Qualifications & Experience

I earned my Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I have also earned an Associate of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. During my graduate studies, I completed my practicum training at a dual-diagnosis (Substance Use/Mental Health) non-profit program. Upon completion of my graduate program, I fulfilled my requirements toward licensure at Union of Pan-Asian Communities, providing specialty mental health services and at a private group practice primarily serving the active-duty military and veteran community. I am also trained in EMDR therapy.

My Call to Christian Counseling

Since my teenage years, listening and providing counsel to others felt natural to me. However, it was not until after I returned from my final combat deployment with the US Army that I decided to pursue clinical counseling as a career. I recognized then my own and other military service members’ struggles with mental health, the stigma in the military toward mental health, and the need for us to engage with proper mental health care without shame. I did not realize until later in life that God put me on this path all along to partner with Him in serving others as a Christian Counselor.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I enjoy serving at my church on Sundays wherever I am needed and during the week as a co-facilitator of our sermon-based community group. Aside from that, I enjoy reading, sports, outdoor activities, and spending time with my family.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• Aging and Geriatric Issues
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chemical Dependency
• Counseling for Teens
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• EMDR
• First Responders
• Grief and Loss
• Group Counseling
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Marriage Counseling
• Men’s Issues
• Military and Veteran Counseling
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Premarital Counseling
• Professional Development
• Relationship Issues
• Sex and Porn Addiction
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma

Military and Veteran Counseling

Are you a current or former military servicemember experiencing challenges or difficulties related to your military service? It would be my honor to assist you with your concerns. As a military veteran myself, I have an intimate understanding of military life and culture, and how it can impact your emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual health. I value your service and sacrifices and would love to engage in the counseling process together to address your concerns, with God at the center of your counseling journey.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common occurrence in our lives and acts as our natural alert system. However, some people experience overwhelming and intense anxiety that controls their thoughts and feelings and can bring on physical sensations such as panic. As a result, one might experience a significant decrease in their quality of life and daily functioning.

During our counseling sessions, we will partner with God in identifying what anxiety looks and feels like for you, increase awareness of when anxious thoughts, feelings, and sensations occur, and learn how to respond to anxiety in healthy and helpful ways. With the help of God’s wisdom and loving care, anxiety will no longer control you and how you experience life.

Trauma

The experience of a traumatic life event (or multiple events) can result in a significant disruption of daily functioning. Trauma can cause a person to view life from a place of fear, shame, guilt, and worthlessness. Trauma can also result in deep sadness, seemingly unmanageable anxiety and stress, distrust, sleep disturbances, constant alertness, isolation, and self-blame. You may believe that you are stuck in a daily battle with what you experienced.

If you have noticed any of this in your life, I want to help you grow forward and upward as we partner with God to process, learn how you can develop a healthier relationship with your experience, and ultimately connect with the truth of your identity in Christ.

Relationship Issues

God created us to be in relationship with each other via family, friendships, community/church, pre-marriage, marriage, etc. However, sometimes these relationships develop issues. In our work together, we will identify what might be getting in the way of enjoying a healthy relationship, connect with and apply gospel-centered interactions, and together with God, learn how to truly experience relationships as He intended them to be.

Spiritual Development

Perhaps you recently came to faith in Christ Jesus, or you have experienced your own prodigal son or daughter journey. Maybe you know who Jesus is and are curious to know what it is like to be in relationship with Him. You may even be wrestling with your faith at this time. Whatever your situation, God knows where you are in your walk with Him. Wherever that may be, I would be blessed to meet you where you are and serve as God’s instrument in helping you grow in faith.

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10).

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• Carlsbad – Monday and Wednesday
• San Diego – Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
• Online Counseling – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for Individuals, Couples, and Groups looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment, the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), most insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals, and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.