"There is no greater honor or privilege
than facilitating the process of healing for someone,
to bear witness, to reach out a hand,
to share the burden of someone's suffering,
and to hold the hope for their recovery."
- Eleanor Longden
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This is one of my favorite quotes that has guided me through my wide range of experiences in the mental health field. When you begin asking yourself the questions: why do I feel the feelings I feel, why do I think the thoughts I think, and why do I do what I do? These are the questions I have spent most of my time researching as I focus primarily on the unconscious brain.
The scientific truth as we understand it today is that most of your feelings, your intrusive thoughts, and your reactive behaviors are not within your control. You - like many others - can spend so much time and energy fighting the present patterns of your body and mind. You do this because maybe you feel shame for how these symptoms present themselves, you are afraid of how these symptoms may impact your life, or both of these reasons plus more. This attempt to control the uncontrollable is an endless and exhausting fight.
I hold the philosophy that as you redirect your energy to becoming aware and identifying how your brain and body are presently reacting and accepting these patterns as they present themselves to you today, you can strengthen your sense of trust and safety, lower the fear and anxiety associated with your symptoms, and find tangible systems to more easily manage them.
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My approach is very present focused. I do not believe that we need to "dig up" everything you have ever gone through. It is important that we focus on your present goals and revisit a part of the past only if it is keeping you from success. I am trained in multiple disciplines including Brainspotting (an evolution of the popular EMDR treatment).
I have served as a mental health expert for NBC and ABC. I offer trainings, consultations, and coaching sessions for small businesses, corporations, and religious organizations focusing on reducing the stigma of mental illness, creating mental health friendly environments, building teams, and the power of psychology in the workplace. Many individuals from C-level to entry level employees have scheduled one-on-one sessions with me to help increase their productivity, balance their work and personal life, increase awareness of how their mental health affects their career, and build their leadership style and influence.
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On a personal note, I was born in Oklahoma and have called Indiana home since 1995. I received my BA and MSW from Indiana University and have been married to my amazing wife Maggie for 14 years. We have 3 wonderful kids and the best dog ever, Murray. I have played the piano since I was 5 years old and now play multiple instruments. I am an avid sports fan and love serving my local community in various capacities.
My goal is to work with you in achieving your desired healing and change so that you can live well.
