What I bring to the counseling/coaching relationship

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What is most important for you to know about me is that I will be genuine in our working relationship.  Being genuine involves an openness and willingness to share; to share the insights and perspectives I have gained through my life experiences (both professional and personal); to share objective feedback; to share when I don’t have the “right” answer and that maybe there is not just one “right” answer or solution; to share that on some level you just might have the right answer or solution to your situation.  ​

Personal Experience

I have learned some of the most important lessons in life from my wife and five children--lessons on patience, acceptance, awareness, a sense of awe in the everyday, self-discipline, balance, the ability to focus, setting priorities, kindness, perseverance, respect and the value (even necessity) of  humor .  The experiences with my family have provided me with a host of examples of the best and the worst of what life and relationships are all about.

 I have lived in Colorado my entire life, and have lived in rural Colorado (Elbert County) for the last 35+ years.  My wife and I recently celebrated our 51th anniversary, and are blessed with six grandsons.

Professional Experience
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (Colorado license #344) and earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology, Counseling and Guidance from the University of Northern Colorado (1979) and have completed post-graduate course work at the University of Northern Colorado.  I also have a certification in Clinical Hypnosis.  I have many hours of continuing education/training beyond the degrees listed and have provided numerous trainings in parenting, diagnosing and treating sexual abuse victims, and treating sex offenders . 

I have been working in the counseling field since 1975 and worked in settings that include: 
  • Private Practice (providing Counseling services to children/adolescents and adults) 
  • Outpatient and Residential Care for Chemical Dependency 
  • Residential Care for Children and Adolescents
  • Residential Psychiatric Care for Adults
My approach to counseling is primarily through a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) perspective, but tailor my style/approach to best serve my client and the situation.  When appropriate I utilize clinical hypnosis as an adjunct to the more traditional CBT approach.