If you could pick one movie or book that influenced your approach to therapy, what would it be and why?
The Vedas from India and all of the other accompanying works of religion, mythology and philosophy that deal with humanities search for truth, self actualization and/or how we fit within the physical realm. Understanding of these core concepts about creation affects how we think, how we behave and how we live our lives. Without its proper understanding we all potentially suffer under the weight of any number of mental health issues resulting from our misunderstanding. Thus, I believe that when we change our perceptions of the world we began to shape and change the world itself.
In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
As a practitioner with education in two separate fields (psychology/philosophy), in my personal life I have searched for the meaning of life through the worlds most ancient literatures, traveled extensively in Asia and to over 30 other countries, studied world religions, mythology and the works of many of the greatest philosophers. I have attempted to integrate that knowledge into the lives of the clients I serve so that they are better able to understand the meaning of their own lives, their world and their individual place within it.
Are there any recurring themes or issues you’ve noticed as you treat people in your area of specialization, and how has this insight guided your approach?
As a psychodynamic therapist, I believe that the symptoms a person manifests are the byproduct of situational stressors and core internal dynamics that impact our perceptions of the things taking place around us. Thus, in the therapy we will try to focus on the internal issues that influence these perceptions so that any presenting problem is realized as a reaction to internal processes as opposed to external events.
Specialties
Family issues
Familial relationships can be the source of stress and emotional pain, even in the healthiest of situations. Painful interactions can range from irritation to resentment and lead to feelings of guilt, disappointment, and anger.
Gender identity & transgender health
Transgender or gender non-confirming people experience the same mental health issues as anyone else. For some, however, social stigma, discrimination, oppression and the effort of understanding one’s authentic self can lead to anxiety or depression.
Identity development
Process of defining one’s own beliefs and sense of self. Evolves over time and can become a source of stress and pain, especially if the concept of self goes against social, cultural, or familial norms.
Personality disorders
Personality disorders entail a maladaptive way of behaving, feeling, and thinking that deviate from societal and cultural norms. They may lead to personal distress, interpersonal issues, harmful behaviors, and legal issues. Personality disorders include paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic, avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. They are treatable but not curable.
Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders are characterized by a disconnect from reality that stems from maladaptive thinking and perceptions. Primary symptoms include delusions and hallucinations. Common psychotic disorders include brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, paraphrenia, psychotic disorder due to a medical condition, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, and substance-induced psychotic disorder.
General Expertise
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by persistent instability in relationships, extreme emotional reactions, and chronic fear of abandonment. People with this may also tend to be moody, experiencing a lot of high highs and low lows.
Addiction
Regular involvement with a substance or activity in a compulsive, hard to control way that often has harmful consequences. Often refers to substance use, but can include compulsive behaviors such as sex, gambling, or shopping.
Fees
$100
First Session
$100
Family Therapy
$100
Couples Therapy
$75
Group Therapy
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Group Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Psychoanalysis
Adlerian Therapy
Existential Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Jungian Therapy
Psychoanalytic Therapy
Training / Certifications
Ph. D in Philosophy
Licensure
MI, Psychologist, 6301012343
Education
Masters Degree in Religions-Theology, Liberty Theological Seminary
Masters In Counseling Psychology, Liberty University
Doctorate in Psychology, Argosy University
Doctorate in Philosophy, Liberty University
Work History
Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist from Michigan who works from a psychodynamic approach that blends Psychology with Philosophy in the therapeutic process. Educationally, I posses I BS degree with a major in psychology and religion, a Masters in Religions, a Masters in Counseling Psychology, a Doctorate in Psychology and a Doctorate In Philosophy. My work experience has been diverse in that I have worked in clinics, state hospitals, state prisons, geriatric facilities and my own private practice for over 25 years. I believe that the issues people experience are often deeper than situational depression, anxiety or any number of surface symptoms but rather are seated in the character makeup of us as individuals. Thus, to truly solve issues therapy needs to focus on the understand and treatment those dynamics. External Things are not the problem. It's your assessment of them. Which you can erase right now- Marcus Aurelius
Location
301 West Houghton, West Branch, 48661, MI