I enjoy working with older adults for a lot of reasons, but something that stands out for me is the varied life experiences so many older adults are able to share with me. Even though individuals come to me for counseling and guidance, it has been my experience that I am able to learn a lot from them, as well.

I believe that no one is too old to learn. I make an effort to familiarize myself with resources available in an individual’s community. I sometimes suggest using Adult Education, Community Colleges, Senior Centers, and Art and Cultural Centers.

Older Adults go through a variety of mental health difficulties and challenging life experiences, which in some ways are quite similar to other age groups, but there are often contributing factors that can add to an Older Adults day-to-day struggles. On-Line Therapy is an excellent way for older adults to participate in the therapeutic process without having to go to a counseling office.

I use a warm, humanistic approach to therapy. I treat everyone with respect and dignity. My approach is very much Person-Centered, so there is some variation from client to client. I like the phrase: "There is strength in our diversity", and I enjoy all of our differences. While I have some personal spiritual beliefs that work for me, and am also on some panels of providers with specialized skills, I respect everyone’s personal beliefs.

I primarily focus on the "here and now" in therapy. This is not to say they are never good reason to look into the past, but for individuals in their 60's, 70's, 80's or beyond, I will often ask, if there is a good reason to go explore past life experiences. I enjoy using tools from Transactional Analysis and Reality Therapy. I would say for the most part, my approach is Person Centered or Rogerian.

It may be Cliche, but I have to say that I did not "Choose Therapy" but rather, "Therapy Chose Me". I had plans to study Natural Resources Planning and Interpretation from a well-know Polytechnic School and after a couple terms, found myself working in a County Mental Health Outpatient Facility. I have enjoyed my varies positions in therapy related occupations.

I ask new clients to consider the "initial session" as kind of a job interview where they are asked to make a decision if they would like to "hire" this particular therapist to help them. Likewise, I want to feel I have the skills needed for their unique circumstances.

I ask people to "trust their gut" in many situations. If someone does not feel I am the right therapist, I ask them to let me know, so I can help them find the right provider.

I wish people know that it is "Hard Work". I often give my clients "Homework" which is not always well received. I utilize tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and I have found for clients to fully grasp CBT, some homework is needed. Also, I can use some level of confrontation, where appropriate, and that can be uncomfortable.

I ask new clients to consider the "initial session" as kind of a job interview where they are asked to make a decision if they would like to "hire" this particular therapist to help them.

I am a Surfer and a Musician. I have 8 surfboards and 6 guitars, a few drums and percussion instruments. I find music to be very therapeutic, where listening to or playing it. I am also a movie aficionado (All Kinds). Still, I keep my therapy focused on my clients. That is why I am here.