My path to counseling has been an interesting one. I was born and raised in a small town in Iowa as part of a large Irish Catholic family. I got an engineering degree from Iowa State, and I enjoyed a 40-year career as an engineer and business leader for a company based in Marshalltown. I travelled the world in that role and lived in Europe for 4 years. I speak French and am very comfortable working with other cultures.nnAfter retiring from that career, I felt the need to find a way to give back to my community and counseling seemed like a great fit. Because of my background, I believe that I can bring a calming, pragmatic approach into my counseling relationships. I also think that my life experiences can be an asset as we work together to address whatever challenges you might be facing.nnI have naturally gravitated towards Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) coupled with mindfulness, but at this stage in my career, I am open to evaluating other approaches aimed at meeting my clients where they are. I have found that CBT can be beneficial in dealing with many issues including addiction, depression, and anxiety. I am a big believer in connecting Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) with CBT and can work with clients who want to know more about the benefits of that approach.nnI do a lot of work with couples, including betrayal of trust, and I rely on CBT and the Gottman approach in carrying out that work. I also draw on my own relationship ups and downs and dealing with kids, grandkids, and blended families.nnBecause of my past management experience, I have been able to assist some of my clients with career planning, and because I am good with numbers, I can also assist with budgeting and financial planning, which can be a big stressor for individuals and couples.nnI live with my wife outside of Des Moines, and we are lucky to have children and grandchildren who live close so that we can be part of their lives. I enjoy music of all kinds, travel (I have visited over 75 countries), and still play lots of sports, including tennis and racquetball.nnAreas of professional interest:n

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• Relationships (marriage and couples, singleness, infidelity, PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING)

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• Growth and fulfillment (self-image, life transitions, work and career, goal setting, and personal growth)

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• Family and parenting (family issues, life transitions, parenting, and blended families)

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• Addiction (substance abuse, pornography, and gambling)

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