Therapy is always about the client. Sometimes though it is nice to know a little bit about the person you are considering to be your therapist.
My identities:
- Cisgender male. My pronouns are he/him.
- My ancestries are northern European, including German, Norwegian, and Irish, and I grew up in Minnesota.
- Polyamorous and I have two committed long-term relationships.
- Bisexual/Pansexual. Though, like most bisexual people, I tend to partner with one gender, in my case, women.
I grew up in Minneapolis, where the diversity around me ignited my passion for diversity issues. After high school, I lived in India for a year while in the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program. I went to college in Colorado, where I met my wife. During college, I experienced a larger view of the world on Semester at Sea. I moved to the Bay Area in 2002 to begin my Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology. My family and I are now settled in this area for good.
I became a licensed psychologist (PSY23669) through a circuitous route. I began with a strong interest in spirituality and human development during my undergraduate major in Religious Studies. I considered a more academic career but I realized that what I really felt called to do was work with people one-on-one. I took some prerequisite courses for a year at Loyola University in Chicago and then began my Ph.D. in 2002. I earned my Clinical Psychology Ph.D. in 2008.
I love my job. I am honored that I get to do work that I enjoy, that is meaningful, and which helps others live meaningful, connected lives. Below you will find a brief list of different positions that I have held during my career and little further down, a brief description of my therapeutic style.
