I moved to Joplin to attend Ozark Christian College in 1999 and have lived in the area since then. I worked for 7 years at Christ’s Church of Oronogo where I did individual and couple’s counseling. I also created and facilitated a 12-step addiction recovery group (Redemption Recovery), and worked with fellow ministers to meet the needs of members of our church and our community. I’m excited to work more broadly with people from the 4 state area.
What is your degree/training?
I hold a Master of Arts in Counseling / Emphasis in Individual Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. In recent years I’ve received additional training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Peoria, IL. My parents still live there.
What is the one thing about yourself that you would like people to know?
I have yet to meet a client that I can’t identify with (our shared humanity is a strong bond).
Do you believe a cup is half empty or half full?
It’s full (half filled with water, the rest overflowing with air).
Do you have any pets?
No.
What is something you are proud of?
My marriage and my kids. My greatest ambition is to be a good husband and father.
What do you do for fun?
I love to read, hike, kayak, and rock climb. I especially love doing those things with my friends and family.
What is the last book you read?
“Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God” by Brian Zahnd (I’m also currently reading the Harry Potter series with my kids and we’re currently on book 6).
What adjective would a close friend use to describe you?
Warmhearted.
What do you value about being a counselor?
Since I was a child, I always wanted to help people. I’m thankful for the opportunity to walk alongside people who are trying to discover a healthy way forward in their lives and relationships.
What do you think is important for a client to look for in a counselor?
Someone who cares deeply, keeps everything in strict confidence, is able to help you better understand your own experience, and has the ability to help you take the next steps.
How does your faith play itself out in your work?
I’ve been deeply shaped by my Christian faith (I originally studied to become a pastor and did church work for 7 years). I am equipped to explore issues of faith if it is the client’s expressed interest. Unfortunately struggles with faith can be difficult for many to explore within their own faith communities (especially if leaders are defensive or controlling). That said, I welcome clients from a variety of faith traditions and those that have rejected faith as well. I will seek to be an exemplary model of my faith, but I don’t push my faith on clients.
What is your favorite movie?
Stranger Than Fiction.
Which is your favorite music and your favorite singer/band?
I listen to all types of music, but some of my favorite artists are: Waterdeep, Gungor, Shad , and Propaganda.
Which T.V. program would you never miss?
I’m currently enjoying “The Good Place”.
Who is you favorite actor/actress/celebrity?
I don’t have one.
Who is your favorite sportsperson and why?
I like it when celebrities use their platform and their resources to help those with less.
Which is the last album you purchased?
Lecrae – All Things Work Together.
If you could have six months off work, how would you spend it?
I’d commit a significant portion of time to volunteering in the community. There’d also be a lot of reading, rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking. My wife would also make sure that I got some projects done around the house.
If you could be a character from any movie, who would you be?
I’d love to be like Edward Bloom in “Big Fish” in that he lives a normal life, but leaves a huge legacy.
If you could travel back through time to spend one day, to when would you travel?
I’d love the opportunity to have a conversation with Jesus (or just witness a conversation he was in).
If you could be a super hero, who would you be and why?
I’d be “empathy man”, I’d try to save the world by shooting my empathy-ray™ at people, helping them to get past their conflict by discovering their shared humanity.
If you could, would you prefer to climb a mountain or trek across a desert?
I love to rock climb but I’ve never climbed to the top of a mountain. Now it’s on my bucket list.
