With over tweny (20) years experience as a clinician, specializing in chemical dependency and family counseling, I currently serve as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Having been engaged in the counseling field since the l980s as a guidance counselor working in inpatient treatment facilities for adolescents and later, chemically dependent adults, I launched a private practice in l990 in Stillwater when I started back to college to acquire my Ph.D. in Human Environmental Science with a specialty in Family Relations and Child Development. 

The main focus of my practice is "chemical dependency in the family context".  This involves viewing substance dependence as a chronic disease, a community health issue, and from a systems perspective, as a family, workplace, and cultural problem.  Among my areas of expertise in substance abuse are evaluation, treatment, and referral for chemical dependency, family dynamics of addiction and recovery, process addictions, codependency, adult children of alcoholic issues, co-occurring disorders (mental health problems), and continuing care.  Many people with substance abuse disorders also have mental health problems that require a simultaneous treatment focus, that I provide.  I often work with family members of chemically dependent people--with, or without the addict. 

My specialty services in marriage/family therapy may not involve addiction in the family.  Areas of treatment with a family focus could include issues regarding pre-marriage, marriage, divorce, and re-marriage.  Treament for substance abuses or for marriage/family issues often require education and coaching on skill development such as communication and problem solving, anger management, replacement of worry with proactive problem solving, parenting, feelings management, stress management, assertiveness.  Other issues commonly dealt with in therapy include step-family problems, infidelity, jealousy, money issues, sexual problems or intimacy issues, family business issues.  Mental health issues often requiring attention and focus during treatment may include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior, sexual addiction and other process addictions.  I have had, (and hopefully will coninue to have), the distinct pleasure and joy of being part of the process of several generations in families as they recovery from addiction, breaking the cycle for future generations. 

Additionally, I have presented at National and local conferences, workshops, inservice trainings and to general audiences on topics ranging from family dynamics of addiction and recovery to body language.  I continue to be available for speaking or training engagements and for consultation to organizations.  I am also engaged in my community by serving on local and state boards.

Additonal services currently provided -
EAP (Employee assistance program)  services are available.
Qualified SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) services are available.
Approved supervisor for LADC licensure. 



Education

1975-1979 BA Northeastern Oklahoma State University - Tahlequah, OK  
1979-1980 MA in Counseling Psychology, Northeastern Oklahoma State University - Tahlequah, OK  
1990-2000 Ph.D.  Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, OK  74074 - Ph.D.
 
License & Certifications 

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed Alcohol/Drug Counselor
State, National, Internationally Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor

Professional Activities and Memberships

Clinical Member American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
National Council on Family Relations
National Association of Alcoholism/Drug Abuse Counselors
Oklahoma Drug/Alcoholism Professional Counselors' Association
Oklahoma Drug/Alcoholism Professional Counselors' Certification Board
Employee Assistance Professionals Association



Serving Stillwater (74074, 74075, 74076), Perry (73077), Perkins (74059), Cushing (74023), Pawnee (74058), Guthrie (73044), Ponca City (74601, 74602,74604), Morrison (73061), and other local communities.