He returned with PTSD. Nightmares, flashbacks, and broken relationships seemed to come at every turn. I wanted to help my brother though felt so ill-equipped. I didn’t know what to say, what not to say, though I certainly knew he was suffering. I tried to help and comfort him in any way I could. A few years after my brother’s return, and inspired by his accomplishments, I went on a two-week survival course with Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) in the middle of Utah. It was the first time I'd ever done anything like this and it required all the courage I had. There were about 15 of us on that trip. It was the middle of summer. We were hiking all day, no backpacks and just the clothes we could wear. We had water, but no food for the first four days. On the third day one of our members became ill and wasn't able to walk. Myself and another member carried this young man for the next two days. We helped him up ridges, and through canyons, and just talked to him, trying to encourage him with every step. I share these stories because they helped me determined that what I wanted to do with my life was to help others who couldn't help themselves. As a result of these experiences I have focused my energy on the study of trauma psychology and trauma therapy. I’ve spent the last seven years studying trauma therapy and most recently, the intersection of trauma and psychosis. My goal with The Trauma Therapist Project is to help trauma workers thrive--through providing great information, community building, inspiration and support. Family Life:
I have an amazing wife and a 11 year-old son and a 5 year-old daughter. I love challenging myself in many ways, including physically and creatively. I love music: listening and dancing in the kitchen with my family when I’m cooking and listening to Italian music on Pandora. I’m passionate about learning. In fact for the last two years as I’ve been commuting to work I’ve been listening to the “entrepreneur on fire” podcast which has been an incredible education. I’m passionate about helping individuals in crisis situations, hence my interest and specialization in trauma psychology. I love connecting people, putting groups together, convening workshops, and creating events and spaces whereby people can learn and share together. I hope you find something on this site that will help you thrive as a trauma therapist.
