Mike’s career serving people began as a lifeguard and swim instructor while in high school. Shortly after his high school graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where he was selected to join a highly specialized and elite arctic dive team. After serving as a diver he qualified to be a search and rescue crewman on Coast Guard helicopters, performing law enforcement, drug interdiction and Search and Rescue operations.
When Mike honorably discharged from the military he and his wife entered into vocational Church ministry serving teens and adults. hi experience in the church includes counseling, teaching, mentoring, oversight, and leadership development with both adults and teens. Mike earned his MA in counseling Psychology from Mars Hill Graduate school. Mike has done clinical work with combat veterans suffering severe depression and PTSD and clinical therapy for the chronically mentally ill and severely disturbed.
Mike has been described by his clients and colleagues as safe, compassionate, and insightful with a naturally therapeutic mind. Mike uses classic, current, and developing techniques for therapy while maintaining a Biblical theology of relationship and anthropology. By combining therapeutic techniques, life experience, personal gifts, and interpersonal skills Mike is able to foster a safe environment where people can heal and change.