About

“I made a lot of mistakes in my mind, in my mind.”

– Sufjan Stevens, song ‘Chicago’

Sufjan knows about life’s excitement and heartache.

His song ‘Chicago’ describes a hopeful young man going on a trip to the city, wanting to find mystery and joy. Instead, he encounters heartache and loss and becomes trapped within his mind.

But Sufjan shares one of the most sacred truths of life. We find true freedom amidst our pain. Sufjan’s character redeems his capacity for love and learns that his mistakes do not define him.

I found Sufjan Stevens when my mind beat me down. At that time, I felt no connection, like his character, to my belongings, home, or love. On paper, my life was ideal. I was on an academic scholarship, excelling in tennis and music, and surrounded by adventurous friends and peers.

But I was trapped in my mind, held captive by worry, sadness, and past hurts.

Many of my clients come to Healthy Mind Psychology with a similar experience. They are passionate, intelligent people who can’t seem to get out of their minds and into their lives. They long for growth and connection and want to use their talents in a meaningful way.

“If I was crying in the van with my friend, it was for freedom from myself and from the land.”
– Sufjan Stevens, song ‘Chicago’

Peace comes by taking control and gaining freedom from ourselves.

Don’t worry – Healthy Mind Psychology is not located in a van! I love these lyrics by Sufjan. They capture the freedom that comes from putting our pieces together and gaining a sense of control over our minds. Freedom from our minds and life’s pressures allows us to be at peace anywhere, even in a van.

Gaining freedom and peace is why I created Healthy Mind Psychology. As Sufjan states, I partner with each of my clients on their journey to make “all things grow.” I have enjoyed seeing my clients gain freedom from depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use and build a vibrant, meaningful, and fulfilling life.

“Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at anytime and be yourself.”
– Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Find sanctuary in who you are.

Healthy Mind Psychology aims to help others find sanctuary within themselves.

When you step through our doors, you feel greeted by a space designed for you. Comfortable seating, natural lighting, artisan coffee, and tasteful music welcome you. My office is not a doctor’s office or a place to be “treated.” It is a place for you to take time away from the world and focus on growing and flourishing in your life.

My clients and I laugh, explore, and venture into challenging places together. Therapy is challenging in the best ways.

Here, you will find an expert friend ready to walk with you through the most painful parts of life so that you can rejuvenate your passions and build a sanctuary within yourself.

“When I was having alphabet soup, I never thought it would pay off.”
– Vanna White

The focus is always on YOUR needs.

There are many titles, treatments, degrees, and diagnoses when looking for a therapist. The alphabet soup can be hard to decipher. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to find a therapist that is both competent and relatable.

I believe it should not be this way. We should not have to become experts ourselves to find a great therapist and treatment that works.

Finding the right treatment for you is the core principle of Healthy Mind Psychology. I am dedicated to rigorously investigating what treatments work and collaboratively designing an approach that fits your needs. I want you to have the very best treatment, so you can get back to savoring your life and achieving your goals.

About Me

Psychology is my sanctuary.

At this point, you’ve probably realized that I have a love for reading, music, and humor. These interests have helped me on my journey. I’ve always loved learning, and as a teenager, I thought I would become a lawyer or philosopher. But my experience with depression and anxiety opened up a profound passion for psychology and serving others.

In my twenties, I dove headfirst into psychology and built a sanctuary within myself where I still find solace. My Ph.D. has provided a deep academic understanding of human development, treatment, and research. Still, my experiences traveling the world, serving on humanitarian projects, and befriending people from all walks have given me a love for life and others. I could not do this work without both.

Therapy is a science and art that enthralls me to this day.

Education and Recent Clinical Summary:

Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology; Ph.D. (2013-2018) APA Accredited
Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti, MI)

Masters in Clinical Psychology (2012-2013)
Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti, MI)

COVID Psychology Task Force Lead (Mar 2020- Sep 2021)
Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center

Navy Staff Psychologist (September 2018 – Sep 2021)
Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center

Ann Arbor VA PTSD & Sleep Disorders Clinic (August 2016-May 2017)

Ann Arbor VA Substance Use Disorders Clinic (August 2015-August 2016)

My life outside of therapy is rewarding.

You can find my wife and me playing with our 4-year-old son. My favorite activity is seeing him stumble onto new passions. Recently, we’ve been exploring outer space and building rockets out of blocks. His open, curious mind anchors me to the wonder of life.

Our kitchen is always warm and filled with delicious smells. My wife and I love cooking and sharing meals. I’m an aspiring pit-master and enjoy feeding my family and friends food that I’ve smoked for long hours, often waking up before the sun to throw on brisket or ribs.

I love comedy and believe it is powerful medicine. I look forward to sharing some laughs with you as I join you on your journey.