Rev. Dr. Joe; A Brief Biography:
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 40 yrs.) in Conflict Management and Spiritual Guidance, as well as serving as a Wedding Officiant (Interfaith Clergy Network, Inc.) for over 35yrs.
Located in Oxnard, CA, I offer specialized individual & couple counseling sessions, and retreats for personal and relational reflection, restoration and renewal here at The Studio Guest Suite ”. 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 hope.
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 retreat, or 1-Day Retreat for couples, individuals, and colleagues in the healing/caring professions: clergy/religious, educators, human services, chefs, etc...you!
Education:
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 certified hypnotherapist and pastoral counselor integrating spirituality and psychology in a Contextual Therapy (Martin Buber based) intergenerational ethical relational modality.