My roots and growth
I grew up near the ocean, which is why I’ve always loved the beach—it’s a special place for me. Also, I trained in music and learned to play the drums and piano. Music was a big part of my life, and I still enjoy it as a hobby. These days, I stay active by hiking, swimming, and cycling, and I do most of these activities with my wife, Lisa. Together, we’ve raised our three amazing boys: Travis, Austin, and Dylan. My couples therapy practice is in Redlands, a city in Inland Southern California. In 2002, I began developing my expertise working with couples in private practice.
Building my foundation in family and child therapy
In 1993, I started training in school social work, where I learned Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rogerian play therapy, and Structural Family Therapy. During this time, I worked with families and focused on helping children who faced emotional problems from abuse, neglect, or molestation. In 1997, I continued my career at Patton State Hospital in California. While there, I developped expertise in treating sexual addiction for offenders and also received advanced training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Gaining Expertise in PTSD Treatment and Research
My DBT training also included Prolonged Exposure therapy for trauma. This made me want to learn even more about treating PTSD. In 2005, I attended the National Center for PTSD’s Clinical Training Program for Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). After finishing the program, I became a Quality Rated CPT provider. Then, in 2007, I trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and earned my certification in EMDR.
From 2005 to 2009, I gained important experience working as a consultant at military bases. I worked in places like Germany, Brussels, The Netherlands, Washington DC, New York, and the Marine Base in Twenty-nine Palms, California. More recently, from 2018 to 2023, I worked part-time at Patton State Hospital as a clinical consultant, focusing on PTSD treatment and research. I still consult with the Hospital on the research project.
Mastering the Gottman Method
Working with individual trauma eventually led me to focus on healing relationship trauma too. I wanted a method that worked well for tough relationship issues. So, in 2009, I started training in Gottman Method Relationship Therapy. Over time, I became fully certified in the Gottman Method. Now, I provide Love Lab Relationship assessments, lead the Art and Science of Love Workshops for Couples, and train professionals in the Gottman Method. Today, I focus only on working with couples in my private practice.
For more information about my background, please download my CV.
