Couples

I specialize in working with couples to reverse the trend of relationships ending too often, too soon and too painfully.  I help couples negotiate rewarding and passionate relationships in the face of the personal, historic, professional, financial and family forces that pull couples apart.  For most couples, the challenges of staying together are far different, and far harder, than anything our parents faced.  I find that one key is to help couples find the balance of individual identities and desires, while also nurturing the life of the couple as a unit.  When necessary, I work with couples in the process of ending their relationships in an effort to make the ending as constructive and painless as possible, particularly in regard to children and others that may be impacted by this major life change.

Men

I am also interested in the struggles that men face in trying to understand what it means to be a man in today’s world.  It is a task that is especially difficult and confusing in the face of all the competing priorities that seem to push us to compromise or betray our most basic principles, dreams and desires.  In many cases, the inner difficulties that men face are first seen in the form of relationship problems, depression, anxiety or internal questioning and doubt about life direction and purpose.

Children, Teens, Young Adults

Other areas of interest for me are children who struggle in the face of losses, divorce and the challenges of other school, family and social issues.  As an extension of this interest, I also focus on work with adolescents and teenagers as they work to face the many changes in themselves and their lives, and trying to understand how to cope with the world and deciding what kind of person they choose to be in that world.

Families

I believe strongly in the importance of relationships and family units.  When deemed appropriate, and with the permission of the client, I may include spouses, partners, parents, children and other family members in the therapeutic process.  I believe we are deeply influenced by relationships and that making meaningful change requires consideration of how we developed in our relationships and families, and the impact that changes we make may have on relationships and families.

My Background

I am a graduate of the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Christian Theological Seminary.  I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis.    Prior to returning to school to pursue a career in Marriage and Family Therapy, I worked for more than 25 years as a clinician and manager in the health care industry.  I am currently a Clinical Associate at Marriage and Family Consultation in Indianapolis as well as having an office in Columbus, Indiana.

Presentations and Workshops

In addition to direct therapy services and counseling, I offer a variety of specialized workshops and group presentations.  These range from a brief informative talk to weekend retreats and multi-week workshops.  Some of the programs already developed include:

“Grief Recovery”
“Battle of the Sexes”
“Boundaries in Relationships”
“The Old Me is Gone – Isn’t it?”
“Huh? What’d you say?” – the gentle art of listening louder.
“But you aren’t the same…” – coping with change in relationships
“The Couple’s Path” – a weekend retreat for couples
“Couple’s Survival – Maintaining connection in a disconnected world.”

Contact me for information about presentations to your group or to discuss areas of interest to your group.