Biography

How I Got Started

Like many who enter the helping professions—especially psychotherapists—the deep desire to assist others often stems from a role we develop early in life. For instance, a sensitive child frequently observes the pain of those around them and instinctively yearns to alleviate it.

Although I did not begin my professional journey as a therapist, my path naturally evolved toward this calling. Initially, I worked in marketing management for a small company in the Louisiana town where I grew up. Later, I transitioned to the tech world, where I contracted with IBM to teach classes and develop comprehensive training programs.

Afterward, I joined a financial consulting firm, focusing on software development and support. Yet, in each of these diverse settings, I consistently found myself walking alongside colleagues and clients, actively guiding and empowering them to become more effective in their roles.

Consequently, this recurring pattern of mentorship and support ultimately revealed my true vocation, leading me to embrace psychotherapy as a way to help others heal and thrive on a deeper level.

By the time I approached my 30s, I increasingly felt disillusioned with my career path. Consequently, I craved space to step back and deeply reflect on what I truly wanted. Therefore, I decisively quit my job and enrolled in graduate school to pursue a degree in counseling.

At that point, I had no clear vision of what would come afterward. Nevertheless, an inner conviction drove me forward—this was something I absolutely needed to do for my own growth and fulfillment.

Moreover, the program I attended placed a strong emphasis on personal development. After all, how can therapists genuinely help others if they remain unwilling to examine themselves honestly? Inspired by this philosophy, I courageously stepped back and introspected on my own life. As a result, I experienced profound personal growth, implemented meaningful changes—and recognized that even more transformation lay ahead.

Additionally, two insightful mentors actively encouraged me to pursue a full-time career as a therapist.

In 1991, I confidently hung out my shingle and launched my private practice. Over the ensuing years, I have continually wrestled with profound personal issues and essential life questions, including:

  • How do we actively grow in maturity?
  • How do we skillfully learn to manage our nervous system and effectively regulate emotions?
  • How do we navigate relationships with difficult people while remaining both kind and firm?
  • How do we cultivate lasting peace of mind and genuine contentment in life?
  • How do we discover and deeply connect with God in a powerful, transcendent way that rises above religious limitations?

Although I cannot claim to have fully answered these profound questions in their entirety, I actively strive each day to make deeper sense of life while keeping them firmly in mind.

Moreover, through decades of hands-on experience, I have serendipitously discovered a variety of alternative techniques that empower people to grow in far more profound and transformative ways than I ever initially imagined possible.

Consequently, these insights have naturally guided my evolution from a strictly traditional therapeutic approach to a richer, more holistic blend—one that integrates mind, body, spirit, and nature for truly lasting healing and personal development.

 

Gratitude

There have been several along the way that have been very encouraging to me in getting my new practice started… friends, family, patients and other professionals. I can’t name everyone… but I do want to name just a few.

  • Laura Buck-Balliet:
    Thanks for your unbridled laughter when I expressed my fear of opening my own practice. Having someone I respect professionally and personally give me such a vote of confidence was impacting. Thanks Bro!

  • Mike Lyman:
    Thanks for your generosity of time and resources in helping me get this site going. You have been a valued friend for many years and it was nice being able to lean on you a little as I found my way. You Rock!

  • Jill St.John:
    Thanks for the painstaking hours you spent with me in editing my sometimes scattered thoughts and helping me formulate cohesive text. You have been a dear friend. I’m so glad you haven’t spontaneously combusted.

Professional Endorsements

To learn what health care professionals say.

Core Values

To learn more about core values guiding my work.

 

Training

To learn more about my training background.

 

Testimonials

To see professional endorsement and patient testimonials.