I decided to become a counselor through my own work in recovery from substance abuse in my early 20's. While I was in rehab centers I realized working with some great counselors that I wanted to be on the other side of the table helping others in the way I received help.

I find the clients I am most excited to work with are the ones who really want to improve their lives and who are willing to be open, honest and vulnerable which I understand are not always easy things to be. That's why I make it my responsibility to create an environment that allows for clients to feel comfortable being themselves so they can open up in away that allows them to receive the help they seek.

Change is always possible.

I chose Thriveworks because they strike the perfect balance of autonomy to run my practice while getting support in all of the right places from a great team!

This may sound cheesy or cliche, but the people I encounter daily inspire me the most. From my wife and daughter and the rest of my family and friends to the clients I work with sharing their stories and working through their challenges, it seems I find inspiration from people abundantly.

I typically start the first session by introducing myself while talking a little bit about what I think makes therapy work best for people as well as talking a bit about my vision for the process. I tell each client that this is their time and that I want them to interact as naturally and comfortably with me as they can. For example, if you swear and curse in the real world then by all means do the same in therapy if that's the language you are comfortable with!

I like to get through introductions and go over some structural things as well as providing confidentiality information and such while leaving plenty of time to allow the client to tell me as much of their story as time will allow in the first session. Lastly I will attempt to summarize what you have told me and give you some ideas of how we will approach working through the issues presented. Of course I will also ask you at the beginning and end of the session if you have any questions or concerns I didn't address!

I love doing this work. I am always excited and enthusiastic to meet each new client that comes through my virtual door.

I love music and have played guitar and bass in different kinds of bands throughout my adult life and still do so today. It has been a great outlet for me creatively as well as socially.