I have always believed that if you enjoy what you do, you will never work a day in your life. Counseling is not work for me. It is a passion. When I provide a service that adds meaning to one's life, I receive meaning in return. Counseling adds to my sense of purpose in this life.

Many of the clients I have counseled have higher levels of resistance, since they are court mandated. I cater well to such individuals, particularly men, who continue to shy away from mental health counseling because of stigma. I have experience assessing and treating a variety of substance use disorders, many of which are often co-morbid with other conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and self-esteem issues.

I believe the formula to counseling is you get out what you put in. Therefore, I am most excited to form a professional relationship with individuals who are motivated to lead more fulfilling lives. The clients who often excite me most are the ones who are transparent, vulnerable, and the sincerest form of themselves.

I wish all clients knew that people do not fail treatment as much as treatment fails people. Counseling is not a one size fits all approach, so it is valuable for clients to be their own advocates and find the provider that best suits them.

My faith inspires me greatly, and is a cornerstone behind why I have decided to do what I do in this field. I am also inspired by individuals who have lost everything, and are able to still muster up the courage to change. I recognize change is uncomfortable, and how much honesty is required to make lasting and significant change. People who genuinely and authentically acknowledge what it is they need to change inspires me.

In their first session, clients can expect a lighter load than usual. I do not make it a point to go very deep when meeting for the first time. I liken the first session to being a little more lighthearted. A little bit of humor, when appropriate, can be expected. I believe laughter is sometimes one of the greater medications we have on the market. I do reserve some of the time during the first session to focus on treatment goals, and why they are important to begin with. I also reserve some of the time to enhance the client's understanding of whatever it is they are currently dealing with in their life.

The first session with a client is a time to build rapport. If I am successful in doing this, as well as establishing trust, I then like to listen to the individual's story. Often times, counseling is an individual's first opportunity at truly unpacking their story, so I do my best to actively listen to what is being shared. Ultimately, my goal in the first session is to create an atmosphere that feels welcoming, safe, and non-judgemental.

Clients should know that I did not enter into this profession to moralize, demonize, or judge them. I consider myself to be a caring, understanding, and compassionate person. Furthermore, they should know that I am reliable, informative, and fair.

I am a proud dog owner, and like to take my dog out for walks and car rides. I like to work out, and incorporate new and different exercises every once and a while. Laughter is very important to me, so I enjoy attending comedy shows, and surrounding myself around my friends. I also enjoy playing basketball, billiards, and bowling. I'm trying to improve upon my golf game, and I have found Top Golf is a good place for me to do just that. Massages bring me a lot of joy too.

I would say my kindness is a big part of who I am as a person. If you can choose to be anything in this world, choose kindness.