I have attempted
throughout my academic career to prepare myself to provide effective therapy
for a variety of concerns that affect ordinary people in their everyday
lives. I began my studies at Sioux Falls
College, in Sioux
Falls South Dakota. Sioux
Falls College is a
small Baptist College
located in southeastern South Dakota.
I received a B.A. in Psychology, and my first formal exposure to the basic
concepts of psychology in a Christian undergraduate program.
I obtained my masters degree from South Dakota
State University,
with an M.S, in Counseling and Human Resource Development. My main
emphasis while there was counseling in an agency and/or individual
practice. In addition, I gained considerable experience in the
application of assessment for personality disorders, while interning at the
campus counseling center.
My doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology was conferred by
the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, at the Twin Cities Campus in Bloomington,
Minnesota. While there I augmented my
studies in depression, anxiety and personality disorders, with intervention
strategies for various mental health concerns. In addition, I obtained a
minor in Religion and Psychology, in order to address issues related to
spirituality and existential concerns and incorporate them into the therapeutic
process.
All of these academic pursuits included internships and
practicums working directly with individuals, couples, and groups, in order to
apply the education and experience I have received to the real life struggles
and challenges that confront my clients.