About Eric

I bring a unique blend of educational, professional, and personal experience to serve you!

Life has been my greatest teacher…

For as long as I can remember, I have connected with people from many different walks of life. This started in junior high and high school when I had friends in multiple groups, the jocks, the cowboys, the goths, the drama, and many in between.

These people would open up and talk with me. I was their sounding board, their counselor. I’ve always had a knack for seeing beyond what’s happening in the moment to deeper realities at play. It was this wisdom and insight that people sought from me.

It was gained at a price.

My parents divorced when I was young, leaving me with many unanswered questions. I internalized many of these and adapted to survive. I had to be aware of my surroundings and other people’s well-being to align myself appropriately. Not the healthiest thing to do, but this is a state many of us find ourselves in until we discover a better way.

I became skilled at reading people, places, and situations.

I was an intuitive and empathic young man, and these skills have grown with me throughout my life.

Professionally, I have often found myself advocating for those being taken advantage of and in leadership positions with a desire to support those who choose to follow.

While on staff at a fairly large church, I was convicted of the business-like approach to many of the processes and the lack of personal and emotional connection needed with those who were hurting and in need. It was here that I decided to return to school to get the necessary education to be certified and licensed by the state to provide therapy.

I’ve experienced the pain of betrayal and abandonment throughout my life, the deep pain and suffering one goes through in these times. Whether it be a friend, colleague, or lover, many of you have probably experienced the same. It’s in these times we seek help, often with a silent scream.

In early childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, as a professional, spouse, and father, I have endured suffering and pain at various points and depths. Some of these were my own doing, consequences for what I had done or not done, while others were thrust upon me without warning or cause.

Life has been full of lessons – and my greatest teacher.

Yet one of the greatest honors I have is to sit with others. To be a listening ear, a voice of comfort and reason. To have the opportunity to learn from and grow from what others have endured. To then take this and allow it to bear fruit in my life and the others I serve.

Life experience has given me…

… the ability to quickly understand my clients’ circumstances. That’s probably one of the first things you’ll notice as we start working together. You’ll feel that heart-to-heart connection and know that things will be very different.

If you struggle to find the words to tell your story, I’ll come by your side and help you fill in the gaps. You’ll find it comforting when the words seem to fit as though “it was meant to be.”

At times, I will speak bluntly and directly. I may even call you out on the lies you tell yourself and reveal areas keeping you from growth and happiness. These aren’t always pleasant exchanges, but they are valuable and appreciated, for the truth really will set you free.

Some of my training and background…

I have a Master of Advanced Studies in Marriage and Family Therapy from Arizona State University (ASU). I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and certified by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health as a clinical supervisor. I also have a bachelor’s degree from ASU in sociology with minors in psychology and religious studies.

As a former coach, consultant, and mentor to business leaders and entrepreneurs, my approach to counseling can be very solution-focused. That means we’ll consider the obstacles, natural tendencies, and responses that may work against your overall wellness and balance. Whether it’s a current life adjustment or past trauma holding you back from your potential, I want to work with you to restore your balance and create the best possible future.

I’ve also lived the married and single life with kids who are now teens getting ready to launch into the world. I’ve experienced the ups and downs, the longing for connection, and the pursuit of personal growth. I’ve made the journey while looking at the world and my life through many different lenses and angles.

I bring this vault of knowledge, expertise, and wisdom to every session to help you succeed and thrive!

When I’m not doing therapy…

I like to unplug.

Walking with others through difficult things, while rewarding in many ways, can be draining. So, I prioritize self-love and self-care as often as I can.

I enjoy reading fictional books for pleasure or watching movies on the couch while partaking in delicious food and the occasional good company. You may even find me getting lost in a video game for a few hours while I let my mind wander or listen to one of the many podcasts I follow or audio books I enjoy.

Sometimes, an extra dose of getting away is needed. A cooler higher altitude, the scent of pines, and dirt under my feet are the only solutions. A day trip or a weekend adventure up to the mountains recharges my mental and emotional batteries like little else. Swinging in a hammock, with no concern for the time, and a gentle breeze as nature sounds surround you with peace.

From time to time, my son and daughter will join me in recharging moments. Whether that’s a movie we are watching, gardening, bowling, archery, axe throwing, a new restaurant menu to explore, a new board game I’ve discovered, or a trek up to the mountains.

I’m not perfect at many things I do, but I enjoy them and learn from every moment. It’s the moments of living and experiencing life where I find the most pleasure and joy and learn, grow, and expand. I believe one of life’s fullest expressions is being able to share your life with another, to serve them in some way.

As it’s appropriate, some of these moments and their stories make their way into the therapeutic process I have with clients.

Along the way, you might even hear about my latest camping adventure with Roxie, my canine companion – or the two felines, Anya and Rae, that should have their own social media channel with their antics.

Everyone has challenges in life…

It’s our response to those challenges that defines us.

You’re here, and that’s a great start. It takes courage, humility, and love to pick up the phone and initiate therapy.

But you can do it; I’m here to help. I’m not the kind of therapist who listens to you for 50 minutes, asking you a handful of questions, hoping you discover your path on your own. No…

When you’re my client, you’ll KNOW you’re not alone and FEEL yourself making positive, lasting changes.

Let’s get started today. Give me a call for your free consultation: (480) 908-7898.