Spanish River Counseling Center

In 1987 I experienced a revived spiritual hunger that led to leaving my business professions of building, developing, and real estate. My journey for emotional, spiritual and relational growth was nurtured by clergy, faith-based licensed therapists, spiritual directors, and support group ministries. As a result of personal growth, a desire was birthed to help people mature in their relationships with others, God, and themselves. My educational process concluded with earning a Ph.D. in counseling, psychology, marriage and family therapy and theological studies.

My Ph. D. program allowed me to accomplish course work at Oxford University in England, where I presented two published papers, and at Azusa Pacific University Graduate School of Theology, with a focus on the integration of Christian counseling and family therapy. My Ph. D. internship involved the development, teaching, and evaluation of courses for the Reformed Theological Seminary. I also completed studies at the University of Miami which led to the designation of Certified Addiction Professional.

Further post doctoral studies were a result of being accepted into the Counseling Enrichment Program of Biblical Study developed by Dr. James Dobson, which was taught at Focus On the Family in Colorado Springs, Col. My Ph. D. dissertation was entitled Infidelity: A Group Approach to Marital Peacemaking. This research led to another passion of seeing individuals, couples and families healed from the many faces of sexual brokenness, abuse, addiction and dysfunction. To better serve this client base I became a Board Certified Sex Therapist through the state licensing board of Florida. (See Sex Education & Recovery Resources click here)

I am currently most excited about new brain science and treatments that readily identify mental and behavioral patterns and over/under activated areas of the brain (see Common questions about SPECT scans ). Brain SPECT imaging helps clinicians clearly understand brain function, brain health and brain treatment. Past emotional trauma, physical brain trauma, seizure activity, mood disorders, such as bipolar and anxiety issues, chemical toxicity, dementia, and impairment caused by drug and alcohol abuse are all more readily identified and treated using Brain SPECT imaging. I have had the recent privilege of being trained under Dr. Daniel Amen, the world leader in applying brain imaging science to clinical practice (see www.amenclinics.com). 

I now serve as a clinical consultant, intake evaluator, and referral resource for several brain SPECT imaging sites. My consultations with the neuro-psychiatric SPECT readers will help create better treatment plans and better communication between my clients and their medical providers.

Post traumatic stress disorder is another area of expertise for which I am a certified practitioner of EMDR (see EMDR Therapy). I believe traumatic events can often lead us to believing lies that will impact all of our relationships . EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ) is a scientifically researched and proven brain base treatment for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) clients.

Please know that I consider my clients to be courageous people with a hunger for healing. How spiritually mature can we be if we are emotionally unhealthy? Also know that I meet people wherever they are. I strive to be a servant leader in honoring all people. For everyone, whether they have a particular faith leaning or not, are created in the image of God. I also am an open book and pleased to share my journey with clients, should their curiosity lead them to ask questions. Thank you for allowing us to serve your needs.

________________________________________________________________________________

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Licensed Psychotherapist

Board Certified Addictions Professional

Board Certified Sex Therapist

Certified EMDR Practitioner

Brain SPECT IMAGING- Consultant

Certified Criminal Justice Specialist

Certified Prepare-Enrich Premarital/ Marital Testing