I'm an experienced and effective therapist, with over 40 years' experience. I'm a licensed master's level social worker (LMSW) with a degree (MSW) from the University of Michigan. I've been in private practice since 1975 and have worked as an independent contractor with a variety of outpatient clinics in SE Michigan.
In addition to graduate education I've received training in and/or have explored the following: Gestalt Therapy, encounter groups, humanistic psychology, Native American ceremonial healing, art therapy, re-birthing, dream-work, family therapy, and the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator. For three years I directed a summer day camp for troubled boys. I have lived in a shared, co-parenting household and in ashrams. I'm currently writing about my experiences with several different communities, both secular and spiritual. I've belonged to an on-going men's group (with gay and straight members) for thirty-six years.
In my work I practice honesty, transparency and caring for my clients. I see that lasting change almost always occurs through small steps over time. I believe that we are each 100% responsible (response-able) for contending with and correcting our difficulties, whatever their nature. I know that we can release past wounding and move on. 'Recycling' or avoiding our hurt through blame, self-pity, endlessly repeating our stories, self-deceit, or rationalization don't work. I see that we become more authentically our "true selves" through taking reasonable risks and trusting our 'higher self' to guide us. I believe we are all capable of loving fully and being fully loved.
I'm divorced with two grown children (daughter and son) and three grandchildren (two girls, one boy). I also have two grown step-sons. I nourish myself through healthy relationships, reading (a wide variety), making art (painted wood constructions), and spending time at my secluded woodland cabin (time share) with private lake and hiking trails.
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management