In an effort to become as skilled at crisis intervention as my father had been, I found myself working in clinical settings such as detoxification and residential treatment facilities. In my late 20s, I created a violence prevention training company offering verbal de-escalation and physical escape training to government and private industry. I even authored a respected verbal de-escalation book called Surviving Aggressive People. Even while teaching violence prevention, I always knew that my true calling was clinical psychology. I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) from the University of Denver in 2006. My trainers and supervisors were top-notch clinicians and mentors. I was lucky enough to train in such settings as the Colorado Department of Corrections, the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and the International Commission for Missing Persons in Bosnia. Along the way, my clinical training has included the treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. My doctoral paper involved creating a violence prevention curriculum for staff members at a major brain injury rehabilitation facility in Houston, Texas. Early in my clinical training, I took a special interest in treating anxiety and depression using some of the latest, empirically-supported treatments. In my personal life, I have studied the techniques and philosophies of the martial arts for more than twenty years, and I live for a good pretzel. I am also involved in the Mountain Tiger Society, a program offering martial arts and 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. Oh – and yes, the picture above is really me, circa 1970. That kid has future psychologist written all over him!
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My fascination with psychology began as a child, growing up in the family-owned bar. For several years, I watched my father defuse all manner of problems, using nothing more than words, an innate understanding of human behavior, and a good sense of humor. Watching him in action, I knew early on that I had found my calling.