Prolonged Exposure Therapy in Claremore, OK

I focus on helping individuals who have been negatively affected by chronic stress and trauma. I served as a Naval Aviator in the U.S. Navy and a medical device consultant before becoming a mental health professional.

I have been a psychologist in the Tulsa area for 30 years. I graduated from Oklahoma State University with a PhD in Counseling Psychology. I've worked at various mental health agencies over that 30 year span, but most recently Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital. There I was an integral member of the team of psychologists who created the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program which specialized in the treatment of major depression, bipolar, generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches to help clients reach their goals and become their "best self".

As your therapist, my role is to be the person who collaborates with you to achieve the goals you already have, while also giving you new tools and skills to reach goals you didn’t know you could. I do this by supporting you during times of struggle, giving unconditional positive regard, and providing a non-judgmental space for you to feel comfortable being yourself. You’ve already learned how to survive, so now it’s time to learn how to thrive.

As your therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Sometimes the difficulties we face in life are not caused by our actions yet we still have to find a way to cope and move on. This is one truth I have worked on with almost every client over the past eight years as a therapist. Sometimes life isn’t fair. No one asked to be depressed, to feel anxious, to struggle with compulsive behaviors or to have continued issues related to a trauma and they have to find a way to go on. Therapy isn’t easy, while it has it’s lighter moments, it isn’t always fun. Some of the strongest, most amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in my life, have been clients.

I see myself as a navigator. You are the captain. You decide where you want to go. I may have a few good maps to help you get there. It's your boat. You decide how fast or slow. Let me help you build a sturdy ship. So that no matter what stormy seas you find yourself in, you know how to rely on the resources within you. And around you. And how to keep them strong. We are indeed complex creatures. We need to stay in touch by learning about the many ways to find peace and understanding about what things mean. And what we can do about it. And you don't have to do it alone. I'll walk with you.

As an LCSW, I have extensive training and experience in assessing and treating mental health concerns. I bring a deep understanding of psychological theories, therapeutic techniques, and evidence-based interventions to support individuals facing various challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. This expertise allows me to provide effective and compassionate counseling to individuals.

I specialize in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, especially when the themes of intrusive thoughts are of a taboo and/or sexual nature. Feel terrified by thoughts of hurting people, accidentally or on purpose? Sexual crimes? Sexual orientation? Incest? Sacrilege? I can help. I promise, I don't judge and I understand what your OCD has been putting you through.

Now accepting new clients! Good men get tired of being Irritable, angry, and not sleeping. You feel worthless and hate yourself for no reason. It's exhausting. But that's not reality. In sessions one and two, we discuss what you want life to look like. A restful night's sleep, a stable mood, and happiness (?) We build a plan to execute and work to resolve whatever is keeping you from achieving your desired outcomes.

For each of us, for better or worse the past follows into our future. We enjoy comforting memories of nurturing loved ones, and the resiliance that is the gift of a coach saying it's ok, just dust off and try again. Even those of us with the best of lives have experiences that haunt, too. Hurtful comments become sources of shame and guilt. Betrayals become inability to trust. Failed efforts turn to procrastination and avoidance. Grief, grudges, worries and feelings of overwhelm are normal experiences too. When old stories seep into your present robbing you of the joy you desire, it's time to talk.

Are you feeling lost? Are you feeling overwhelmed with life? I love helping others make their lives happier and healthier! I love helping parents work on difficult situations with their children, couples work on strengthening their relationships, and children/teens work to realize their potential. An ideal client has specific goals or problems in mind they want to work on. Don't have those specific goals? Give me the opportunity to help you set specific goals and help you achieve them. I am available for counseling in Broken Arrow at Anchor of Hope.

Living with 'out-of-control' emotions is a powerless and miserable experience. You have unstable relationships, intense anger, extreme mood swings, impulsive and risky behavior, chronic feelings of emptiness, self-harm or suicidal behaviors. It's like you're on an emotional roller coaster and it is SO painful. Left untreated, these problems can be catastrophic to your relationships, career, health and general well-being. There is hope...