Training and Background

Training and Background

I have a bit of a unique background for a psychologist. I have worked in business consulting and as a technology company founder and executive - in addition to spending years as a private practice psychologist. My broad set of experiences enables me to move comfortably between dealing with in-depth emotional or relational issues and focusing on practical life-change solutions.

I graduated magna cum laude from Millsaps College and attended Reformed Theological Seminary before earning my doctorate (Ph.D.) in psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi. I interned at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in a distinctive consortium combining inpatient and outpatient environments. Following this, I practiced as a psychologist and served as the clinical director of a public mental health center in the Deep South. After moving from the South to the Bay Area, I worked for the Boston Consulting Group in business consulting before co-founding Personics Corporation - a high technology, venture capital-funded startup company in Menlo Park. That company actually won the Smithsonian Award for Innovation – before it crashed and burned after six years! So, I bring experiences of both successes and failures to my overall perspective for my current Silicon Valley clients. I have worked in private practice as a psychologist and life coach in Redwood City, California, for over 25 years, directing a church-based counseling center for much of that time. I have published a number of professional journal articles in the areas of substance addiction, medical psychology, and Christian psychology.

My Family Life

I made the best “relationship decision” of my life by marrying Darrah Turner. We met as children in Jackson, Mississippi, and she is also a Ph.D. psychologist. Darrah and I have worked alongside each other in private practice in Redwood City for many years. My life has also been greatly enriched by the process of raising two children, a son and a daughter who are now both young adults. I have recently welcomed grandchildren into my world! My wife and I have long been committed to a strong marriage and family life. My relationships with Darrah and my children have been the primary springboard in maturing and refining my emotional and spiritual worlds. Without them, I wouldn’t be nearly the person I am today – nor would I have nearly as much to offer you.

The Spiritual Dimension

In the tumult of our busy lives, it is easy to get disconnected from ourselves and what is most meaningful to us. In one way or another, we all deal with life’s big questions. My Christian faith is often a primary reason clients choose to work with me. I have a vibrant spiritual life, which brings perspective and vitality to my practice. I am an ordained minister and regularly work with Christian leaders – as well as people in business, and other professionals with a faith commitment.

If you would like to learn more about my practice, click here.