In working with clients, AJ seeks to meet them where they are and to understand the perspective of what is happening in their lives.  He focuses on providing accurate assessment and diagnosis and creating treatment plans with goals the client believes will ultimately help them gain insight, heal, and grow as individuals through their trials and triumphs.  AJ provides a framework based on applying ethics with different approaches that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Strengths Based Approach, and Narrative Therapy among others to understand a client’s whole story and working together towards change.

As a licensed Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, AJ has specialized in treating substance addictions with over ten years of experience working in group homes, halfway houses, and residential treatment programs.  He focuses on relapse prevention, teaching and practicing coping skills, and creating a solid support network to help clients develop a foundation of recovery to stay sober.  Group facilitation is another area of expertise as he has facilitated multiple groups focusing on a variety of issues (such as CBT, Anger Management, AODA, Men’s Issues).  AJ is Prepare-Enrich certified for premarital and married couples and certified to facilitate Thinking for a Change.

Practice Focus

• Substance Addiction
• Behavioral Addiction
• Adolescents and Adults
• Group Therapy
• Men’s Issues
• Skill Building and Role Playing
• Anger Management
• Mood Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Family Conflict
• Chronic Illness
• Identity and Self-Esteem Issues
• Trauma, Grief, and Loss

Education

M.A. in Counseling from Ottawa University

B.A. in Psychology and Human Services from Ottawa University

CSAC – Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor