My professional interests included consultation for the challenges and influences of anxiety, depression, premarital and marital/relational building, conflict resolution, divorce, post-divorce mediation, life transitions, domestic violence, sexual abuse, sexual compulsivity, substance misuse, abuse, recovery after sobriety, and as a therapist for the Veteran Resilience Project.

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. Additionally, I satisfied the requirements as a U.S. DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

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.

I contributed to the book "When Men Grieve" by Elizabeth LeVang Ph.D (1998), with a section on "Bitterness” and also “Dope Therapy” by Shani Tran, LPCC (2022) with a section on ”How to Prepare For The Last Session.”

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 were married in 1994 and have two beautiful and talented daughters; one is a professional in this field and the other planning a Master of Art in Counseling and Psychological Services. I am truly fortunate.