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                      This is where you get to learn a little bit about me. Most people that have been around

                      awhile have a story.  Well I have been around for quite a while and I certainly have

                      quite a story.

 

                      I was born and raised in Michigan among a wealth of family (1 sister, 1 brother) and

                      friends, I have enjoyed God's blessings quite early. As a youngster, I can recall being 

                      quite sensitive-now termed "empathic" as I felt a heightened sensitivity to the moods

                      and feelings of others. I remember being impressed by those people who were able

                      to inspire, motivate, and positively affect others' moods, and I have been fortunate

                      to have had several pivotal relationships with such individuals. I have helped people

                      discover what's "right about them" in the process of understanding and analyzing their
                      perceived problems, and how to make one's gifts work for them.  While educated and

                      trained in clinical psychology, I acknowledge my strengths as being blessed with a

                      benevolent and compassionate heart in conjunction with good clinical skills.

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                      I began my career working with adolescents and families, particularly those in crisis.  I

                      had the opportunity to train and work at the Clinic for Child Study in Detroit, Michigan.

                      I served as a school psychologist in Oakland County, Michigan for several years.  

                      I then began a practice of Clinical and Forensic Psychology (forensic=legal arena),

                      where I became involved in many interesting and challenging clinical cases.

                      I have taught Psychology at the College and University level with both Undergraduate

                      and Graduate students since 1990 - essentially my entire professional career.  I have

                      also maintained a clinical psychotherapy practice with children and their families, as

                      well as adults, where I utilized my foundation of faith and belief in God in conjunction

                      along with my clinical skills to provide Christian counseling services.  People may

                      wonder what Christian counseling is and how it differs from those psychologists taking

                      a more secular approach to their practice.  I write about Christian counseling here in

                      my blog for you to get an idea. Having been in practice for over 34 years has allowed

                      me ample experience to understand and treat a wide spectrum of the human condition.

                      I would describe my approach as eclectic in that I select and utilize what is most true or

                      precise in theory from various sources or systems. An eclectic psychologist uses the most

                      appropriate and valid diagnostic and treatment approach for that particular individual. 

                      As a quick example, in the treatment of Bipolar I disorder, it is essential to acknowledge

                      and treat the medical component of this condition, and ignoring this is a betrayal of the

                      standard of practice. Being an instrument and servant of God, I realize the tremendous

                      benefits of any psychotherapeutic approach that gives glory to Him.

 

                      On a personal note, I have many avocational interests. I write, sing and play music.  Playing

                      mainly stringed musical instruments-including guitar, steel resonator guitar and bass guitar, and

                      have even been known to bluff my way on the piano in fine restaurants until I got discovered and

                      got "the hook." The music I love most is spiritual to me both secular (I especially love"roots music," 

                      rhythm & blues)and devotional music. The music I love is where I find peace.  

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