PROFESSIONAL CAREER

 

Certified in M.F.T, Hypnotherapy, and Thanatology, my clinical practice of counseling psychology currently provides Separation & Loss (Grief) Counseling, faith-based Guided Imagery/Hypnotherapy (focus on depression and anxiety disorders, etc.), Relationship Enhancement Counseling; and Life’s Transitions Counseling:  specializing in intergenerational ethical relational psychology, integrating spirituality via a Contextual Therapy modality.

 

After completing my Master’s Degree, I began specialized clinical practice integrating psycho-spiritual therapy healing as a hospital and hospice chaplain in addition to my private group clinical practice (6 yrs; in a Social Work Clinical Supervisor group practice).  I was Director of The Counseling Institute & Pastoral Counseling/Psychiatric Service (KidsPeace,Inc.), Bethlehem PA (8 yrs, supervising 20 staff & faculty members), and Owner/Manager of private & group Psychiatric Supervised clinical practice (17 yrs; providing a minimum 20 clinical hrs/wk for 25 yrs).  

 

Currently, my clinical practice of counseling psychology provides Separation & Loss (Grief) Counseling, faith-based Guided Imagery/Hypnotherapy (focus on depression and anxiety disorders, etc.), Relationship Enhancement Counseling; and Life’s Transitions Counseling:  specializing in intergenerational ethical relational psychology, integrating spirituality via a Contextual Therapy modality.  Although I do not accept medical insurance, your sessions may be eligible for medical deduction both on your taxes and Health Savings or Health Reimbursement Account. HSA, HRA, and FSA plans are employer-funded medical reimbursement plans.

 

As an ordained Presbyterian Church, USA clergyman since 1980 (after 6 years as a Youth Pastor, leading mission trips, etc.), I provided several 2 yr. interim parish pastorates (at least 5x in 33 yrs.) in Conflict Management and Spiritual Guidance, as well as serving as a Wedding Officiant (Interfaith Clergy Network, Inc.) for over 35yrs.

 

Located in Cazadero, CA, I offer specialized individual & couple counseling sessions and retreats for personal and relational reflection, restoration and renewal @ “The Theosphere:  Russian River Retreats and Renewal ”, where I also offer counseling and training events, etc.  As W. Brueggeman says, “the home of hope is hurt,” and it is seldom comfort or security.  So, I open my heart, mind and spirit, as well as my home, as a sacred resource of hope for those whose hurt leads them as fellow travelers on The Way, to The Theosphere.

For me, being a contemplative spiritual guide is a way of life as well as a profession.  Being a contemplative invites us to trust the subtle, liberating power of God's Loving Spirit/Energy which mysteriously flows within, among, and far beyond each of us.  It can be a prayerful doorway to transformation, restoration and redemptive action offered here during individual sessions, a brief 3-day overnight/weekend, a 5-8 day personal guided or non-guided retreat, or 1-Day Retreat or Event/Workshop for couples, individuals, and colleagues in the healing/caring professions: clergy/religious, educators, human services, chefs, etc...you!

 

Education:

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After a B.A in Biblical Literature, a Th.B (Bachelor of Theology), a Master of Divinity (M.Div, Princeton/Drew University) and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (M.A.P.C., Moravian Theo. Sem.), my Doctoral Degree is in Ministry/Counseling Psychology (Drew Theo. Sem./Ph. D, candidate California Coast University).  I am professionally trained as a pastoral counselor integrating spirituality and psychology in a Contextual Therapy (Martin Buber based) intergenerational ethical relational modality.