I grew up in the northern part of Utah in Hyrum. After High School, I spent two years living in India and Nepal on a Christian service and teaching mission. After returning home, I completed my college degrees and was hired to work at a counseling agency in Indianapolis, Indiana. After 14 years in the Hoosier state, I moved back to Utah, where I have lived for the last 10 years.

Following high school, I enrolled as an art major at Utah State University (USU). Upon returning from India, I realized my love for people and interest in interpersonal issues, and chose to study Social Work. With my father working as an administrator at USU, I grew up with an appreciation for the campus energy and vibrancy. As a student, I resonated with the broad liberal arts education I received. For my master's degree, I attended Brigham Young University (BYU) and gained excellent clinical skills and learned how to address mental health conflicts in the context of client values and issues of faith. I have made ongoing education a vital part of my personal and professional development.

Living in India for two years exposed me to personal and interpersonal conflicts related to family, marriage, culture, wealth, education, religion, and access to basic services. Firsthand experience with these tensions ignited interest and a sense of responsibility that changed my life. I also fell in love with the vibrant Indian culture. Ultimately, my experiences in India instilled a deep desire to choose a profession where I could help others. In social work and other human service fields, I gained knowledge and skills to address conflict and invite positive intimate connections.

I have worked as a mental health therapist for 25 years, and the last 18 as a supervisor and agency manager. These experiences have been both rewarding and challenging. The diversity of the clients and employees I have worked with has deepened my understanding of human behavior and the complexity of relationships. My experience in a counseling agency has reinforced my belief in the power of compassion, information, and applying professional skills to support meaningful change in people's lives. It has equipped me with invaluable insights and fortified my passion for helping individuals and families heal and thrive.

Throughout my career, I have worked with clients (mostly men) struggling to manage issues of sexual attraction, desire, urges, and behaviors. In my work with couples, I have found that most individuals have had minimal sex education and poor skills in managing intimate conversations and relationships. As I sought training and connected with colleagues in the sex therapy field, I was thrilled to discover invaluable information and resources to support individual well-being, relationships, and sexual health. I have also been a curious witness to the tension between religious culture and sexual expression.  I have found most therapists steer clear of sexuality issues, and few can hold the tension between the complex issues surrounding sexuality. This work is fulfilling to me. I am passionate about assisting clients in finding hope, solutions, and movement from dysfunction to health.

Given the myths and lack of information on sexuality, presenting has been a meaningful part of my work. I have presented to church, education, professional, and community groups. Common topics include mental health, sexuality, and addressing pornography. Overall, these experiences have reinforced my belief that community education and conversation are crucial in reducing stigma and promoting a healthier understanding of mental health and sexuality.  I learn from each opportunity to teach, and love developing new friendships. Click on my Presentations resource page to see a list of topics that I have presented on in the past. Feel free to reach out to me regarding future opportunities to present.

Throughout my career, I have worked with a broad range of mental health issues, but these are those that I bring the most specialized experience and excitement to.

Sexuality and Religion/Spirituality are deeply intertwined aspects of human experience that significantly impact our relationships and sense of self. While some spiritual or religious beliefs or practices create conflict with our sexuality, I have found that many individuals find support and synergy between spiritual beliefs and sexual health and integrity. Click here for my SEX & SPIRITUALITY articles discussing the complementary relationships between the two.

Pornography & Sexuality Imagery plays a prominent role in shaping perceptions and our understanding of sexuality, but can also lead to imbalance, compulsion, and loss of control.  It’s essential to navigate the influence of sexual content in our media and culture in a thoughtfully informed and non-shaming manner. Engaging in open conversations about pornography and all forms of sexual imagery is crucial in all relationships. Click here for my SEX & PORNOGRAPHY articles addressing pornography and sexual imagery.  

Sexual Desire and Attraction are complex phenomena influenced by emotional, psychological, socio-cultural, and biological factors. Accepting, understanding, and guiding your sexual desires can empower you to foster meaningful connections with others. Practicing self-awareness and reflecting on what sparks attraction can help clarify your needs and facilitate deeper relationships.

Sexual Health and Education are crucial components of a fulfilling life. Comprehensive sexual education that includes discussions around consent, communication, and safe practices can significantly improve individual and relational well-being. Fostering open dialogues about sexual health helps remove stigma and encourages a culture of informed decision-making. Click here for my SEX & HEALTH articles, which discuss principles to support sexual well-being.

Sexual Enrichment moves beyond addressing problems and dysfunction. My goal is to invite self-awareness, action, and the pursuit of excellence in relationships. This can include practices that promote personal growth, exploring new interests, and engaging partnered exercises. With a growth mindset, experiences in the past and present are stepping stones to self-discovery and doors to a more vibrant and extraordinary sex life.

As I invite clients to identify foundational and defining values in their personal, interpersonal, and professional lives, let me share the values that drive me.

My foundational personal values include

INTEGRITY, KINDNESS, FAMILY, SPIRITUALITY, and INTIMACY.

My interpersonal values include

RESPECT, CONSENT, and COMMUNICATION.  

My professional values include

HARD WORK, VISION, SERVICE, and HUMOR.

My professional passion and dedication are balanced by an equally strong focus in my personal interests and relationships. My daily foundation starts with meditation, prayer, art, exercise, and inspirational study. I love body-based approaches to healing and enjoy massage, energy work, yoga, running, biking, swimming, and all forms of dance. I enjoy hiking, biking, snowboarding, playing board games, dining, and traveling with my family. I am a foodie and love cooking and trying new foods.  I have not yet met a curry that I don’t like.

I have been in a committed marriage or partnership for 27 years. My soulmate is my best friend, trusted advisor, and business partner. I am the father of five creative, diverse, expressive, infuriating, and amazing human beings. We have also adopted two Siamese cats, Pandora and Violet.

Areas of interest that I seek training in include MARRIAGE and RELATIONSHIP work, managing SEXUAL EXPRESSION (especially potentially problematic issues such as PORNOGRAPHY), the balance between sexuality and RELIGION or SPIRITUAL values, and moving beyond problems to create ENHANCED INTIMACY and deep connection. Click on my Training page for more information on specific trainings taht I have attended.

I have always been fascinated with the balance between our mind, heart, body, and spirit, and how these elements come into play in relationships.

HUMANISTIC THERAPY - As a therapist, I focus on an individual's unique potential and their journey towards self-discovery and growth, rather than primarily focusing on specific diagnoses or symptoms.

MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING (MI) - I desire to work with clients who are willing and motivated to go to work. Personal motivation is where I start with clients and wher I frequently circle back to.

EMOTIONALLY FOCUSED THERAPY (EFT) - In understanding the role of attachment and emotion, I have studied and received training in Attachment Theory and EFT and use these modalities as a foundational approach to my therapy.

ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT) - I love the empowering effect of acceptance and compassion. ACT is an effective way to strengthen self-awareness and decision-making. I also love ACT’s focus on values.

VALUE BASED THERAPY - ACT and other value-based modalities have helped support the balance between client SPIRITUALITY, RELIGIOUS or other core values and SEXUALITY.

FAITH-BASED THERAPY - I embrace values and spiritual traditions across different religious or spiritual paths. I also recognize conflict, tension, and trauma that clients may experience within their religious culture, and I meet clients where they are in navigating their experience with religion.

I have experience in Western religions such as CHRISTIANITY and have training and experience with JUDAISM and ISLAM. I also resonate with Eastern practices and have studied TAOISM. I have formal training in and a deep appreciation for the principles of TANTRA. I seek to support clients in finding their spiritual or value-based path.