I have about twenty-five years of substance abuse and mental health counseling experience and specialize in applying Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy to substance abuse and related emotional-behavioral problems. I am licensed by the state of North Carolina as a "Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist."  I have a Master of Education degree in counseling from North Carolina State University, as well as a Master of Religious Education degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC (please don't hold the latter against me).

 I believe it is an objective statement to say that I was one of the early pioneers in NC to offer substance abuse counseling and treatment based on the behavioral sciences rather than "12-step" spirituality.

 From my perspective, it is vital for people to have access to realistic, sensible, and effective counseling that is free of spiritualism and religiosity. One could say I believe it is a "spiritual" principle that people have the right (per the US Constitution) to not have spiritual/religious dogma forced on them in order to get help with overcoming addictive behaviors. I am not opposed to spiritual/religious programs or approaches. I simply affirm that people should have the freedom to "opt out" of spiritually oriented programs -- and still get professional help.  I have tried to champion this cause and offer a professionally responsible alternative since the early 1990's (when, as far as I know, there were absolutely no non-12-step treatment options in NC.)

 I experienced significant substance use problems in my late teens/early 20's but recovered from these problems without professional treatment or twelve-step participation. To illustrate one of the reasons why I'm not categorically opposed to religious/spiritual approaches, I can tell you that I broke my addictive cycle by immersing myself in my church and religious community. 

 Never-the-less, while I do not consider myself a so called "recovering addict," I do consider myself a, "recovering Southern Baptist." While sensitive and respectful of spiritual/religious concerns or interests, I do not believe spirituality or twelve-step groups are necessary ingredients for recovery. Spiritual/religious oriented programs have been and continue to be helpful to many people but they are not appropriate for everyone. I am dedicated to offering a more humanistic approach that presents people with a practical and sensible alternative based in the behavioral sciences.

 Additionally, I serve as the "volunteer advisor" for the Raleigh SMART Recovery® Group and have been a member of the SMART Recovery® board of directors.