ABOUT ME

I'm Gary. I specialize in helping people who struggle with anxiety, life's transitions, relationship challenges, crises of faith, or trauma to get to the root of their challenges honestly and map out strategies for growth so they can become the whole and healthy person they were created to be. 

Clients often tell me how much I've helped them gain new insights into themselves. I know what works, and I love getting to help clients rediscover hope and a pathway to new beginnings. The best part for me, though, is watching people transform through our engagements and reach the goals they set in the beginning of our work together. 

I am outcome-focused in my work helping clients move toward long term change, getting to the root of challenges, regaining control, and living authentically.

MY STRENGTHS

      My ability to help clients reframe ideas about themselves in a way that is helpful to them.

I am intuitive and able to read between the lines of what isn't being said.

I ask evocative questions that help clients focus on the issues at hand.

I am good at helping clients connect with their core values and see how these values are driving their behavior. 

MY PERSONAL JOURNEY

At a very early age of sixteen I sensed a call to ministry, which was affirmed by the adults in my life who knew me even before I knew myself. After graduating from high school, I was invited to serve as a part-time pastor of a struggling inner-city church near the college I attended. 

Throughout college, seminary, and graduate school, I found myself drawn to psychology and the human sciences. I have had many opportunities throughout the years to put into practice the knowledge and skills I was gaining--through decades of pastoral ministry, healthcare chaplaincy, spiritual direction and one on one counseling with hundreds of people.

As a lifelong learner, I went on to complete several degrees, including a B.A. in Bible and Psychology, a Master of Divinity in Theological Studies, and a Master of Arts (and completed doctural coursework) in Spiritual Formation and Counseling. I am currently working toward certification in Traumatic Stress-Informed Care as part of my ongoing commitment to growth and continuing education.

 Today, my wife Kim and I and our dog Zoe, live in rural western Colorado near our children and their families. Here I serve as a pastoral counselor, spiritual director, and visual artist. I primarily work from my studio in Rifle, Colorado, meeting with people closeby or across the country and around the world via Zoom.