When searching for a good therapist it is usual to pore through numerous websites. Often you are 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 suspect you are left wondering if they can help you.

Will they really be there for you, understanding what you are experiencing without judging or lecturing, and help you through my confusion and pain, or will they be conventional in just providing textbook therapies with little real regard or respect for your individuality?

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.

It is equally important to look for a therapist who is not wedded to one treatment model, but shows a creative approach drawing on multiple ideas and methods that will meet your individual needs.

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.

When I work with a client they are 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.

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 our expertise is what makes the process work. I don’t use one therapy, but rather create a combination of methods into a process 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.

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 (last three years as a military therapist), I worked at several inpatient 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 a research background and am dedicated to continually updating my understanding of the latest advances in the therapies I use, as well as training in new therapies which may be useful in what I provide to you. Much of my interest is in the latest medical and psychological advances in understanding the mind. I’ve been formally trained in a number of therapies, including Ericksonian Hypnosis, EMDR, Flash, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Ritual Prevention Therapy, and Shamanic practices.

Between my private practice and 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.