I have a full-time Christian counseling practice in Portland, Oregon and over a decade of experience as a Christian psychotherapist. I received a specialized education in the integration of psychology and Christian faith at Fuller Seminary's School of Psychology.

This training has equipped me well to work with a wide variety of persons and issues, including persons for whom a Christian faith is important. Many of my patients' concerns range from emotional issues such as depression and anxiety to improving communication skills or developing more secure attachments in relationships. However, these aren't the only issues that I work with in therapy. I work especially well with men who are struggling with unhealthy sexual activities such as compulsively viewing pornography. However, I've found over the years that no problem is unrelated to the patient's emotions and relationships. Therefore, I don't claim to specialize in any one area but rather specialize in doing good therapy with the whole person from an integrated perspective. I'm skilled at helping you expand your emotional life and create more meaningful relationships with yourself, others, and God irregardless of the specific issue that might be brought to treatment.

As a Christian therapist I'm convinced that God is a real resource in the healing work of psychotherapy. However, unlike a number of Christians, I do not believe that only God is needed in healing persons. I believe God works through mental health service programs and providers. For example, I consider newer insights in psychotherapy and anti-depressant medications as God's answers to prayers and the means by which He heals. God certainly doesn't need these factors to heal a person but instead chooses to work through them as a means of healing His people. Furthermore, some persons face a spiritual crisis in the midst of their struggles. Because of my professional training I am able to address faith crises such as doubt and feelings of abandonment during the resolution of immediate issues. I never force God-talk on you and do not believe your struggles are always the result of too little faith or sin. I do not assign Bible verses for homework study but I am prepared to include as much Christian perspective as you are comfortable with in our work together. I hold a PhD in Marital and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary's School of Psychology; a Master's in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary; a Master's in Philosophy from San Diego State University; and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (with an emphasis in Religious Studies) from Humboldt State University. I have taught a variety of Marital and Family graduate classes such as human sexuality, advanced marital therapy, and group therapy at various Christian and secular institutions. I supervise therapists and therapist interns wanting to work from a perspective that integrates depth psychology and Christian faith. Please call for details if interested in supervision. I have spoken often at churches and other public venues presenting many topics including improving relationships, spirituality and psychotherapy, the role of emotions in character building, and the emotional wisdom of the Psalms. I am currently serving a 3-year term on Trinity Episcopal Cathedral's Pastoral Care Commission and a 5-year term on the Oregon Diocese Commission on Ministry. I also attend a Benedictine spirituality study group on a weekly basis as part of my ongoing spiritual development.