What other skill sets I bring to the therapy environment.
I trained in classic biblical languages and Psychology for 5 years at Concordia College here in Portland. In 1988 I earned my first Bachelor's degree. I had a desire to serve people as a spiritual leader. After my 5 years of training I went to seminary in St. Louis for 3 months. I discovered that I had doubts regarding faith and chose to leave to examine my doubts. I never returned, and my theology has changed fundamentally, but I still seek to be a man centered by his spiritual connection to the universe and the world.
After I left Seminary I applied my psychology hours to a Social Work program at Concordia, Portland. I earned my second Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 1989. I spent 3 months in field work for my degree and learned why Social Workers tend to burn out about every 6 years. I wanted to serve others, but felt that I wasn't making much of an impact.So, after I earned my Bachelor's in Pre-Theology and another one in Social Work, I took a job at a Bread Production Facility. I spent 13 years there pursuing different interests; 3 months at ITT Tech, 5 years learning Paintball Field operations, 6 years of Home Ownership. However, nothing met my core need to serve others. Working at the bread plant was just a paycheck (albeit a NICE paycheck), and when I took one class of massage training I discovered a path I could take that would make a concrete change for others -- a way that I could serve others and see the results immediately. After I received my license to practice therapeutic massage I spent another 5 years at the bread plant until one day I decided that I needed to do massage full time or not at all. I quit my job of 18 years and stepped in with both feet.I have done this work since July of 2002, and I intend to make this my last profession. I take this work seriously, and put everything I have to offer into my work. This work is who I am, and it is a joy to share it with you.