Why I Specialize

Before becoming a psychotherapist, I earned a M.Div. degree at Calvin Seminary I served as an ordained university pastor for 11 years. However, campus ministry gradually drained me and left me depressed and bitter. After I resigned in 1993, a wise counselor helped me to reflect on my pain and empathize with other people who had been sidelined by burnout and depression. I eventually felt called to help pastors, counselors, doctors, nurses, and family caregivers overcome their own challenges. I completed a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in 2002. Much of my work now focuses on helping professional and volunteer caregivers to balance their service with self-care. In addition, I serve as an adjunct professor at the University of La Verne, teaching future psychotherapists enrolled in graduate level Psychology courses.