My Career
My career of counseling families and individuals began about four decades ago. Throughout my working life, up until recently, I have been employed either by government or private agencies that were funded by and accountable to government.
- In 1969, I began my career as a youth outreach worker for the Police Athletic League in New York City, my birth home.
- In 1972, I moved to British Columbia, where I became a youth counselor in group homes.
- In 1978, I became a family counselor for the government of British Columbia.
- In 1986, I began working for the Pacific Youth and Family Services Society, at their residential home for youth with addictions, Peak House. I was a case manager and therapist.
- In 1991, I was a family therapist at the Children's Foundation which, at the time, was a residential treatment home for young children who had severe behavioral difficulties as a result of being severely abused and neglected.
- Beginning in 1993, and ending in 2006, I was an addictions therapist at West Coast Alternatives Society, an addictions clinic.
- Currently I am in private practice.
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I estimate that I have done over ten thousand therapy sessions in my career. I have extensive experience working with various addictions, including addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, and food. I have worked extensively with issues of sexual, physical and emotional abuse and neglect, the emotional consequences of which drive most addictions. The individuals I have worked with came from all socioeconomic, and many cultural backgrounds. I have worked successfully with adults, youth, and children. I have worked with couples and families.
In 2002, along with Jay Efran, Temple University psychology professor emeritus, and former president of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, I wrote a workbook for those with alcohol and drug addictions, The Tao of Sobriety Renowned psychologist Alan Marlatt, director of the Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the University of Washington, wrote the introduction. The Tao of Sobriety has been well received by professionals and the recovery community. You can click here to find out more about The Tao of Sobriety, as well as buy a copy. I have also written two as yet to be published works and articles in my field.