With over 18 years of experience providing mental health services to diverse client populations, I continue to strive to provide quality and evidence based care to all of my clients.  I am passionate about the work that I do and believe in the power of compassion, understanding, and greater insight into oneself as the pathways to personal freedom and positive change.   I provide telehealth (video) counseling as a licensed therapist in both Minnesota and Wisconsin  (*Please note I do NOT offer in person sessions).  Having received extensive training in a variety of evidenced based therapy approaches, I provide client centered care to each client.  My approach is collaborative and tailored to each client's treatment goals, history, and treatment preferences.  I am currently completing a certificate program in positive psychology and life coaching to add additional perspectives and approaches when working with clients.

Psychotherapy involves a blend of supporting and validating clients while also motivating change and integration of new perspectives and practices.  I firmly believe the quality the relationship between a client and therapist is essential for genuine healing and growth.  In fact, research consistently identifies the quality of the therapeutic alliance as the most important factor in achieving a positive therapeutic outcome.  Your story deserves to be heard and I am here to provide a caring and focused response to support you in your journey.  The two primary approaches that inform much of my work with clients are ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and MBCT (Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy).  Although there are some differences in the models, both empower a person to respond to life challenges; difficult emotions, thoughts and moods; and problematic behavioral patterns in healthy and adaptive ways.  

My style is empathic, solution focused, and down-to-earth.  I agree with Irvin Yalom’s view of therapists and clients as “fellow travelers” on the journey of life.  Although I have expertise in mental health, I do no presume to be the expert on your life or how you should live it.  Rather, my role is to help you clarify what parts of life are most important to you, assist you in staying aligned and committed to these values, and support you when you find barriers or challenges that derail you.  What I can promise you, is that I will be attentive, engaged, and authentic with you every step of our work together.  A genuine, meaningful, and healing connection is what most people are seeking when entering therapy.  Although trained in a variety of therapeutic styles and being a lifelong learner, I define my work as a relational practitioner above all else.  How you feel in my presence is of utmost importance in reaching our goals, I want you to feel safe, validated, heard, and understood, "know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul."  (Carl Jung)

My special interests include anxiety and panic disorders; PTSD; relationships and intimacy; depression and bipolar disorder; LGBTQAI issues; adolescent mental health/family therapy; grief, loss, and transition; EMDR; and mindfulness.  My first professional position after graduate school was as a school based mental health counselor serving adolescents at two suburban high schools in the Minneapolis Metro.  Although no longer practicing in the schools, I continue to thoroughly enjoy my work with teens. My teen clients tell me that I treat them as an equal, never look down on them, and I provide them the space they need to access their voice.  I believe this is why so many of my adolescent clients are open to my suggestions and feedback, it comes from a position of respectful consultant vs. someone "trying to fix them."

LGBTQAI mental health care is also a special interest.  As a gay man, I have personal understanding and appreciation for the unique challenges members of this community face.  I work with many in the community who struggle with identity development, trauma, and often assist families in supporting their LGBTAQI family member who may have just recently come out.  I am able to hold space for both the parent/family member who may be struggling to understand this aspect of their loved one, while also validating the newly defined identity of the person who has come out.  

I look forward to supporting you in your journey and helping you live with greater freedom, fulfillment, and meaning.

If you or someone you know is in crisis call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.  You may also contact the following crisis services:

Crisis Call Center:  988 or text ANSWER to 839863
Dakota County Crisis:  952-891-7171                     Dane County 24-hour Crisis Line at 608-280-2600                                                                    National Depression Hotline:  1-630-482-9696