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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in individual, couples and family therapy, and maintaining a private practice with Psych Choices in Drexel Hill, PA.
With over 20 years of experience as a professional social worker and therapist, and as a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice specializing in therapy addressing issues of mental health, addictions, and posttraumatic stress, I am currently serving as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients.
I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Pennsylvania. License #CW015407.
Level II Practitioner of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (
EMDR), which is judged to be an effective method of treatment for trauma and other conditions.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Neumann University 2011-Present: taking coursework towards a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Pastoral Counseling, so that I may offer assistance with spiritual issues for those who are seeking help in this area.
University of Pennsylvania 1994-2003: completed coursework (all but dissertation) towards a Ph.D in Social Welfare with a variety of courses in sexuality, victimology, and advanced social work practice theory. Did this under a full scholarship.
University of Pennsylvania 1992-1994: Master of Social Work with a concentration in mental health treatment.
University of Vermont 1985-1989: Bachelor of Science in Social Work.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
I have worked for the past 20 years in a variety of settings ranging from outpatient counseling for people with mental health and/or substance abuse issues, to inpatient mental hospitals, prison, and substance abuse detox facilities. I've also worked in managed care, with combat veterans at the Veterans Administration, and with the homeless (I did the work with the homeless while doing a year of volunteer work in a program like the Peace Corps). I've managed a staff of 50 in a residential setting for children who were in the child protection system. I also worked for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia providing outpatient therapy including pre-marital counseling for people who had been through annulments. I was a research assistant at the University of Pennsylvania for a year. I am and have been a member of the
National Association of Social Workers and the
American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.
MY PERSONAL LIFE
I am also a proud husband of 14 years and father of two wonderful daughters, as well as 2 dogs, Potter and Missy, and a cat, Cosmo. I enjoy bagpiping, reading, and the Internet.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The bottom line is that I have seen a lot of what change can throw at people and I have been able to help people bounce back. If they can't bounce back, then I can help them cope to the point that the change they experienced becomes the starting point of a stronger life.
When you need a hand with coping with changes in your lives, it is good to have someone in your corner, helping you negotiate it. I am willing to be that person for you.
