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 degree and two graduate degrees in Psychology, with my thesis focusing on predicting happiness through coping style and virtuousness. My approach to therapy is eclectic, meaning I incorporate a variety of evidence-based practices, including Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Ericksonian Therapy. This allows me to tailor treatment to each individual’s unique needs, ensuring a well-rounded and personalized therapeutic experience.
My professional journey began with an internship at the Dr. Joseph Henry Tyler Jr. Mental Health Center in Lafayette, where I later continued as a Psychological Associate and Professional Mental Health Counselor. Additionally, I worked at Opelousas Mental Health and Crowley Mental Health Center. Throughout my tenure with The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, from 2004 to 2011, I remained committed to prioritizing individual patient well-being in every aspect of my work.
Serving both adults and adolescents, I gained extensive experience in public mental health service, conducting individual and group counseling for patients dealing with major mental disorders. My responsibilities included intake assessments, participating in treatment team meetings, developing treatment plans, maintaining thorough patient records, and managing interagency correspondence. I also played a critical role in crisis intervention, prioritizing urgent cases, facilitating hospitalizations when necessary, and coordinating referrals to ensure continuity of care. Additionally, I participated in interagency meetings and provided in-service training for colleagues, enhancing the overall effectiveness of mental health services.
In every role, I remained dedicated to providing high-quality mental health care without prejudice, ensuring that services were accessible to the general public. My years of experience in public mental health settings have shaped my understanding of the complexities of psychological care and reinforced my commitment to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges with compassion and evidence-based strategies.
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
National Board for Certified Counselors; https://nbcc.org/
Fees:
Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, Counseling; $150.00 per hour
Methods of Payment Accepted; Cash, Check, Credit/Debit Card