I am an ardent believer in the power of the therapeutic process. With over a decade of clinical experience, across various therapeutic settings that include private practice, wilderness/adventure therapy, therapeutic boarding schools and professorship of psychology/therapy, I have witnessed first-hand the human capacity for resilience, courage, compassion and love, allowing individuals to overcome barriers to live a life full of meaning and purpose. I know each of us carry within us the seed of great potential.
My clinical expertise reflects both a breadth of knowledge and depth of wisdom in the theories and applications of therapy. I draw upon the overlapping fields of psychology, philosophy and psychotherapy who’s primary concern is towards the betterment of humans, society and relationships with nature. Teaching and researching within the field of psychology on topics of developmental psychology, ecopsychology and psychotherapy principles has given me the pillars that support my approach to therapy. I have formal training and research in the fields of depth psychology, Jungian (analytic) psychology, psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theories, ecotherapies, mindfulness practices, existential psychotherapy. and ground these by putting “theory-into-action.” Lastly, my study and love of philosophy is what I see as the foundation below the pillars and actions of his clinical care. Philosophy - the pursuit and love of wisdom and the centrality of reflecting deeply on the human experience is essential to my work.
Therapy is a collaborative human endeavor – meaning that the project of therapy is done in a collaborative way. Both therapist and client come together to strive towards healing, growth, transformation. From this view, therapy is highly relational, as it should be. I attempt to embody this attitude in all he does. I see the inherent interconnection between humans, their environments (nature & culture) and that the well-being of each is dependent on each other. Because of this understanding, I am always concerned with the relational, in the therapeutic relationship, in the client’s relationships to their own self, others, and culture/nature. For when we foster the relationship, we are also fostering the growth of that seed of potential within.
I provide individual therapy, family therapy and supervision / consultation for other therapy practitioners. Additionally, I lead our adventure-based therapeutic excursions and retreats. Moreover, I am actively involved in the growing field of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy in both application and research.
SPECIALTIES/TREATMENT MODALITIES
Areas of Specialty
Anxiety
Depression
Grief/Bereavement & Loss
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
Parent Coaching
Spiritual/Faith/Religious Transitions
Treatment Modalities
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Existential Psychotherapy
Jungian
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Depth Psychology
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Mindfulness
Sandplay Therapy
Licenses + Education
Education
Ph.D. Psychology - University of West Georgia: Psychology of Consciousness of Society Program
Master of Social Work (MSW) - University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Licenses/Certifications
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). State of Georgia
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), State of Utah
Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapist Certificate - Skylight Psychedelics
Proud clinical provider for the USA Cycling’s Well-Being Program - an initiative created to provide mental, emotional, and physical health for their national athletes.
Research Interests
Some of my central research interests include examining the benefits of cross-cultural immersion for emerging adulthood and how these experiences yield powerful changes to how one identifies with themselves, how they develop greater skills associated with resilience and problem solving capabilities and how cross-cultural immersion can reinforce or create life purpose or life goals that allow emerging adults to feel they are living more meaningfully and fully with a clearer vision for the future.
Additional research includes utilization of a critical lens to examine society to understand how our modern culture has struggled to provide adequate support for our children, teenagers and emerging adults in helping them cultivate more embodied, authentic and genuine relationships with one another and with nature. This research has brought him to the conclusion that our disconnection from these parts of our environment, leads to fundamental feelings of loneliness and isolation and is a major cause of our suffering.
My overall research aims to propose that we need to help encourage the growth of what's known as the “ecological self” who is an individual that knows they are inherently connected to others and nature, and that in this process of identifying with others, they grow a greater sense of self, which yields greater confidence through the embodiment of love, empathy and connection of others. Through an ecological sense of self, I propose that we will then become more conscious of our behaviors, attitudes and motivations that affect the earth we inhabit, and that we need this level of consciousness in order to correct our climate / eco crises.
Experiential Therapy
The use of nature, cross-cultural encounters, and adventure activities are the three pillars of the eco-integrative theory of therapy I have developed. This unique approach to experiential therapy was born through a combination of my personal and professional experiences and endeavors. Both reinforce my hypothesis that each of these pillars are the foundations of support for true holistic growth of individuals and communities.
My career path began almost two decades ago with my training to become a Wilderness Therapy guide. The experience guiding clients through Utah’s remote desert and mountain backcountry gave me first hand accounts of the power of nature and wild spaces in its ability to heal and transform individuals. It was also the catalyst to affirm my values and trajectory of pursuing a life of helping others learn to better themselves - to live a life worthy living
From wilderness therapy, I then began providing recreational and adventure therapy for adolescents and young adults in therapeutic boarding schools. Through co-participation in activities like skateboarding, climbing, mountain biking and skiing with clients, I learned invaluable insights into how these types of activities can facilitate positive and prosocial growth opportunities. Flow states, growth mindset, emotional regulation, creative problem solving and relational building are just a few of the traits and experiences that are accessed through adventure activities.
While all of these experiences were highly impactful for me and my career and own personal growth, I knew I needed to answer the inner call to strengthen my mind and refine my clinical skills through pursuing both a Masters in Social Work and then a PhD in Psychology. In this space, deepened my knowledge in the fields of depth psychology, as well as ecopsychology - the study of human nature relationality. In addition to this, I researched and published on the psychosocial-spiritual impacts of cross-cultural immersion for young adults. These years of academic and clinical concentration were an alchemical transformation of sorts - and a preparation for building his eco-integrative theory.
Almost 20 years since his initiation into wilderness therapy, his implementation of experiential and adventure based activities are an homage to the wild places and green spaces that were the grounds for so much growth. It’s a return “home” liken to what the Greeks called “oikos” or home what’s now commonly known as “eco”
Outside of my career, I actively and passionately pursue being in the world, both in nature and through his travel. I also love to adventure with my wife and three kids and find pure joy in being able to share these passions with them. On the weekends I am also busy supporting my kids sports and hobbies like football, soccer, mountain biking, climbing and cheer.