Authenticity. Passion. Effectiveness. 

I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Together, these are a very effective treatment for nearly all “disorders.” 

Over the course of nearly twenty years, I have successfully treated people from a wide range of ages (12-97), issues, and backgrounds—homeless, under-educated, under and unemployed, politicians, prestigious professors, top medical doctors, professional and college athletes, and many others. 

I have yet to actually meet a “treatment-resistant” or “permanently disabled” person, though many have been referred to me. It appears they were simply resisting treatments that didn’t work.

My approach is quite different from most providers—but also powerfully effective for creating space to make and sustain positive change.  And it usually creates energy and enthusiasm for Living Life Better.

I am very well trained in assessment, diagnosis, and clinical research, and I consider each of those; however, my preference is to see past the “disorder” and treat the whole person with individualized treatments that actually work.

And I am frequently told I am not your typical psychologist.

If true, this is probably because of the following

• I have personal experience dealing with exceptionally difficult life situations.

• I practice what I teach—I “walk the talk” and live a value-based life. I stand up for others when they can’t, and I speak out for what I believe to be wrong.

• And I am a very patient, passionate, and accessible clinician educator (e.g., everyone has my personal cell number—and if I can teach or help, I do (supermarket lines, plane rides, hiking trails, neighbors, friends, etc.).

I am also “not your typical psychologist” because

• You will never have to repeat yourself—I will remember your story. I don’t watch TV, I live it. You are my favorite program.

• You will never, ever have to wonder what I’m thinking—whatever is in my mind comes directly out of my mouth.

• And you will laugh in nearly every session.

How does this work?

Therapy begins with my passion to both relieve suffering and teach; my determination to do exactly that, no matter what; and my belief that most “disorders” aren’t really disorders at all.

While this work is about your treatment goals—my not-very-secret treatment goal for you is to help you Live Life Well.  And my not-very-secret belief is that you are human—and that is your diagnosis.

• I don’t fix people; people are not broken.  I am not broken.  I have never been broken and neither have you.

• I am not an expert in you; you are an expert in you.  I will listen to you and see you accurately.

• I am your coach. I practice the skills my coach taught me. Teach me how to help you win.

• I am an expert in clinical psychology.  I specialize in creating space to consider the possibility of change, and teaching skills to modify human behavior. 

• I help you get out of your own way, clarify who you want to become in this world, and then coach you to Live Life Better. 

• And I will not give up on you, let you give up on you, or ever be forced to appear as if I gave up on you. Not ever.

That is my commitment to you; that is my commitment to myself.

Our work is about you and your life—and since everything is related, whatever you want to talk about will lead us to what is important—my job is to strategically guide that process.

You will be greeted with genuine happiness and treated as an honored guest in my living room—no matter who you are or where you come from. 

Everyone is greeted and treated the same—with joy, respect, and empathy. 

We usually begin and end with virtual and optional hugs, in between enjoy tea or coffee—and engage in treatments that work, delivered in a unique and effective manner, with a lot of laughter.   

You will often leave my office with a smile and shaking your head because of my irreverent remarks. 

And if I have done my job well, you will leave inspired, having been taught actual skills to change your life—this work is exciting, hopeful, and fun!

It’s an incredible game of chess against the status quo—deceptively simple and invigorating!

Together we can, and yes, we will.

This is not our practice life, so we have to stop spending time as if we get a re-do; call me a pessimist, but that is unlikely. 

Regardless of our circumstances and choices—and the unjust and unfair behaviors of others—we have a personal responsibility to live our best life, today. 

And since this is easier said than done, sometimes we need help.

If you are struggling, I can help.

People are often interested in the stories of others—especially the stories of the person in whom they confide so much.  Naturally they want to know if a person can really help them and how, but some also want to know why they do this work, what drives them, and do they “walk the talk, or simply talk the talk?” 

Many would rather not know anything else once they believe you are qualified to help—or not—that is enough—and many more don’t have enough ADHD meds to get through much more of this site.  So if you are one of those people, have already made your decision, do not require additional information, or are out of medication—feel free to skip the rest because this work is about you. 

For those clients and potential clients who prefer to know even more, grab a cappuccino or three, and continue.

Your choice—as is everything we do together; you know you best.