How long have you been a member of ICA? 

Since the late 1980's.  Just recently I was the President of the ICA, two cycles ago, and served on the Board of Directors from 2007 until 2012.

What do you do at your job(s)?

I am currently the Clinical Director of the Samaritan Counseling Center in South Bend, Indiana.  I supervise our six clinicians, conduct group supervision, and generally oversee the direction of our clinical program at the Center. I also have a full time caseload where I see individuals, families and couples.  I specialize in working with individuals with ADHD, with their families, and with clients who have PTSD.  I have level II EMDR certification and use EMDR frequently in my counseling.  Our Center provides "faith based counseling"; what that means is that we respect the spirituality of our clients and seek to integrate the client's spirituality into the counseling process when appropriate.  We don't proselytize or push a particular faith/spirituality; rather, we seek to listen and help integrate a client's spiritual beliefs into the overall process.

Do you engage in any additional counseling activities?

I have taught on the adjunct level at Indiana University at South Bend, in the Counseling Program.  Additionally I have a number of books published on marriage.  My web site is www.marriageprepresources.com where my books are listed.

Why did you go into the field of counseling?

A basic desire to help people solve their intra and interpersonal problems led me into counseling.  I received my degree in 1986 before there was a license for counselors in our state.  

What excites you most about the field of counseling? 

The thing that excites me is helping people discover the deeper meaning in their life's stories.  Often, people experience specific difficulties and have tried many different things to solve their problems.  Allowing a person to find the solutions to their difficulty, in an atmosphere of trust, warmth and safety, is the thing that keeps me showing up at the office on a daily basis.

If ICA members would like to contact you, what is your preferred e-mail address?