I am only alive today because, at the age of sixteen, I picked up a guitar instead of a gun. Being young and overwhelmed by trauma, it was difficult to imagine a future that didn’t involve more loneliness and abandonment. I was desperate to end my pain. Looking back now, I realize many things worked together to lift me out of the worst of my depression. Kind helpers who didn’t owe me anything went out of their way to show me a better path. Every day I aim to honor their example in my work as a mental health counselor.

That guitar—and the people who simply had fun making music with me—helped me decide to stay put and see what a future might bring. Did I become a rock star? No! But that wasn’t the point. The point was finding something that allowed me to connect with both my emotions and other human beings. That’s why as a therapist today, I believe in the power of creative expression, human connection, and above all: hope. (That’s also why I’d be happy to incorporate music into our therapy session. Seriously, bring your guitar. Or your harmonica. Let’s jam!)

Now, some of the professional details: I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia. I have an M.Ed and Ed.S in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Florida. (Sorry, Dawgs.) Before that, I earned my Bachelors in Worship and Music Ministry along with a Psychology minor from Emmanuel College. (Emmanuel is also where I met my wife and best friend Meredith!)

As far as modalities go, I’m certified to administer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I'm trained in motivational interviewing, emotions-focused therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed therapy, along with others. My personal favorite is logotherapy, a therapeutic approach originated by Dr. Viktor Frankl that involves focusing on the discovery and creation of personal meaning in life. If you chose me as your therapist, we could visit several of these approaches to therapy to find what connects most deeply with you. I often support clients in coping with the following disorders or life struggles:

- Major Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Post Traumatic Stress & PTSD
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Social Phobia & other Phobias
- Adjustment Disorder
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Grief & Loss
- Divorce & Relationship Conflict
- Stress & Burnout
- Career Guidance
- LGBTQ+ issues
- Leaving Fundamentalist Religion/High-Control Groups
- Spiritual/Religious Trauma

I’ve learned so much from working with people ranging in age from four to ninety-eight years old, across several settings, including schools, private practice, and inpatient hospital care. My current office space—in what could be described as more of a cottage—allows me to incorporate gentle access to nature and the outdoors. I’d be thrilled to meet with you for a session on the porch out back, overlooking the Nottelly River. While I fully support the use of medications to treat mental illness, I also believe in holistic treatment, such as time in nature, physical exercise, and meditation and prayer. At home growing up, I was raised in a Christian tradition, and since then it’s been my honor to join family and friends in many diverse expressions of faith.

Now that some of the professional aspects have been addressed, I’ll gladly admit a few more personal details! I love hiking with my wife, tossing a frisbee to my dog, playing video games with my younger brothers, and playing D&D with friends. I get angry and confused at new stories of oppression and prejudice, as if we haven’t learned enough from the old stories. I have confidence in a future where we love mercy and do justly, where nature is honored, and we are liberated from our burdens. You are a part of my hope for this world. You, and my guitar.