Education: I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji, Minnesota. I studied biblical studies, applied psychology, and youth ministry with the aspirations of becoming a youth pastor. Later I decided to go back to school and pursue a career in counseling. I attended Minnesota State University, Mankato (CACREP accredited) and earned a Masters of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling. Currently I am pursuing a doctorate from Northcentral University (AAMFT accredited) in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in children and adolescents. While my concentration is with juveniles, I am open to working with any family system.
Background: I grew up in Warroad, Minneosta (the land of windows, walleyes, and hockey sticks). I later moved to Bemidji and lived there for approximately ten years working with juveniles through church, in detention, and in treatment. I now live in the Mankato area, am the father of four, and work full-time in correctional health care. I work here at Mankato Marriage & Family Therapy Center part-time.
Focus: Area My specialties, interests, and experiences include (but are not limited to): treating sexual abuse/sexual offender treatment, juveniles and families with legal difficulties, families with children and adolescents, parenting adopted children, cooperative co-parenting, the intersection of faith and therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) for adolescents, and parenting LGBTQ+ children.
License and Associations: I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and board approved LPC/LPCC supervisor. I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I am a member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) and its local chapter (MnATSA) as well as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
