About

Working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families using Collaborative, Solution-Focused, Person-Centered, Trauma Focused, Mindfulness and Narrative practices, has been one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made.

Professionally, I hold Minnesota licenses in Marriage and Family Therapy, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, and Professional Clinical Counseling.

Academically, I have a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Bethel University and a Post Masters Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

After college I received formal training from and worked with several providers including: Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation with a specialization in substance use disorders and related recovery concerns; Cornerstone Therapy and Recovery Center with a focus on sexual compulsivity related issues of men; and Hamline Law and Graduate School for training as a Family Law Mediator.

In my early career I helped parents develop new skills using the STEP method and provided workshops for couples with relational challenges. I was fortunate to work with Alumni of St. Thomas University and counseled premarital couples using the PREPARE/RELATE inventory and other strategies.

In addition to my work with clients, I am an Associate Professor and Director of the Graduate Certificate Addiction Studies at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and an instructor in the Marriage & Family Therapy Graduate Program. For ten years I taught counseling and substance use related courses at the University of Minnesota in the Department of Family Social Science, and also contributed to the book "When Men Grieve" with a section on "Bitterness.”

Currently, my time is divided between working with individuals,  providing professional training, ongoing university teaching, and facilitating AAMFT Approved and MN Board Approved Supervision for individuals pursuing a license in Marriage and Family Therapy, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, and Professional Clinical Counseling.

My wife Eileen and I have been married for 27 years and have two beautiful and talented daughters; one a professional in this field and the other pursuing a degree in psychology. I am truly fortunate.