Qualifications & Experience

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Counseling, both from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. I am also a certified facilitator of SYMBIS premarital counseling.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I prayed for guidance regarding the path I was supposed to be on. I felt the call to help others but did not know what that looked like. I was first called to teach, and my relationships with my students pointed me into the direction of counseling so I could help them internally. Anyone can fill a mind with knowledge, but it takes true intent to walk with someone and help them to heal, grow, and move forward.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

My wife and I have four children. I’m a child at heart – I enjoy sports, video games, board games, pro wrestling, and all the junk food. I’ve struggled with severe asthma my entire life, leading to 131 admissions into the hospital. This has grown my ability to have patience with people and understand how physical struggles can lead to a mental struggle. I can relate to fatherless homes, since I grew up in one. As a black man, I understand the struggles that are faced by people of color firsthand. I can relate to the drive to do better than those that came before, and to be what I was called to be.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Coaching
• Counseling for Children
• Counseling for Teens
• Couples Counseling
• Depression
• Family Counseling
• Grief and Loss
• Group Counseling
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Marriage Counseling
• Men’s Issues
• Online Counseling
• Premarital Counseling
• Relationship Issues
• Spiritual Development
• Black Culture
• Blended Families
• Interracial Relationships

Marriage Counseling

Marriage is the biggest commitment two individuals can make. Marriage means you’re no longer thinking about just yourself. It means that when you enter and exit the home, you think about someone else before you think of yourself. It means putting your ego aside in order to grow together and maintain peace. Together, we can navigate what marriage is, and how to not only maintain your relationship with your spouse but to change it for the better.

Family Counseling

In a family there are many personalities, thoughts, plans, and feelings. Sometimes it is difficult to separate one from another for each person, and this can lead to strife. In your family, we can work through the struggles as they arrive. We’ll explore how marital discord impacts children, how children and their negative behaviors impact the marriage, grades, working too much or too little, attitudes, etc. Every family has its share of difficulties, but Christian family counseling can help you heal.

Men’s Issues

As a man, I understand much of what you’re dealing with. In this new world we are told that masculinity is a bad thing, so we’re trying to navigate what that really means. We walk a fine line between being a leader and a partner. Men are in a special space in life – we must be strong, tender, caring, fearless, emotional, emotionally grounded, stern, silly, a provider, and wise. There are so many hats that we are expected to wear, and sometimes we don’t know which one to wear at which time. Together we can look at true manliness as defined by the Word of God. We are not to be afraid of being who God made us to be.

Depression

We all feel depressed at some point. The key is knowing what to do in that time and knowing who to turn to. I’m here to offer a safe space where you can describe your feelings in the best way possible. Together we can work through this season and walk into a newer, brighter place.

Counseling for Teens

Teenagers are a special group. I remember feeling that no one understood me or even cared about me in my teens. I’m here to show that I do care and I’m willing to walk with you. Opening up to a strange new person can be difficult, so I would like to build a friendship and get to know you first. It’s hard enough to be emotionally vulnerable; let’s learn about life and work together for your own growth and health.

Availability (by office location):

• Online (WA only) – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals, couples, and groups looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 2.6% plus $0.15 per transaction will be added for credit card payments.