About Alan

I continue to travel my own path. In fact, I became a therapist because of it.

Before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science, a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, and becoming licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I had sought therapy myself. I’ve been through that humbling process of admitting a need for help. I struggled to acknowledge, accept, and reconcile my own past of sexual abuse and being raised in a home with a father suffering from depression and alcoholism.

When I have free time my wife, Laurie and I enjoy hiking our precious local mountains in Southern California. Hiking for me can challenging and rewarding. To be out in nature with the beautiful, expansive views in natural surroundings offers solitude and solace.

In fact, during 3 weeks in July of 2016 Laurie and I were lucky enough to be able to take the time to backpack 240 miles along the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. For me the experience hiking the wilderness is a kind of therapy itself.

I find that nature has a restorative quality. It may not cure my anguish, but it is a reminder that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. In spite of
what I might believe about myself, I can find solace in this moment, among this expansive validation of life that lies before me, that I too belong.

My own experiences have helped me to develop a personal understanding about the difficulty of life and challenges of others. I know that I can’t solve your problems for you, but I am passionate about offering you a safe space to be present with you to confront your frustrations and fears, and challenge those negative beliefs that prevent you from finding peace and contentment in your life.