Biographies are not my strong suit. However, since you are willing to sit with me and tell me about yourself, it is only fair that you know something about me. I have been married for over 25 years, am a proud father of four beautiful daughters and one son, and have lived in Abbotsford, BC for almost my entire adult life.
I grew up in Salmo and Erie before moving to Langley at age 13. During those years, undiagnosed ADHD and depression impacted my school performance, experiences that ultimately prepared me for a career in the helping profession. Many times I draw on my own journey to relate to clients and offer compassion and companionship through suffering.
After a challenging mission serving Vietnamese refugees and an initial plan in sport psychology, I found my calling working at a residential addiction centre. There I recognized the need for compassion and understanding, principles I continue to apply in supporting clients through diverse mental health struggles.
My Master of Science in psychology focused on the neurophysiology of anger and anxiety, which remains my primary treatment focus, grounded in attachment theory. I incorporate psychoeducation, Dan Siegel's Mindsight, Gordon Neufeld's attachment perspective, Ross Greene's collaborative problem solving, and Gabor Maté's compassionate inquiry.
Away from counselling, I'm an avid songwriter and have a diverse athletic background. I strive to be transparent and genuine—clients appreciate how real I am, and many report significant progress even in our first session.