What makes me qualified to help?

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Emotionally Focused Couple’s Therapist. I have decades of experience in both clinical and private practice. I am always learning and make it a point to stay current on the latest research.  

As important as education and experience are, what makes me most qualified is that I have been doing this work in my own life since I was a very young man. As a result, I know firsthand the courage it takes to trust another person with what are inevitably the most important, most private, and often, least-ever talked about aspects of our life.  

You don't have to make the journey alone.

As a clinician, I have made this journey with individuals and couples many, many times. The path is well known and illuminated now by decades of science and research. While I can’t make the journey for you, I know the terrain and welcome the opportunity to walk the path side by side with you.  

I’m here when you’re ready. 

A few details about my background.

  • BA, Sarah Lawrence College
  • MA, Antioch University
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, North Carolina (#2087)
  • Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist (EFT)
  • 30-year meditation practitioner
  • 20+ years 12 Step Recovery
  • Psychotherapist | Addiction Specialist at Bay Area Addiction Research and Treatment (BAART), Los Angeles

  • Private Practice, Los Angeles
  • Private Practice, North Carolina

A personal story.

I became a psychotherapist in my 40s. Prior to that, I worked as a professional actor. I trained with Sanford Meisner at The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, performed on and off Broadway, and in numerous TV shows and commercials. I also taught professional acting privately and at UCLA Extension in Los Angeles for close to 20 years.  

As mentioned above, the work of psychotherapy has been an integral part of my life since I was young. The video to the right (or below) is a piece of that story that I told in 2017 at Creative Mornings, Asheville. The topic was “compassion.” 

 

If you have about 26 minutes, the video provides a good deal about my background as well as the sensibility that I bring to our work together. I hope you enjoy it.