HOW I HELP FOLKS FIND THEIR WAY HOME…
WHAT’S IN YOUR SUITCASE?
As we grow up and spread our wings, we each experience our own unique set of circumstances.
Where we are born; how we spend our childhood years; who our parents, grandparents and siblings are; where we go to school; and whether, when and whom we marry.
Each of these circumstances and so many others like them make us unique and contribute to who we are now and who we will become.
SOMETHING OLD…SOMETHING NEW…
For better or worse, each of us carries our own designer “baggage.”
As we make our way through life, we pack many conventional items that we share in common with others along our journey. Then there are those very special, one-of-a-kind items we hold on to…for many reasons.
Much of what we carry comes with memories that are lightweight and a joy to bear.
But others weigh us down. And with the passing of years, they become tremendous burdens.
A TRUSTED COMPANION
Counseling is a process that takes place over time in which we build a very special and trusted relationship.
We freely share our lives with our counselor including our past successes and failures, our present struggles and our future dreams, knowing that everything we share is held in the highest regard with the utmost confidentiality.
In some ways, counseling is like an adventure, as if we were going on an archaeological dig. It can be fraught with danger, but the rewards make the risks well worth it.
OUR ARRIVAL
By pursuing a wise counselor, we enter a life-changing relationship where we are received graciously and given warm hospitality.
In this environment of genuine and compassionate care, we come to understand ourselves better.
We find deeper joy! We discover new meaning! We experience renewed hope as we explore new possibilities and pathways.
In and through this relationship, we return or perhaps find for the first time, within the depths of our troubled hearts and minds, a still, small place filled with quiet peacefulness.
We discover true rest.
ABOUT ME
“Life is a circuitous route, filled with many twists and turns. We often end up in places we least expect.
And yet…in each place we can find hope, meaning, joy and purpose.”
– Philip Hoffman
UNEXPECTED TURNS
My life has been filled with many unexpected turns, some of which I would not have chosen. And yet, for all of them, I give thanks.
After a very idyllic childhood, I realized that quite an adventure laid before me. Life has been filled with great excitement and fun. But at times, I felt as if I had turned down a long and winding mountain road, a meandering valley of sorts, in pitch darkness, headed nowhere fast.
UNCHOSEN JOURNEYS
My life’s journey has included a strong sense of calling with many roads and pathways that landed me in rutted places of brokenness and much needed healing.
Six years of marriage and a master’s degree later, I was en route to a Ph.D. and a teaching career. But as design would have it, one chapter of our lives was closing as a new one was beginning.
The unexpected birth of our oldest son was a providential moment in time that brought about dramatic changes of direction in our lives vocationally. This, in turn, has led to many enjoyable but some difficult work experiences.
We lived in faraway places – exchanging many spaces for the good, the better, and the best.
After 20 years of marriage and three children, an unchosen divorce brought much heartache and pain. But there is purpose, even in our broken places. We must choose to move toward and through our pain if we are to heal and find greater joy and deeper meaning in life.
There is purpose in all our travels; and, like me, hope is just around the corner for you!
SECOND BLESSINGS
Laure, my wife of 17 years, and I now live in Peachtree Corners, Georgia (NE of Atlanta).
We have three wonderful adult children, all married to awesome spouses. We have two beautiful granddaughters (don’t we all say that). Meet Margaux Jane (2) & Jane Isabella (11 months).
Laure and I have had great fun with our family. We enjoy British detective stories and period pieces, camping, boating, traveling abroad, and reading…reading…reading.
I have been so remarkably blessed by having her as my wife. She has made all the difference in the world in the lives of our children. We are fond of saying that the really “juicy” thing you must know about us…is that I married my former boss!
AND NOW THE REALLY JUICY STUFF
We all know what you’ve really been waiting for – the formalities of our introduction. Well, if you must know what all those letters mean after my name…
BA Psychology, Minor in Philosophy & Religion; Appalachian State University (that is no BS mind you)
M.Div. Education; Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Yeah, that’s the standard three-year master’s degree that ministry students pursue as well as those heading toward a Ph.D.)
D.Min. Pastoral Counseling; The Graduate Theological Foundation & Alamance Regional Medical Center
(Yes, you read that correctly. I am a Doctor… in Pastoral Counseling, silly. Mix one part counseling psychology and one part theology in the blender, and you’ve got it!)
Clinical Pastoral Education, Alamance Regional Medical Center; 2,300 Clinical Hours (You must have this to serve as a medical or military chaplain. “Ten-hut.”)
Chemical Dependency Intensive Out-Patient Program (CD-IOP), Alamance Regional Medical Center; 700 Clinical Hours (Nothing funny about this.)