I am a unique psychotherapist when compared to most of my peers. I used to work as an electrical engineer before making a career change. The reasons behind my career change could fill a novel. The shortened version, however, is that I reached a point in my career where people became more interesting to me than circuits. I enjoy learning about how others’ life stories have shaped them to be who they are today. I have been working as a therapist since 2010, encountering a diverse range of clientele from all walks of life. Currently, in my career, I am drawn to two types of clients: couples and men.
Couples Counseling
I enjoy working with couples and find the complexity and chaos energizing. It is difficult to hide one’s emotions in the presence of their partner. I recall early in my career seeing one person calmly describe the problems in the relationship. As soon as the other person entered the room the calmness seemed to disappear, and the full picture emerged. There are many models one can use for working with couples. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) and use this approach with my couples. Couples seek out therapy for a variety of reasons, but I see in all these reasons a need to increase emotional connection. I have been seeing couples since I was first licensed in 2010. Since then, I have found a lot of enjoyment in working with couples where one or both work in engineering and other science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.
Couples Counseling with engineers/STEM
As a therapist, I find that trust between client and therapist is essential for effective work to happen. As a former engineer, I am amazed at how much credibility my former career seems to provide for my engineering/STEM clients. These individuals place a high priority on logic and reason. They tend to dislike or minimize emotions. They dedicate their lives to solving complex problems. It makes a lot of sense when they bring these traits into romantic relationships. Unfortunately, these traits can make it difficult to emotionally connect. I can speak the language of the engineer and move them into their emotions. I also serve as a translator between the two partners.
Men
Men tend to be reluctant to engage in therapy. However, once they see that therapy is rarely like it is portrayed in TV and movies, they tend to accomplish a lot. I enjoy working with men to help them experience more emotionally connected and satisfying lives. They often come to therapy at the prompting of a romantic partner. Many tell me that changes in therapy not only benefit their relationship at home but also help them at work. I have experience working with men on a variety of problems including anger, stress management, and relationship counseling for one.
License and Education
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and later received my master’s degree from Arizona State in electric engineering. I worked for 10 years as an engineer doing semiconductor device modeling and basic circuit design before enrolling at Ottawa University where I obtained a second master’s degree in counseling. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) in the state of Arizona, and an approved supervisor with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.
Availability
Monday: 12pm to 6pm
Tuesday: 11am to 6pm
Wednesday: 11am to 6pm
Friday: 12pm to 5pm
Specialties: Couples counseling, couples counseling with engineers/STEM careers, men’s issues
I am a unique psychotherapist when compared to most of my peers. I used to work as an electrical engineer before making a career change. The reasons behind my career change could fill a novel. The shortened version, however, is that I reached a point in my career where people became more interesting to me than circuits. I enjoy learning about how others’ life stories have shaped them to be who they are today. I have been working as a therapist since 2010, encountering a diverse range of clientele from all walks of life. Currently, in my career, I am drawn to two types of clients: couples and men.
Couples Counseling
I enjoy working with couples and find the complexity and chaos energizing. It is difficult to hide one’s emotions in the presence of their partner. I recall early in my career seeing one person calmly describe the problems in the relationship. As soon as the other person entered the room the calmness seemed to disappear, and the full picture emerged. There are many models one can use for working with couples. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) and use this approach with my couples. Couples seek out therapy for a variety of reasons, but I see in all these reasons a need to increase emotional connection. I have been seeing couples since I was first licensed in 2010. Since then, I have found a lot of enjoyment in working with couples where one or both work in engineering and other science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.
Couples Counseling with engineers/STEM
As a therapist, I find that trust between client and therapist is essential for effective work to happen. As a former engineer, I am amazed at how much credibility my former career seems to provide for my engineering/STEM clients. These individuals place a high priority on logic and reason. They tend to dislike or minimize emotions. They dedicate their lives to solving complex problems. It makes a lot of sense when they bring these traits into romantic relationships. Unfortunately, these traits can make it difficult to emotionally connect. I can speak the language of the engineer and move them into their emotions. I also serve as a translator between the two partners.
Men
Men tend to be reluctant to engage in therapy. However, once they see that therapy is rarely like it is portrayed in TV and movies, they tend to accomplish a lot. I enjoy working with men to help them experience more emotionally connected and satisfying lives. They often come to therapy at the prompting of a romantic partner. Many tell me that changes in therapy not only benefit their relationship at home but also help them at work. I have experience working with men on a variety of problems including anger, stress management, and relationship counseling for one.
License and Education
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and later received my master’s degree from Arizona State in electric engineering. I worked for 10 years as an engineer doing semiconductor device modeling and basic circuit design before enrolling at Ottawa University where I obtained a second master’s degree in counseling. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) in the state of Arizona, and an approved supervisor with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.
Availability
Monday: 12pm to 6pm
Tuesday: 11am to 6pm
Wednesday: 11am to 6pm
Friday: 12pm to 5pm
Specialties: Couples counseling, couples counseling with engineers/STEM careers, men’s issues
