As an experienced psychologist I have specialized in working with couples, individual adults, adolescents and families for decades. I particularly enjoy work in those areas of difficulty where people can and do recover with the chance to enjoy an even better quality of life after treatment than before the problems started. Whether it is the challenge of a relationship crisis, personal trauma or even substance abuse, I often witness people go on to lead healthy and whole lives and often see relationships restored or made "better than ever".
My approach draws from decades of intense training and experience with the most scientifically validated techniques, always specifically seeking the maximum amount of change in the shortest amount of time.
I am certified in couples therapy by the prestigious Gottman Institute, one of only about four hundred such certified Gottman therapists in the entire United States and only three in Tennessee. In addition, I am certified in clinical hypnosis (ASCH) as well as trained in various other powerful change techniques including EMDR and Brainspotting. I hold a Doctoral Degree in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University where I completed original research in the area of Creativity. I also completed postdoctoral training at the Guidance Center in Rutherford and Williamson Counties and through work in psychiatric hospitals, schools and outpatient centers. I have served as a leader of 3 substance abuse recovery programs, a biofeedback clinic and a center for the treatment of chronic pain. I am also certified in Executive and Life Coaching through the International Federation of Coaching. Early in my career, I served in the U.S. Army at its Human Engineering Lab, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland.
I have one adult son and my wife and I live in Franklin, TN with our dog. My hobbies are writing and playing guitar. We maintain contact with our six former exchange students from Chile, Argentina, Serbia, Brazil and Korea. My goal is to make the world a better place one day at a time, one decision at a time.