After growing up in Oklahoma and living in Arkansas for many years, I was drawn out West to New Mexico, where I now call home. I am a second generation therapist. My father is a retired counseling psychologist in Tulsa. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Hendrix College, with a double major in Psychology and Religion and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Southwestern College. After working in a variety of clinical settings, including community mental health, I opened my private practice in Fayetteville, AR in 2005. Over the course of my career, I have given numerous lectures on the topics of psychology, psychotherapy, dreams, and meditation. I was first exposed to meditation practice by the late Zen Master, Keido Fukushima Roshi, during a religion class in college. I have attempted to maintain a meditation practice ever since. My professional interests include relationships, clarification of values and purpose, career development, existential issues, creativity, the transformation of trauma, recovery from addictions, dream analysis, meditation instruction, and all aspects of personal transformation.
CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE:
Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor by the State of New Mexico
NM License # 0157231
Advanced training and supervision with master therapist, William F. Symes, M. Div., LPC
Master of Arts in Counseling, Southwestern College, Santa Fe, NM, 2003
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religion, Hendrix College, Conway, AR, 1999
Graduated Cum Laude with Distinction in Psychology and Distinction in Religion
Professional Member of the American Counseling Association
Author of The Power of Therapy, Mountain Stream Books: Albuquerque, 2021.
Organizer: A Mosaic of Relationships: The Ethics of Care in Modern Clinical Practice, in collaboration with
Ashley McKenna, Kenneth Winfrey, Jay Blackwell, Ivy Anna Rizzo, and Steve Ratcliff
Organizer: Synergy Series Albuquerque Continuing Education Workshop, 2019
Instructor, Behavioral Sciences: Northwest Arkansas Community College, Spring 2009
Meditation Group Leader, Fayetteville, AR, 2003 - 2013
Founder and Group Leader: Dream Analysis Group, Fayetteville, AR, 2003 - 2008
UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH CREDENTIALS:
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy --
Choosing a mental health professional can be made easier by understanding some important distinctions. Psychotherapy or 'talk therapy' can be performed by a counselor, social worker, marriage and family therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. During the time of Sigmund Freud, patients were seen by psychiatrists (medical doctors with special training in mental disorders) for lengthy psychoanalysis. Currently, the majority of psychiatrists focus primarily on assessment of mental disorders, acute care, and medication management; there are some who still provide psychotherapy.
Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists --
During the latter half of the 20th century, psychologists (practitioners with a doctoral degree in psychology) had the lion's share of the therapy market. Today many psychologists continue to provide psychotherapy, however, the percentage of master's level therapists has greatly increased. Individuals with master's degrees (counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists) provide diagnosis and treatment for mental disorders and adjustment difficulties. Master's level clinicians receive years of supervision after completing a 60 hour accredited graduate program. All technical distinctions aside, the choice of therapist ultimately depends upon finding someone with expertise and integrity whose personality and theory of change are compatible with your own.
LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS GIVEN:
- Tuning In to Your Breath: Applications of Mindfulness Meditation in Clinical Practice - Albuquerque, NM 2022
- Clinical Challenges in 21st Century Psychotherapy - Synergy Series, Albuquerque, NM 2019
- The Use of Self in Relationship Counseling - New Mexico Couples Counseling Specialists, Albuquerque, NM, 2018
- Parenting Class - La Puerta de los Ninos, Albuquerque, NM, 2014
- Exploring the Roots of Happiness, Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville, AR, 2011
- Remembering the Founders: Jung, Skinner, Rogers, and Ellis - Synergy Series V, Fayetteville, AR, 2009
- Varieties of Dream Theory , School Within a School, Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville, AR, 2009
- The Psychology of the Law of Attraction: from Synchronicity to CBT - Synergy Series IV, Fayetteville, AR, 2008
- Parenting Strategies - Grandparent Project, Fayetteville, AR, 2008
- Beyond the Secret: spirituality and narcissism - Arkansas Yoga Center, Fayetteville, AR, 2007
- Introduction to Buddhism - First Methodist Church of Springdale, Springdale, AR, 2006
- Insecurity and The Hero: everyday mental health - Hendrix College, Friday Afternoon Discussion, Conway, AR, 2005
- Interfaith Dialogue Panel - On the Role of The Shadow in Religion - Fayetteville, AR, 2004
- The Life and Psychological Theories of Carl Jung - Hendrix College, Conway, AR 1999
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
The New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board requires a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education per year. I consistently complete more than the required number of hours. Furthermore, I am aggressive in my pursuit of the most dynamic, thoughtful, creative, and effective training available in my field. Here is a brief summary of some of the training events that I have attended in recent years:
- 13th International Congress on Ericksonian Approaches to Psychotherapy - Phoenix, AZ 2019
- The Evolution of Psychotherapy - Anaheim, CA 2017
- G.R.A.C.E.: cultivating compassion-based interactions, Upaya Institute and Zen Center - Santa Fe, NM 2017
- The Couples Conference (The Couples Institute, Milton H Erickson Foundation) - San Francisco, CA 2016
- 12th International Congress on Ericksonian Approaches to Psychotherapy – Phoenix, AZ 2015
- The Evolution of Psychotherapy - Anaheim, CA 2013
- "The State of Affairs: Rethinking our Clinical Attitudes Towards Infidelity" presented by Esther Perel and The Council for Relationships - Philadelphia, PA 2012
- First Thought Seminars: Synergy Series VI – Fayetteville, AR 2012
- 11th International Congress on Ericksonian Approaches to Psychotherapy - Phoenix, AZ 2011
CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE:
Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor by the State of New Mexico
NM License # 0157231
Advanced training and supervision with master therapist, William F. Symes, M. Div., LPC
Master of Arts in Counseling, Southwestern College, Santa Fe, NM, 2003
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religion, Hendrix College, Conway, AR, 1999
Graduated Cum Laude with Distinction in Psychology and Distinction in Religion
Professional Member of the American Counseling Association
Author of The Power of Therapy, Mountain Stream Books: Albuquerque, 2021.
Organizer: A Mosaic of Relationships: The Ethics of Care in Modern Clinical Practice, in collaboration with
Ashley McKenna, Kenneth Winfrey, Jay Blackwell, Ivy Anna Rizzo, and Steve Ratcliff
Organizer: Synergy Series Albuquerque Continuing Education Workshop, 2019
Instructor, Behavioral Sciences: Northwest Arkansas Community College, Spring 2009
Meditation Group Leader, Fayetteville, AR, 2003 - 2013
Founder and Group Leader: Dream Analysis Group, Fayetteville, AR, 2003 - 2008
UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH CREDENTIALS:
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy --
Choosing a mental health professional can be made easier by understanding some important distinctions. Psychotherapy or 'talk therapy' can be performed by a counselor, social worker, marriage and family therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. During the time of Sigmund Freud, patients were seen by psychiatrists (medical doctors with special training in mental disorders) for lengthy psychoanalysis. Currently, the majority of psychiatrists focus primarily on assessment of mental disorders, acute care, and medication management; there are some who still provide psychotherapy.
Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists --
During the latter half of the 20th century, psychologists (practitioners with a doctoral degree in psychology) had the lion's share of the therapy market. Today many psychologists continue to provide psychotherapy, however, the percentage of master's level therapists has greatly increased. Individuals with master's degrees (counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists) provide diagnosis and treatment for mental disorders and adjustment difficulties. Master's level clinicians receive years of supervision after completing a 60 hour accredited graduate program. All technical distinctions aside, the choice of therapist ultimately depends upon finding someone with expertise and integrity whose personality and theory of change are compatible with your own.
LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS GIVEN:
- Tuning In to Your Breath: Applications of Mindfulness Meditation in Clinical Practice - Albuquerque, NM 2022
- Clinical Challenges in 21st Century Psychotherapy - Synergy Series, Albuquerque, NM 2019
- The Use of Self in Relationship Counseling - New Mexico Couples Counseling Specialists, Albuquerque, NM, 2018
- Parenting Class - La Puerta de los Ninos, Albuquerque, NM, 2014
- Exploring the Roots of Happiness, Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville, AR, 2011
- Remembering the Founders: Jung, Skinner, Rogers, and Ellis - Synergy Series V, Fayetteville, AR, 2009
- Varieties of Dream Theory , School Within a School, Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville, AR, 2009
- The Psychology of the Law of Attraction: from Synchronicity to CBT - Synergy Series IV, Fayetteville, AR, 2008
- Parenting Strategies - Grandparent Project, Fayetteville, AR, 2008
- Beyond the Secret: spirituality and narcissism - Arkansas Yoga Center, Fayetteville, AR, 2007
- Introduction to Buddhism - First Methodist Church of Springdale, Springdale, AR, 2006
- Insecurity and The Hero: everyday mental health - Hendrix College, Friday Afternoon Discussion, Conway, AR, 2005
- Interfaith Dialogue Panel - On the Role of The Shadow in Religion - Fayetteville, AR, 2004
- The Life and Psychological Theories of Carl Jung - Hendrix College, Conway, AR 1999
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
The New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board requires a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education per year. I consistently complete more than the required number of hours. Furthermore, I am aggressive in my pursuit of the most dynamic, thoughtful, creative, and effective training available in my field. Here is a brief summary of some of the training events that I have attended in recent years:
- 13th International Congress on Ericksonian Approaches to Psychotherapy - Phoenix, AZ 2019
- The Evolution of Psychotherapy - Anaheim, CA 2017
- G.R.A.C.E.: cultivating compassion-based interactions, Upaya Institute and Zen Center - Santa Fe, NM 2017
- The Couples Conference (The Couples Institute, Milton H Erickson Foundation) - San Francisco, CA 2016
- 12th International Congress on Ericksonian Approaches to Psychotherapy – Phoenix, AZ 2015
- The Evolution of Psychotherapy - Anaheim, CA 2013
- "The State of Affairs: Rethinking our Clinical Attitudes Towards Infidelity" presented by Esther Perel and The Council for Relationships - Philadelphia, PA 2012
- First Thought Seminars: Synergy Series VI – Fayetteville, AR 2012
- 11th International Congress on Ericksonian Approaches to Psychotherapy - Phoenix, AZ 2011