My experience includes 15 years in private practice and many years working in community mental health settings. I was on the core staff at The Dougy Center, an internationally renowned support program for children and families in grief. I have facilitated national trainings on the subject of children's grief and loss. I have provided drug and alcohol treatment to adolescents and to children of alcoholics, and have taught in grades kindergarten through college level graduate courses, in both the public and private sector, in special and regular classes, and in regular and alternative programs. I currently provide mental heath counseling services to Head Start.

I have experience working with people who are dealing with adjustment issues, including: loss, divorce, depression, death, anxiety, change in family constellation, out of home placement, and adoption. I work with children who have special learning needs, attention deficit, and sensory defensiveness. I work with physician's, other care providers, Services to Children and Families, day and residential treatment facilities, and juvenile authorities to provide a comprehensive and cohesive treatment plan.

An adolescent is between the throes of childhood, and the demands of adulthood. One moment they are two and the next they are 20. Younger adolescents may not be able to utilize a more conventional form of treatment in which they talk with the therapist about the events in their life. They may need a more symbolic form of communication, be it art or play therapy. The older adolescent tends to verbalize their experience, and is generally able to utilize more conventional forms of therapy.

With adults, I work with a client to identify issues, typically out of the client's awareness. The goal is to assist the client in deepening their awareness, feelings, and cognitions. The client explores their past and present, bringing into conscious awareness that which was not previously supported. Through utilization of the therapeutic relationship, the client comes to understand the patterns that impede their ability to be in relationship with others and to grow. The result is a deepening of the client's emotional experience and satisfaction in their relationships, and a overall greater facility for enjoying life.

The most important job we do in life is that of being a parent. Moreover, it is the one job we typically have no training for. Parent coaching provides for a supportive opportunity to explore one's values and feelings regarding child rearing. Exploration of the various communication patterns, expectations and our own family history are critical to enhancing family life. It is important to understand these aspects of our children and our relationship to them in order to support their growth in being sensitive and happy human beings. With parents, I use a combination of relational and humanistic approaches (including the use of Floor Time) to enrich and deepen their relationship with their children.

I have two biological children and two stepchildren. My spouse and children are the most important catalysts for my growth and change as a human being. I enjoy gardening, hiking, camping, and biking when I am not coaching soccer or volunteering at my children's school.