Approach
Andrew understands that his role for others in this position is not to have answers, but instead, provide a safe, nonjudgmental space as well as reflection and skills training for people to reconnect to that innate ability to persevere.
“Everyone is doing the best they can with what they have, and that the world always has something for us that we haven’t prepared for. It is during these times, when we can rely on our unmatched ability to adapt and learn, which allows us to handle whatever the world has to throw at us.”
A focus of Andrew’s practice is providing support for the various “helpers” in the community including healthcare professionals, teachers, law enforcement/first responders, and parents. In addition to private practice, he is currently co-facilitating a free monthly healthcare worker support group for the Rogue Valley.
Andrew welcomes any spiritual practices into the space:
“Regardless of how we define our own spirituality, this is the most intimate way we relate to the world. Not making space for this, means we are not utilizing a big piece of who we are as humans.”
Experience
Andrew has been providing therapy services since 2012 with a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Oregon University. He has worked in varied professional environments throughout his career including community health clinics, county mental health agencies, substance use treatment centers, elementary, middle, and high schools, and private practice. He works with people throughout the lifespan as well as couples, families, and groups.
Andrew’s foundations are rooted in evidence based practices in the fields of neurology, biology, and psychology including Neurosequential Model of Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mind Body Bridging, Emotion Focused Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving, Parent Child Interact Training, Attachment Theory, Positive Psychology, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Nonviolent Communication and Motivational Interviewing.
Andrew’s second passion in life is teaching, and as such, he has been fortunate enough to be an adjunct faculty member for Southern Oregon University’s Department of Psychology and Human Services Program since 2015. He has engaged in, presented and published research regarding wellness assessments in higher education settings, bullying in schools and the efficacy of primary prevention programs, and impacts of mentoring relationships for mentors. He feels that staying connected with the academic community allows him to continue adjusting his approach in the helping profession as we continue to gather updated information.