As a narrative-systemic therapist, I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioural issues, providing services that span from therapy for depression , trauma and grief counselling , to parenting support, couples counselling and beyond. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client's individual needs to help attain the personal growth they’re striving for.
Prior to having completed my graduate studies, I had completed my undergraduate work in psychology at the University of Alberta, and obtained a Graduate Diploma in Counselling while living in Queensland, Australia. My Master is in Marital and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University (2005). Based on this thorough and intensive systemic training, I work as a counselling psychologist with individuals, couples, and families .
From various professional positions prior to having met the province's criteria as a formally recognized counselling psychologist, I had been meeting with families in crisis and providing intervention on their behalf since 1994. I have substantial experience working at, and supervising residential group homes that offer lodging for troubled teens for a variety of Edmonton area service providers. I am therefore comfortable and confident when working with volatile adolescents or late-age children that present angrily in session.
Until 2008, I had been seeing clients as a counselling psychologist in a full time capacity at Cornerstone Counselling Centre, a not-for-profit Edmonton community agency. For the 7 years that followed, I provided therapy as a managing partner at the Lousage Institute, where I built a thriving full time private practice. In summer of 2015, I began a new venture with the Edmonton Psychological Group, where I am one of three managing partners and continue to offer individual, couples, and family therapy.
My counselling is based on a position that clients' vast lived experiences contribute to beliefs they hold about themselves and in turn, the roles they play in life. These impressions - positive or negative - affect further thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and are often maintained by various systemic factors such as family of origin themes. Collaboratively, I help clients evaluate the legitimacy and usefulness of distressing "narratives" that present in their lives, encourage new awareness of societal or extended family influences, and facilitate the exploration of new solutions whereby troublesome problems can be disempowered.
I welcome contact to discuss any questions prospective clients might have about my philosophy toward counselling, the number of/frequency of sessions, or further queries that would facilitate comfort or confidence in the consumer. I reside in Edmonton with my lovely wife, Lisa, and when not in "psychologist mode", enjoy reading, golf, and scuba diving as top hobbies, all while travelling to warm destinations. Note that I now offer 3rd party billing through Blue Cross for Veterans' Affairs and RCMP.