a counselor your comfortable with is the most important factor in the effectiveness of therapy. If you want to know more about me, even my religion or politics, just ask and I will be happy to share. I believe in being genuine.



Qualifications

Education (Additional Counseling Education Listed Below Experience)

Doctor of Social Work, Family Studies and Intervention, 4.0

Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, Feb 2022 (expected)

  • Core Focus: Theories & Techniques in Couple & Family Therapy

  • Conducted Research on Empathy Based Strain, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy and Infidelity

Master of Social Work, Advanced Clinical Practice, 4.0

Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, Aug 2018

  • Core Focus: Trauma, Crisis, & Stress with Military Personnel; Social Work with Military Spouses, Families, & Children; Psychopathology; Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice I; Advanced Clinical SW Practice II.

B.S., Psychology/Counseling, 4.0, Summa Cum Laude

Liberty University—Lynchburg, VA, May 2016

  • Core Focus: Crisis Intervention; Psychology of Disaster; Counseling for Children; Counseling for Marriage and Families; Intro to Christian Counseling; Issues in Christian Counseling; Developmental Psychology; Issues in Human Sexuality; Introduction to Sociology; Psychological Foundations of Learning; Social Psychology; Psychology of Personality; Psychology of Childhood; Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Abnormal Psychology; Introduction to Research Statistics in Psychology; Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences; Psychology Internship.

NCO Academy Diploma, Commandant’s List Recipient

U.S. Army—Fort Polk, LA, April 2014

  • Core Focus: Conduct Individual Training; Training Management; Risk Management; Supply Procedure and Training Exam; Army Leadership; Developmental Counseling; NCO Evaluation Report, Sexual Harassment and Response Prevention; Effects of Culture, Resilience; Military Justice and Discipline; Suicide Prevention for Junior Leaders; Ethical Problem Solving; NCO Initiatives; Combat Orders; Team/Squad Movement Techniques; Tactical Operations; Tactical Reports and Requests.

License

LCSW, UTAH

Related Experience

Grace and Peace Christian Counseling

Psychotherapist. Offices in Ogden and Draper, UT. Sep 2018…………….……….… Present

  • Utilize assessment to develop unique treatment plans to help clients address the issues that cause them dysfunction. Assessments include diagnosing, and completing a biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment.

  • Empower individuals through use of proven modalities and treatments to overcome dysfunction caused by things such as depression, anxiety and trauma.

  • Help move couples and families from dysfunctional relationships to functional relationships using Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Christian Counseling Centers of Utah

Graduate Intern Therapist (500+ hrs.). Salt Lake City, UT. Feb 2018…………….…Aug 2018

  • Engaged in biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment, diagnosis, treatment and discharge planning and co-collaborated with clients to develop treatment plans.

  • Provided individual counseling focused on treating depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma disorders.

  • Provided couples counseling utilizing the Gottman method.

  • Conducted and trained further in psychodrama through weekly groups at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center (Journey Healing Centers).

Volunteer @ Crisis Call Center of Reno

Crisis phone and text line volunteer. Reno, NV. Sep 2016.………………....…….…Aug 2017

  • Used engagement and active listening skills with an array of psychopathologies to provide phone or text support for individuals who were suicidal or in a crisis.

  • Helped individuals to discover their options for dealing with their crisis and explore resources at their disposal.

Veterans Resource Behavioral Health Center

Graduate Intern (500+ hrs.). Reno, NV. Feb 2017……………………….……...……Aug 2017

  • Empowered Veterans in wellness and autonomy through assessment, advocacy, education, case management and counseling (Substance Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, & Trauma).

  • Identified client’s needs and co-collaborated with clients to discover solutions and resources available to them.

  • Led groups on reducing Anxiety and Depression utilizing DBT and CBT, a medication education group and a Seeking Safety group focused on treating PTSD and Substance Abuse. (60 sessions)

Christian Counseling Centers of Utah

Undergraduate Intern (500+ hrs.). Salt Lake City, UT. Jan 2016…………..….……July 2016

  • Participated in, observed and took therapy notes for psychodrama in a group setting at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center on a weekly basis.

  • Shadow training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnosis, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Person Centered Therapy (PCT) and Psychodrama.

  • Trained in record keeping process for mental health care.

U.S. Army

Human Resource Manager for the 178th En Co. Fort Polk, LA. Aug 2010.……...…Nov 2015

  • Managed personnel administration activities on over 180 personnel, such as the creation of orders, disciplinary and legal paperwork, applications, leave, awards and promotion orders.

  • Conducted coordination with departments to resolve pay problems, promotion issues, assignment issues, and evaluations.

  • Prepared memos, forms and letters on an as needed bases for company commander.

Sally Beauty Company/Davaco

Project Manager. Dallas, TX. Apr 2009.………………………………….....…….…Aug 2010

  • Managed the setup of new stores and ensured deadlines of project were on track.

  • Supervised employees and assisted in the setup of inventory to planogram.

  • Mitigated dilemmas that arose in the setup of new stores: contractor, building, & layout issues.


On Call LLC

Certified Nursing Assistant. SLC, UT.

  • Traveled to various hospitals and departments in the SLC valley to perform CNA duties such as:

  • Family and patient emotional support.

  • Patient vital sign monitoring and reporting.

  • IV removal and bandage change.

  • Suicide watch and prevention.

  • Assisted physicians and nurses in the care of patients on an individual case by case bases.

Honor Societies/ Professional Affiliation

Phi Alpha (ΦΑ) Honor Society

Walden University Master of Social Work program……………………..……………Jan 2018

Golden Key International Honor Society

Walden University Master of Social Work program………………………………….May 2017

Psi Chi (ΨΧ) Honor Society

Liberty University Bachelor of Science in Psychology program ….……………..….April 2016

National Association of Social Workers……………..………..………….….….…Since 2016

Veterans National Honor Society……………..………..………….…............….…Since 2021

Additional Membership with:

International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

Northern Utah Emotionally Focused Therapy Community

Association of Christian Counselors

Professional Training

CCCU

Psychodrama Training (93 CEU hrs.) under Rob Pramann, Ph.D., ABPP, TEP.

  • Happening Here and Now………………………………..…….….…………Feb 2020

  • Psychodrama & Sociometry for Individual Psychotherapy……….…………Sep 2019

  • Psychodrama & Sociometry Preparation………………………….…………Feb 2019

  • Starting and Stopping in Psychodrama: Warming Up and Sharing…………Aug 2018

  • Addressing the Elephant in the Room (3 CE hrs.).……………………........ May 2018

  • Conducting a Psychodramatic Dream Exploration…………………...….….May 2018

  • Psychodramatic Roles: The Double and Doubling………………….....…….Apr 2018

  • Psychodramatic Roles: The Auxiliary Ego and Role Playing……………….Mar 2018

  • Bibliodrama: Psychodrama & the Sacred…………………………....……….Feb 2018

  • Hypnodrama and Psychodrama……………………..……………….…….…Nov 2017

  • United We Stand, Divided We Fall: Reconciling Groups and Nations..…..…Oct 2017

  • Addressing the Trauma and Pain of Victims and Perpetrators…….……...…Sept 2017

  • Standing Back to See Up Close………….……..……………………….…...Nov 2016

  • The Courage to Dream Again…………………..……………………...……May 2016

  • Touching the Heart: Developing Deep Empathy……………………….……Apr 2016

  • Psychodrama Short and Simple: Role Reversal and the Auxiliary………….Mar 2016

  • Psychodrama: Psychotherapy to Go………………………….…………....…Feb 2016

Tri EFT Alliant

  • Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy……………………………..…May 2019

  • Core Skills........................................................................................................Present

Gottman Institute

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level 1 Bridging the Couple Chasm.…July 2018

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level 2 Assessment, Intervention, and comorbidities…………………………………………………........................Apr 2020

PESI

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intensive Training under Timothy Gordon, MSW, RSW…………………………………………..…June 2019

  • Mindfulness Certificate Course under Terry Fralich, LCPC……………………………………………..…………… October 2018

  • Treating Insomnia: Evidence-Based Strategies to Help Your Clients Sleep under Margaret M. Danforth, PH.D., CBSM…………….............…….Aug 2018

  • Legal and Ethical Issues with Technology in Mental Health under
    Joni Gilbertson, MA, NCC, LCPC. SLC, UT.     …………………...…………..Jul 2018

  • Autism Meltdowns in Children and Adolescents: Practical Strategies for Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention under Kathy Morris, M.ED., B.S. SLC, UT. ………………………………………………..………………..…….…..Jun 2018

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Certificate Course under Amy Tibbitts, LSCSW, LCSW. SLC, UT.…...….….....Jun 2018

  • Nutritional and Integrative Interventions for Mental Health Disorders: Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar & ADHD under Anne Procyk, ND. SLC, UT. ………………………..….….…..April 2018

  • Trauma Competency Conference: The Core Competencies and Treatment Strategies for Trauma, PTSD, Grief, and Loss under Eric Gentry, Ph.D., LMHC. SLC, UT…………………………………………………………………..….Dec 2017

Living Works

  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training …………….……….….….…..Oct 2016

Light University (APA approved continuing education provider)

  • Caring for Kid's God's Way…………………………...……………...…...May 2015

  • Unit 1: Understanding Teens and Their World

  • Unit 2: Faith and Life

  • Unit 3: Love, Sex, and Relationships

  • Unit 4: Teens in Crisis

  • Unit 5: Challenging Issues

  • Healthy Sexuality………………………………………..…...…………….May 2014

  • Unit 1: Sexual Foundations

  • Unit 2: Sexual Enrichment

  • Unit 3: Sexual Challenges

  • Unit 4: Sexual Brokenness

  • Unit 5: Controversial Issues

  • Marriage Works………………………………………………...……….….July 2014

  • Unit 1: Core Issues

  • Unit 2: Enrichment Issues

  • Unit 3: Challenging Issues I

  • Unit 4: Challenging Issues II

  • Unit 5: Intervention and Policy Issues

  • Caring for People God's Way……………………………………….December 2013

  • Unit 1: Introduction to Biblical Counseling

  • Unit 2: Faith and Life

  • Unit 3: Marriage and Family

  • Unit 4: Challenging Issues In Biblical Counseling

  • Unit 5: Emerging Issues in Biblical Counseling

  • Breaking Free………………………………...…..…...….………..…December 2013

  • Unit 1: Foundations of Spiritual Care, Discipleship, and Godly Living

  • Unit 2: Helping Process, Skills, and Working with Tough Cases

  • Unit 3: Applications in Mood Change, Medicine, and Addictions

  • Unit 4: Applications in Crisis Care and Relationships

  • Unit 5: The Ethics of Care and Helping Ministry in the Church

National Board of Fire Services Pro Board Certifications (Certifying Agency: Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training)…………………………………………..…….2011

  • Confined Space Technical Rescue I

  • Confined Space Technical Rescue II

  • Hazardous Materials First Responder at the Awareness Level

  • Hazardous Materials First Responder at the Operations Level with Product Control Mission Specific Competency

  • Rope Technical Rescuer I

  • Rope Technical Rescuer II

  • Structural Collapse Technician Rescuer I

  • Structural Collapse Technician Rescuer II

  • Trench Technical Rescuer I

  • Trench Technical Rescuer II

  • Vehicle and Machinery Technician Rescuer I

  • Vehicle and Machinery Technician Rescuer II

Family: wife and four children

Additional interest in psychodrama, emotionally focused therapy, existential therapy, travel, nutrition & integrative healthcare.

Lived a year in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a year and a half in Germany.