About
About
My Story
Counselling has been a significant part of my own life. From a young age to middle age, counselling has helped me grow, evolve, and face all aspects of myself with courage and compassion. This lifelong engagement with counselling informs my belief that everyone should have access to it as a regular part of life, not just in times of crisis. Counselling allows us to explore the many layers of who we are and helps us face our challenges more clearly, grow as people, and find our power.
In addition to my work as a counsellor I have led various for-profit, nonprofit and cooperative organizations and businesses over the past thirty years, all focused on creating good in the world and promoting social and environmental justice and enhanced self-awareness. The most meaningful thread throughout my career has been working closely with people who see each day as an opportunity to grow and take steps toward becoming the best possible versions of themselves, so they can show up and contribute something meaningful to their family, community, and the world. This part of my work has moved me so much that I chose to step away from organizational leadership positions to spend all my time working one-on-one with people.
Reimagining The Idea of Therapy
I have never liked the word therapy and all the stigma associated with it. Therapy seems to imply someone is sick or broken and needs to be fixed. Counselling and coaching are better words because I consider everyone to be naturally creative, resourceful and whole. You are the expert on your life and have the wisdom, intelligence and ability to address and transform your life circumstances. My job is to help you work through challenges, sift through clutter and amplify those aspects of yourself. The greatest athletes, musicians, writers, and other masters of their crafts need someone to observe them, provide feedback and perspective, teach new skills, and help them figure out how to achieve their goals and evolve. We all need someone like that; getting it from family and friends can be complicated. I am here to be that person for you.
Connection to Nature
A deep connection to nature and the earth is a vital part of my life and my work. I view nature as both a source of healing and a means of experiencing reverence for all living things. Over the years, I have guided hundreds of groups on wilderness journeys throughout California, from multi-day off-trail adventures with urban youth who had never been in the wild, to yoga and meditation backpacking retreats in places like Death Valley, Joshua Tree, and Yosemite National Parks. I have also taken solo journeys into the wilderness to fast and sit quietly in solitude, for several days, connecting with the earth, emptying out, letting go, and tapping into something larger and more timeless.
These experiences have been profoundly transformative for me, teaching me about myself and about the deeper wisdom and energy of the earth. I bring the insights and vitality gained from these wilderness experiences into my work with clients, offering a grounded, expansive approach to healing, growth, and self-discovery.
Cultural Humility and Intersectionality
Cultural Humility and Intersectionality
You deserve to be seen, respected and appreciated for exactly who you are. As should all people. I practice cultural humility and welcome working with people of all identities – sizes, shapes, colours, genders, abilities, ages, sexual orientations, and worldviews. I have critically examined my own identity as a white man. I am keenly aware of how my ancestry has impacted others, how privilege has given me opportunities, and how my various social locations shape my reality and understanding of power, privilege, and oppression. I work through a social justice lens and promote efforts to shift power dynamics and create a more compassionate, equitable world for all people.
My Qualifications
I have a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I earned my Bachelor of Arts with honours from the Honours Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, did a graduate fellowship at Harvard University, and spent time at UCLA, Georgetown and Cambridge University in England during my academic career.
In addition to my formal education, I am a certified Co-Active Coach through the Co-Active Training Institute (formerly the Coaches Training Institute). Additionally, I have completed several training programs in Emotionally Focused Therapy, including EFT Core Skills and Externship, as well as EFIT Core Skills. I have also completed the six-month Minding the Heart program with Dr. Tori Olds. I have studied and practiced mindfulness for nearly three decades.
Please note that I am currently not a “licensed psychotherapist.” I expect to receive my Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation from the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) by September 2026 and my Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) designation from the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) by early 2027.
As of May 2025, BC announced it would regulate the mental health industry and they are currently working out how to do it, what registrations and certifications will be required, and when these rules will go into effect. At this time, complimentary health insurance providers may not cover my services. I recommend you check with your provider directly.
