Biography
Like many who go into the helping professions (especially psychotherapists) the desire to help others stems from a role we develop early in life. A sensitive child sees the pain of others and wants to try to lessen it.
I didn’t start out professionally as a therapist. I did a stint in marketing management for a small company in the town I grew up in Louisiana. Later I migrated to the tech world and contracted with IBM teaching and developing training programs. Afterwards,I worked at a financial consulting firm in software development and support. In each of these setting I was always walking next to others and helping them become more effective in what they were doing.
By the time I was close to 30 I was feeling disillusioned. I wanted to step back and think about what I was doing. So I quit my job and went to graduate school to pursue a degree in counseling. I had no idea of what I would do afterwards, but I felt this was something I needed to do for myself. In the program I attended, there was a big focus on personal development. How else can you help others if you are not willing to look at yourself? I stepped back and looked at my own life. I grew. I made changes… with more to come. I was encouraged by two of my mentors to pursue a career as a therapist.
In 1991 I hung out my shingle and started working in private practice. Through the years, I have had to wrestle with a lot of personal issues and important questions:
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How do we grow in maturity?
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How do we learn to manage our nervous system and regulate emotions?
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How do we deal with difficult people and remain kind yet firm?
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How do we develop peace of mind and contentment in life?
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How do we find and connect with God in a powerful way that transcends religious limitations?
I can’t say that I have answered these question in totality. But everyday I strive towards making sense of life with them in mind. Through years of experience I have stumbled upon more alternative techniques that have helped people grow in more powerful ways than I thought was possible. So hence my move from a traditional approach to a more holistic blend.
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.
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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
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Core Values
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Training
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Testimonials
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