About Me

I grew up on a farm in the small town of Malta, Montana. I attended Wheaton College for my undergraduate degree and the University of Wyoming for my doctorate. I have been married to my wife, Patti, since 1985. We have one son, Joshua. I completed my internship at Pine Rest Christian Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Since 1989 I have been on the faculty of the Wheaton College Graduate School where I teach courses in professional ethics, spiritual formation, psychoanalytic psychology and the integration of psychology and Christian faith.

 

 

Counseling Style

My style is eclectic. I have primarily been influenced by psychodynamic theories. Most people come to therapy because they are dissatisfied with something about their relationships. If relationship history is the main problem I look for unhealthy patterns of relating that usually began in early life. Most problems of living come from patterns that once served a purpose and are now difficult to give up. I enjoy opportunities to integrate Christian spiritual formation into the psychological process. I believe in a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model of understanding people. In other words, we need to take care of our physical health, psychological health, relational health and spiritual health if we want to be whole and mature.

 

 

Specialties

I enjoy working with adolescents and adults in individual, couple or family counseling. I also consult with churches and businesses to help create healthier work and worship environments. I am a certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and partner with Amy Blossom at Reins of Change for that work.

 

 

Hobbies and Interests

I enjoy woodworking, reading, crossword puzzles, music, listening to my son play the drums and playing with any new technology toy.

 

 

Favorites

I resist naming "favorites" because I like variety and my tastes change with my mood. One of my favorite books is "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card. Since I was a child I have loved C.S. Lewis' fiction, especially the space trilogy. My favorite music genres range from folk to rock to jazz to classical to western. My ipod has all of those genres and I go through stages in each. My favorite movie is "Babette's Feast," a Danish film based on a short story by Isac Dineson (Karen Blixson). I still occasionally watch my favorite childhood movie, "Follow Me Boys," an old Disney classic . with Fred MacMurray. Another old favorite is Jermiah Johnson with Robert Redford On TV I enjoy "House," "24," "Monk," and "The Unit."