About

I am a native of Lafayette and have lived here for over fifty years. My wife Bonnie and I were married in 1977 and we have two adult daughters. In my first life, I was a petroleum engineer, drilling, completing and producing oil and gas wells in Louisiana and Texas.  I later became involved with the youth in this area, which was stimulating and rewarding, and hence, in my early forties, I went back to university and completed extensive training in psychology.  Changing careers midlife can be an amazing, gratifying, and yet rewarding experience.  My knowledge of science and math allowed me to excel in Psychology, since it too is solidly grounded in these fields, but Psychology also has an abstract and artful component that I deeply embrace.

Now in private practice since 2011, I see clients daily who present with a variety of problems.  Having been directly exposed for many years to much of what life has to offer, I bring seasoned experience to any discussion.  Open-minded, with an expanded world view, I am happy to broach any subject.  As a therapist I provide many services to my clients that may be difficult to find elsewhere, such as Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis for physiological problems such as chronic pain, poor sleep, or migraines, for example; as well as behavior modification or simply learning to cope with an old, undesirable habit.  Energy Psychology, Epigenetics, Neuroplasticity, and other concepts and practices, which are on the cutting edge of Psychology today, are open for discussion, and I would be happy to provide information for you to consider, as these possible treatment modalities may relate to your needs.

I have earned one undergraduate and two graduate degrees in Psychology and my thesis was on predicting happiness, with coping style and virtuousness. My orientation to therapy is eclectic, meaning I draw from many evidence based practices, such as Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Ericksonian Therapy.

I did my internship at Dr. Joseph Henry Tyler Jr. Mental Health Center in Lafayette and continued working there afterward as a Psychological Associate/Professional Mental Health Counselor.  I also worked at Opelousas Mental Health and Crowley Mental Health Center.  During all of my time with The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, from 2004 to 2011, working at these mental health centers, I always placed emphasis on individual patient wellbeing.  Working with adults and adolescents, my experiences while in public mental health service included individual and group counseling for patients suffering from major mental disorders, intake assessments, treatment team meetings, treatment planning, charting, correspondence, prioritizing crisis within caseload and facilitating hospitalization, interagency meetings, referrals, and in-service trainings. All services offered were to the general public without prejudice.

Work History:

2011 to Present, Private Practice
2004 to 2011, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Local Mental Health Centers

Education:

Master of Science; Counseling Psychology, 2005
Master of Science; Experimental Psychology, 2004
Bachelor of Science, General Psychology; University of Louisiana, 2001

Affiliations / Certifications / Licenses:

Licensed Professional Counselor #3535 (LPC);  http://lpcboard.org
American Counseling Association (ACA); http://www.counseling.org
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) http://www.afccnet.org/