Me

I am an easy guy to be around. I am relaxed and open-minded, thoughtful and respectful. I am an Island boy--I grew up in nearby Gold River. The enduring passions in my life are my family, learning, and nature (particularly the ocean). I love good books, good company, and good thoughts.

Qualifications

  • Registered Clinical Counsellor  (#3581) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
  • Master of Counselling-Specialization in Counselling Psychology
  • Certified Teacher with the British Columbia College of Teachers
  • Narrative Therapy-Level I & II with Stephen Madigan
  • Core Addictions Program Certificate from the Vancouver Island Health Authority

Specializations

  • substance misuse & abuse
  • stress
  • loss
  • youth
  • family
  • couples & relationships
  • First Nations clients

Context

I have worked in a variety of contexts with a wide range of persons experiencing difficulties. As a result, I am comfortable working as a counsellor with: children, youth, and adults; individuals, couples, families, and groups; men and women; and across cultural differences. I have worked in wilderness settings and schools, community service organizations and residential programs, and in private practice. For four years my family lived in Bella Bella, a First Nations community on BC's Central Coast, where I was a teacher and counsellor. In addition to private practice work, I am employed as a Youth and Family Substance Use Counsellor by the John Howard Society of the North Island.

Approach

I approach counselling from the perspective that the person is not the problem, the problem is the problem. This is one of the axioms of narrative therapy, and the narrative therapy approach to resolving problems is predominant in my work with clients. What I appreciate most about this approach to helping people overcome problems is that it is very empowering. The narrative therapy approach provides people with space to cultivate a preferred way of being in the world.

More information about Narrative Therapy is included in the Online Resources section of this website.