Over 22 years of practice. Dedicated to my clients and community.

This is usually the page where the therapist describes their education, accomplishments, and the way they do therapy. I go to therapy myself, and when searching for a good therapist I have pored through numerous therapists’ websites. Often I’m presented with generalizations regarding their caring approach and a list of degrees and qualifications. While this information is useful in deciding whether this individual has the technical background and competency to be a therapist, I’m usually still left wondering if they can help me. Will they really be there for me, understanding what I’m experiencing without judging or lecturing to me, and helping me through my confusion and pain? Regardless of an individual’s qualifications and level of education, research has conclusively established that a good therapeutic relationship between therapist and client is at the core of effective therapy, regardless of the type of therapy used. That relationship is one of the most personal experiences you can have, considering that one will be exploring and sharing aspects of oneself with a trusted stranger, which no one else will probably ever know.

My suggestion is to trust your instincts in choosing and staying with a therapist. It all starts with a free consultation on the phone to exchange more information about each other, and gaining a sense of whether this person will be a possible help for you. I typically spend quite a bit of time talking with a potential client, in order to understand what they need, and for them to learn about me. Then we make a decision as to whether or not to have a first session.

The biggest mistake I’ve seen many people, including myself, make is to stay with a therapist who is just not working for you. If you don’t begin to see changes in yourself in 4 to 6 sessions, you can talk about this with your therapist, and perhaps something can be changed in what you are both doing. If the relationship is still not productive, follow your gut feelings, and find another therapist. Never be concerned that the therapist will be hurt or angry - as a professional they should not take such matters personally, and recognize that no matter how much of an expert they are, they can’t be everything to everyone. Also, as with any field, there are some inept therapists out there.

So, something about myself, that I hope will be of help to you in deciding whether I might be a therapist to consider. I have had a very unconventional life, filled with many interesting but also some quite tragic experiences. The knowledge and perspectives I have gained have proven a rich resource when working with clients. My acceptance of the vast diversity of ways people live and think has enabled me to relate to individuals and help them by entering their world view. I am familiar with, and able to work comfortably, in addressing typical, as well as unusual, problems and individual worldviews, including alternative sexual and/or living arrangements.

When I work with a client that is my sole focus. I am not a “talk therapist” which is a common therapy approach based on the assumption that talking about your problems, with the therapist listening in an empathetic manner and making some suggestions, will lead to insights resulting in a resolution of your problem. We do talk, but I won’t waste your time in unproductive conversation; but instead, use active methods that will bring about change. A relationship is often helpful in therapy; but, more important is the client’s motivation and willingness to do the work necessary to bring about change. There is a dictum in the therapy field which states that if the therapist is working harder than the client, any true progress is unlikely.

I never forget that we are both just human beings collaborating together to figure out how to understand and deal with solving your problem. While I may have knowledge and skills, you’re the expert regarding yourself, and that combination of expertise is what makes the process work. I don’t use one therapy, but rather create a combination of methods into a therapy that is based on who you are and what you seem to need. I will use one or more therapeutic methods in any session to help you, and if one approach is not working we try something else. While I will always be respectful and nonjudgemental that doesn’t mean I won’t be frank and straightforward with you, and expect you to be the same. Therapy is a complicated and intense experience, both for the client and the therapist. But, it is a human activity and should never be artificially rigid, grim or boring. People can get well through humor, relaxed conversation, and “coloring outside the lines”.

Information that you might find of interest, even though it may not tell you if I’m actually the therapist for you:
When I retired from the military, after 21 years, I worked at several psychiatric facilities with clients experiencing co-occurring addiction and mental disorders, and eventually became a clinical director at a large facility. I also sat on the Pennsylvania Certification Board for more than a decade, and developed two certifications for counselors (one being a Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional, which became an international certification). I’ve been a teacher and trainer in clinical areas, a full-time professor at Drexel University for seven years, and as an adjunct instructor for 14 years at the degree program I helped develop to train counselors. I have been formally trained in a number of therapies, including Ericksonian Hypnosis, EMDR, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Ritual Prevention Therapy, and Shamanic practices.

I am very familiar with alternative lifestyles, and can bring an understanding of the issues encountered while providing opportunities to explore and address common problems. Communication, avoiding “rules”, and unwillingness to explore expectations are often at the core of relationship conflicts, particularly regarding compersion and honesty.

Between my private practice and part-time teaching, I feel extremely grateful that I have found my place in the world. I hope my personality, experiences, knowledge and skills will be of value to you in resolving your problems.