About
YOUR THERAPIST

I hold a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and became a registered dietitian. Then, I spent six years in medical sales.

​

In 2006, I opened a pet salon in Hermosa Beach, California. We sold pet retail products, doggie daycare, pet grooming services—and appeared on The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. (Fun stuff!)

 

In 2010, I opened an advertising business which I ran for ten years.

 

In 2018, I began volunteering at a crisis intervention center. I enjoyed this work and earned a Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Northwestern University. I am a Professional Counselor Associate who is working towards full licensure. I am supervised by David Habib Martin, LPC.

 

My passion is family. I have an amazing partner who I’ve been with for 23 years. We have a delightful son who I love with every cell in my body.

 

I am also a Little League coach, food-cart connoisseur, cyclist, swimmer, friend, wanna-be chef, true crime buff, writer, mistake-maker, voracious reader, and hopefully a down-to-earth guy.

 

I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I believe that counseling should be a space to gain insight to feel better and learn tools so you get better.

 

I value family, health, growth, gratitude and humility. I also appreciate creativity, compassion, courage, kindness, collaboration, loyalty, reliability, authenticity and vulnerability.

 

If I had a billion dollars, I would live the same life I’m living. I am grateful to have work I enjoy, a family I adore, friends I connect with, good health, hobbies that keep me busy, perspective on my flaws, appreciation for my strengths and humility to be the best me I can be.

 

PLEASE NOTE: I only have openings for either telehealth or walk-and-talk therapy (aka ecotherapy). If you choose ecotherapy, we will meet for 45 to 55 minutes in either Mt. Tabor or Forest parks (or another park we agree on). Walk-and-talk therapy may deliver more benefits for you because it combines talk therapy, exercise and forest bathing.  ​​

 

I’ve found that teenagers, men and trauma survivors often prefer ecotherapy. These populations may struggle to be vulnerable in traditional therapy settings. Walk and talk therapy removes long periods of eye contact. It also adds bipedal stimulation, which can quiet the amygdala (the fear center of our brain), making it easier for some clients to open up.

 

If you feel we may be a good fit, call or email me. And let's connect.

 

Thank you for getting to know me!

 

I wish you and your loved ones good health and happiness.