Welcome To My Website!

My Clinical Focus

My counseling approach emphasizes the development of healthy stress management and emotional control skills, which are essential for navigating life's challenges. I guide individuals in building resilience against burnout, compassion fatigue, and PTSD, ensuring they can face adversity with strength. A vital aspect of my practice is helping clients find a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives, fostering overall well-being. Together, we work on enhancing mood, building self-esteem, and improving relationships, ultimately paving the way for greater success in both personal and professional spheres. By equipping individuals with the necessary tools and strategies, I aim to create a supportive environment where they can thrive and achieve their personal and professional goals.

In my 15 years as a mental health professional, I have had the privilege of assisting individuals in navigating a wide array of challenges that affect their mental and emotional well-being, including:

• Anxiety, Depression, & Other Mood Disruptions

• Attachment Issues

• Burnout

• Codependency

• Communication Issues

• Compassion Fatigue

• Emotion Regulation

• First-Responder Issues

• Marital & Divorce Issues

• Medical Professional Stress

• Men's Issues

• Military/Veteran's Issues

• Mindfulness

• Physical Wellness

• Relationships (Personal and/or professional)

• Self-Esteem

• Trauma/PTSD

• Work/Occupational Stress

My Bio

After a career as a Paramedic/Firefighter, I transitioned into counseling, driven by my experiences in the fire department. Graduating from the CACREP-accredited counselor education program at Old Dominion University with a Master of Science in Education degree in 2009, I aimed to enhance the mental health of first responders. My mission also involves combating the stereotypes and stigmas that often hinder their pursuit of mental well-being. Outside of my professional life, I cherish quality moments with my spouse and children, enjoy traveling, and have a passion for history, sports, and music. My interests span various activities, including baseball, ice hockey, MMA, and running, while I also find joy in playing the drums. You can often catch me at sporting events, hard rock and heavy metal concerts, and participating in 5K races.

My research centers on the critical issue of mental health within high-stress professions, especially firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement officers, 911 dispatchers, and hospital emergency department staff. These individuals often encounter traumatic situations that can lead to significant psychological strain. Understanding the unique challenges they face is essential for developing effective support systems and interventions. By exploring the mental health concerns prevalent among these professions, my work aims to highlight the importance of mental wellness and the necessity of resources tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, I am interested in examining other high-risk careers to identify common stressors and potential solutions, ensuring that those who serve our communities receive the mental health support they deserve.

My Research Focus

This Is My Only Official Professional Website

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health services, leading to a greater demand for support and resources. While this shift is undoubtedly positive, it has also opened the door for individuals and organizations seeking to exploit the situation for their own gain. It is unfortunate that, amidst this progress, we must remain vigilant against resources that may misrepresent their intentions. This exploitation not only undermines the genuine efforts of dedicated professionals but can also harm those who are vulnerable and in need of authentic support. As we continue to advocate for mental health awareness, it is crucial to prioritize transparency and integrity in the services offered, ensuring that individuals receive the help they truly deserve.

I have discovered numerous fake and misleading profiles of myself online, which has become a significant concern. This is my only official professional website; any other legitimate website or profile with my information as a provider can be accessed via links provided on this website. Unfortunately, there are quite a few unauthorized profiles on the internet associated with businesses that are using my information to attract new clients to their services. Some of these are profiles associated with businesses I had previous affiliations with but some are profiles associated with businesses I have never been affiliated with. I am not alone in this struggle, as many of my colleagues in the mental health field have reported facing similar issues.

When seeking counseling services, whether from me or any other therapist, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety. A way to do this is to reach out to the therapist directly using the contact information they have provided. If you are informed that a direct connection can't be made or the therapist cannot contact you back, this may raise red flags about the legitimacy of the service. For myself, all the phone numbers listed on my official profiles ring directly to me. Should you reach anyone other than myself or my direct voicemail, it indicates that the number is not valid. Once you are established in services with me, I also provide additional direct contact methods to ensure clear communication and support. Your well-being and trust are my top priorities.