My fascination with psychology began as a child, growing up in the family-owned bar. Watching my father defuse all manner of problems, I knew that I had found my calling. (You might be surprised how clinically savvy a bar owner must be.)

In my late 20s, after earning degrees in communication and psychology, while holding jobs ranging from dishwasher to loading dock worker, I created a violence prevention training company and wrote Surviving Aggressive People.

I eventually returned to school and in 2006 earned my doctorate from the University of Denver. There, I enjoyed the supervision of top-notch clinical trainers. I was lucky enough to train at the Colorado Department of Corrections, the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and the International Commission for Missing Persons in Bosnia, among others.

My training has included the treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. Early in my clinical training, I took a special interest in treating anxiety disorders and depression using some of the latest, empirically-supported treatments.

In my personal life, I have studied martial arts for more than twenty years, and I live for a good pretzel. I am also co-director of the Mountain Tiger Society, a program offering martial arts and community safety training to individuals with developmental disabilities.

I live in Golden with my family and a relatively well-behaved dog named Hachi, who occasionally helps out with my online column at IronShrink.com.

Please contact me at any time to set up a free consultation. I look forward to meeting you!