I "pushed through" my whole life feeling like I was lazy, inept, or just plain "stupid." I did not realize until later in life that I have ADHD, now known as neurodiversity. Now, it all makes sense, and I understand how devastating it can feel to be unable to express your feelings, seek help, and gain insight to function better at home and at work. I became a counselor to help other men discover that ADHD, OCD, or Anxiety is not their "enemy," but is their "super power." Men who learn how to manage their anxiety, express their feelings, and work on their relationships are able to get "unstuck," and become better leaders and partners.

I work best with men who realize they have missed out on life and are motivated to make needed changes to improve their relationships at work and at home. My specialty is men with anxiety (OCD, ADHD, Panic Disorder & PTSD) who feel overwhelmed at work and have strained relationships at home. I help these men overcome barriers, such as low self-esteem, guilt, or anger and learn new ways to identify themselves.

First, I ask clients "What are your pain points?" and "What do you want to gain from therapy?" The answers to these questions guide the way I approach therapy with this client. Second, I use examples from the client's profession to help him see what others may know about him. In this way, the client is able to begin to see other's perspective and get motivated to change himself in order to function better at work and at home. Third, I give specific guided homework assignments that help the client manage his anxiety and think more clearly. Clients practice coping strategies until they are confident they can use them regardless of the situation.

The first session, the Intake, is for "fact finding." Think of it as I get a snapshot of what your life is like and what you would like for your like to be. This is your opportunity to actually be honest with me about what is bothering you. I realize this may be your first time to say out loud that there is a problem, and that you are willing to work on it. It might be scary asking for help, so I handle what you tell me as if it is a magnificent treasure. You are trusting me with your secrets, your failures, your disappointments, and your shame. This is a treasure worth discovering together in follow-up sessions. That is when you get to expound on what is keeping you from reaching your goals, and we note your goals for therapy. Each week, we discuss things that went well and things that went "not so" well. By the end of the session, you will have new coping strategies and tools in your tool belt to tackle even the worst of your fears and frustrations!

Therapy works! Yes, even for men! You will be able to "be real" with me knowing that I am not a judge. Feeling listened to and understood by another man is very therapeutic. Many men find that it is so helpful to speak to me in ways they do not feel comfortable speaking to others at work, with friends, or at home. If you had a heart condition that might lead to a heart attack, would you go see a heart doctor? If you have a mental health heart condition that might lead to lost jobs, broken relationships, and a sense of failure, would you see a heart specialist, a counselor?

I remember when I was in high school and college not knowing how I learn and feeling like I was a complete failure, idiot (insert derogatory word here) or unworthy of seeking help from others. I want to help men with anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, or Panic Disorder know that they are not alone, and it is okay to ask for help. I want men to feel empowered, loveable, and courageous. I want men to become great leaders at work and at home.