Compassionate Clinical Counseling Trainee with hands-on experience in individual and group counseling within inpatient psychiatric settings. Proficient in crisis intervention, clinical risk assessment, safety planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Experienced with diverse populations facing a range of mental health challenges. Utilizes evidence-based therapies, including CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, while understanding trauma exposure and crisis response.
Overview
1
1
Certification
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
CLINICAL COUNSELING TRAINEE
Alvarado Parkway Institute
08.2026 - Current
Provide individual and group counseling to a diverse population experiencing acute and complex mental health concerns within an inpatient psychiatric setting.
Conduct intake assessments, clinical risk assessments, and Danger to Self (DTS)/Danger to Others (DTO) assessments and develop individualized safety plans.
Provide supportive stabilization and milieu therapy to clients experiencing psychiatric crises, emotional dysregulation, and significant mental health symptoms.
Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, and other multidisciplinary professionals to coordinate patient care and communicate changes in clinical presentation.
Consult with psychiatrists regarding patient needs, treatment considerations, and observed medication side effects.
Review medical and clinical records to inform assessment, treatment planning, risk management, and continuity of care.
Complete timely progress notes documenting individual and group therapy sessions, clinical observations, interventions, risk factors, and treatment progress.
Work with clients presenting with Major Depressive Disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, Bipolar I and II disorders, substance use disorders, eating/feeding disorders, and suicidal or homicidal ideation.
Apply evidence-based therapeutic interventions informed by CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and Mentalization-Based Therapy.
Complete specialized training in Substance Use and Recovery Programs, CBT/DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, Mentalization-Based Therapy, and ProAct crisis-management techniques.
MACC STUDENT THERAPIST
Center for Enriching Relationships
09.2025 - 10.2025
Provided individual counseling to a client experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder under clinical supervision.
Conducted intake activities and developed rapport and therapeutic relationships through active listening and empathic communication.
Assisted clients in identifying strengths, needs, goals, and practical strategies for managing mental health concerns.
Developed individualized treatment plans based on client needs, presenting concerns, and treatment goals.
Completed weekly progress notes to document clinical progress and inform ongoing treatment planning.
Applied therapeutic concepts from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
Participated in weekly group supervision to strengthen clinical skills, case conceptualization, ethical practice, and therapeutic effectiveness.
Integrated cultural humility and multicultural counseling principles throughout the therapeutic process.
POLICE LIEUTENANT
Walnut Creek Police Department
03.2001 - 08.2020
Led personnel, investigations, emergency response, and complex operational activities within a large municipal law-enforcement organization.
Managed incident-response teams during critical situations and emergencies requiring rapid assessment, sound judgment, de-escalation, and effective communication.
Provided mentorship and professional support to officers, promoting resilience, professional development, and effective coping with occupational stress.
Supervised personnel and conducted performance evaluations to identify strengths, development needs, and opportunities for professional growth.
Developed and implemented departmental policies, training programs, and performance standards.
Managed major criminal investigations and collaborated with local, state, and federal agencies on complex cases.
Served as Peer-Support Team Manager, integrating active listening, trauma-informed principles, cultural competence, and crisis-support strategies to assist personnel.
Developed extensive experience communicating with individuals experiencing crisis, trauma, emotional distress, conflict, and high-risk circumstances.
MILITARY POLICE SOLDIER
United States Army
12.1988 - 01.1993
Conducted military law-enforcement operations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Conducted physical-security assessments and supervised patrol operations.
Supported detainee operations and coordinated with civilian agencies on joint cases.
Developed professional communication and relationship-building skills while working with diverse military and civilian populations.
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Counseling
POINT LOMA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
San Diego, CA
08-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA
Moraga, CA
05-1995
Skills
Individual & Group Counseling
Intake Assessment & Clinical Interviewing
Psychiatric Risk Assessment
Danger to Self/Danger to Others Assessment
Safety Planning & Crisis Intervention
Suicide & Homicide Risk Management
Treatment Planning & Case Conceptualization
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)
Trauma-Informed Care
Substance Use & Recovery
Milieu Therapy & Supportive Stabilization
Cultural competence
Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
Psychiatric Medication Monitoring
Multicultural Counseling & Cultural Humility
Law Enforcement & Military Cultural Competence
Certification
Gottman Method Couples Therapy — Level 1 Training, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) — Certification, Substance Use & Recovery Programs Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) / Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Training, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Training, Motivational Interviewing Training, Mentalization-Based Therapy Training, ProAct Training, California Mandated Reporter Training Certification, CAMFT Legal and Ethical Issues in Telehealth Training Certification, CAMFT Certificate of Liability Insurance, First Aid/CPR Training, The Body Keeps the Score: The Science of Healing Trauma — 8-hour training with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
School Counseling Intern at Delta High School, Delaware Community School DistrictSchool Counseling Intern at Delta High School, Delaware Community School District