I come from a maternal line of hair stylists. My mother, grandmother and great-aunts all “did hair.” So, it seemed natural when people asked me if I was going to be a “hair dresser” when I grew up. When asked that question I gave an answer I didn’t really understand but kept repeating, “No, I’m not going to do hair. I’m going to have a job where I sit down when I help people.”
I came to understand that answer after a conversation with my high school Non-Western Civilization teacher, Mr. Friedman. Mr. Friedman and I were discussing how I could help people live the kind of lives they most wanted. Mr. Friedman suggested, “How about becoming a Clinical Psychologist?”
I had no idea what a Clinical Psychologist was, and said so. Mr. Friedman suggested a few books, which I read right away. That was it! I could spend my days helping people to overcome anxiety and distress and to live a life of satisfaction and joy. Yes, yes, yes.
So it came to be. And, after decades of practicing psychology I can say without hesitation, seeing people transform lives of struggle into lives of well being is one of the greatest sources of joy in my own life.
As for other sources of joy, when I’m not practicing psychology you are likely to find me teaching and practicing Zen, tending the garden, sharing a meal with friends or walking on trails with my black dog, Joey.
If you are interested in my professional credentials and experience, here you go…..
After receiving my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Wyoming I worked for a community mental health center, providing care to adults, adolescents and children in rural Nebraskan counties. I also served on the Sarpy County Court Mental Health Board. When the opportunity came to live near the Columbia River Gorge, I moved to Portland, Oregon.
In Portland I established a private practice which spanned more than two decades. I served adults and adolescents in my outpatient office as well as in hospitals, residential treatment centers and schools. I supervised pre- and post-doctoral psychology students, medical students and hospital and residential center staff. I served on the Oregon Psychological Association’s Ethics Committee and the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners, ultimately becoming it’s Chairperson.
When time arrived for a sabbatical I moved to New Mexico, another landscape which has always supported my spirit. At sabbatical’s end, wanting to do something new and fresh, I accepted a psychologist position in Japan. I worked at Misawa Air Force Base, providing care to civilian employees, retirees and the spouses and dependents of Active Duty members.
When my time in Asia was complete I relocated to Anchorage, Alaska, near friends-like-family and the fierce beauty of the Chugach Mountains. Initially I worked at Elmendorf’s Mental Health Clinic, providing psychological care to Active Duty men and women as well as their partners. I also became involved in the Alaska Psychological Association, first as Chairperson for the Ethics committee and later as the organization”s President.
In 2015 I decided to return to private practice and established GoodLife Journey, Inc. My practice is dedicated to helping each person thrive by living their own most meaningful, satisfying and enjoyable life.
Phone: (907) 222-2670
Fax: (907) 222-2671