About Me
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I was trained as a psychologist at the Florida State University clinical psychology program, receiving my Ph.D. in 1995. I have been licensed to practice psychology in Maryland for more than two decades.
I have helped hundreds of people with a variety of emotional and behavioral problems using an unconventional style that rejects the traditional notion of "mental illness" and treats people as fellow human travelers. So, I don't approach these problems as if they were due to defects or dysfunctions in you. Instead, the problems that typically get labelled "mental illness" or "mental disorder" are our understandable attempts to escape the inevitable and painful dilemmas in human living. The problem lies in the futility of that escape attempt. I work hard to meet you where you are. Your views, goals, perspectives, and desires are the important elements in effectively helping you find comfort from emotional pain and realizing contentment in your life. My role is to help you pay attention to your unspoken assumptions, the language you use to think and talk about your problems, and how these affect your beliefs about the possible paths available to you and the actions you take. My recent book, Smoke and Mirrors: How You Are Being Fooled About Mental Illness - An Insider's Warning To Consumers (see below), elaborates on my views. My unconventional style has implications for what you should expect and what kinds of assistance I can and cannot offer. Review my "Informed Consent for Services" form below to see the details. I am also a military veteran, having served 20 years with the U.S. Air Force in a variety of capacities across the globe. See my curriculum vitae below. 
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People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar. - Thich Nhat Hanh
