| INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY & MARRIAGE COUNSELING |
I believe the mind, body, and soul are interconnected lenses through which we perceive the world and process our emotional responses to trauma and other life events. To support individuals in crisis, my approach to mental health support and recovery integrates spiritual, psychological, and practical strategies.
| Integrating practical psychology and spirituality |
Serving as the director of The Motivating Youth Company and as a Pastor of Youth and NexGen Ministries, I have spent the last 15 years working with children, teens, young adults and their families. About 11 years ago, I came to the realization that there was a more proper and holistic approach alongside spirituality to help a child find balance and motivation after a crisis, significant setbacks or unfavorable situations. This revelation inspired me to obtain my Masters in Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in order to gain a deeper understanding of the human brain from a psychological perspective.
A family I met with in 2015 asked for biblical counseling and advice on forgiveness. Scripture, of course, teaches us that prayer is a constructive and useful spiritual tool for mediation and forgiveness. But it was evident to me that their issues extended beyond practical spirituality. I discovered that this family had recently lost the youngest child in the home to suicide, which caused this family strife and toxic discord. I could see that the underlying reason for their blame and animosity toward one another was that they hadn't properly grieved or processed the loss.
Another problem I frequently encounter from people looking for spiritual direction and counsel is a psychological concept known as "cognitive dissonance." When people's behavior patterns don't align with their true needs and desires, this mental conflict arises (Psychology Today, 2019). I frequently come across children, teenagers, and young adults who admits to having drug, alcohol, and/or porn addictions and are looking for support to overcome those problems. "I want to start, but I can't," or "I want to stop, but I can't," are the phrases they often use. I frequently find that this erratic behavior is linked to a mental health problem that requires both spiritual and practical psychology to address.
I believe the mind, body, and soul are the three lenses through which we view the world and dictate our emotional response following traumatic events. In order to assist those going through a crisis, my method of mental health recovery combines spiritual, psychological, and physical practices.
| The Impact of Applying Both Practical Psychology and Theology in Marriage Counseling |
Marriage counseling becomes significantly more powerful and transformative when it integrates both practical psychology and theology. Psychology offers tools for understanding behavior, improving communication, and resolving conflict through evidence-based methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy and emotional regulation techniques. These approaches help couples recognize patterns, manage stress, and rebuild trust by addressing mental and emotional needs in a structured, practical way.
However, when counseling also includes a theological foundation, it deepens the process by addressing spiritual needs and values. Theology brings in principles such as forgiveness, grace, covenant, and unconditional love which are all core aspects of many faith-based marriages. Couples are encouraged not only to grow individually but also to view their relationship as a sacred bond, supported by divine guidance and purpose. This spiritual perspective often brings meaning to suffering and hope to broken places that psychology alone may not reach.
The integration of both disciplines creates a holistic approach that honors both the heart and mind. Couples are empowered to make lasting changes, not just behaviorally, but spiritually and emotionally. By combining the practical tools of psychology with the moral and spiritual direction of theology, marriage counseling becomes not just a path to resolution, but a journey toward restoration and deeper connection.
| Why counselors should maintain confidentiality for children, even from parents |
Confidentiality is a vital part of therapy because it helps children feel safe, trusted, and free to express their thoughts and emotions honestly. When children know that everything they say will not automatically be shared with their parents, they are more likely to open up about important issues such as anxiety, depression, bullying, identity struggles, or family concerns.
Protecting a child's privacy helps build trust between the child and therapist, encourages emotional growth and independence, and allows the therapist to better understand and address the child's needs. It also teaches children that their feelings and experiences matter and deserve respect.
This does not mean parents are excluded from the process. Therapists regularly involve parents by providing general updates, offering guidance, and collaborating on treatment goals. However, specific details from sessions are often kept private unless the child gives permission or there is a safety concern involving harm to themselves or others.
Ultimately, confidentiality creates the safe environment children need to heal, grow, and develop healthy emotional skills while allowing therapists to advocate for their best interests.
| A holistic approach to recovery |
Recently, I ended a counseling session that involved a young man and his sister that were on extreme medication, in and out of mental hospitals, and still couldn't control their anger, anxiety, and addictive behavior patterns.
After 10 sessions over the last 2 months they are passing in class again, haven’t been kicked out of class and have begun treatment for their addictions. As of today, you can tell they are overall happier and functioning at a higher quality!
N SPIRIT & IN TRUTH (John 4:24) Applies to both encountering Christ and in understanding, healing, and recovery when dealing with our personal lives, brain and soul (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
Video | Helping children through addictions |
In the tagged video, "I'm Glad You Prayed About It, What's Next?" I discuss why helping children overcome addictions and mental health challenges requires more than a single solution.
Prayer, church involvement, and spiritual guidance are essential parts of healing, but many children also need practical tools to address the emotional, mental, and behavioral struggles that often fuel addiction and unhealthy coping patterns.
Over the years, I have learned that lasting recovery happens when we address the mind, body, and soul. Children need healthy thinking patterns, emotional support, physical wellness, accountability, and a strong spiritual foundation rooted in God's truth.
A holistic, biblically grounded approach recognizes that healing is not just about changing behavior. It is about restoring the whole person. When psychology and theology work together, children are given the opportunity to experience deeper growth, greater resilience, and lasting transformation.
True recovery is not simply about stopping a harmful behavior. It is about helping a child heal, grow, and thrive emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
| Sports Team Chaplain |
Football | Volleyball | Basketball | Soccer | All Competitive Groups
My passion as a Sports Team Chaplain is to support athletes, coaches, and families both on and off the field. I believe every athlete is more than their performance, and I strive to provide encouragement, mentorship, spiritual guidance, and a trusted presence during both victories and challenges.
Drawing from my experience as a pastor, counselor, and mentor, I help athletes develop character, resilience, leadership, and purpose while reminding them that their value is found in who they are, not simply what they achieve.
My mission is simple: to serve people, build relationships, and help individuals grow spiritually, emotionally, and personally as they pursue excellence in both sports and life.