Counseling Psychologist
- Bachelor of Science in Education, Central Michigan University
- Master’s in Divinity, Oral Roberts University
- Master’s in Biblical Literature, Oral Roberts University
- Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, Alaska Pacific University
Interests/Specialties: child, adolescent and family, trauma and dissociation, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, spiritual/existential meaning and intervention, dual diagnoses, addiction, issues of attention, and incorporating integrative approaches to care; through a variety of modalities including but not limited to: EMDR, ego state therapy, play therapy, Non-violent Communication, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), cognitive and mindfulness approaches, and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy.
Ian is a psychologist that works with youth and their families. Before his work in the mental health field he earned a Bachelor of Science in education in the areas of history and physical education from Central Michigan University. He became a licensed minister through the Church of the Brethren. He then went on to pursue two master’s degrees from the Oral Roberts University in Divinity and Biblical Literature. Afterward he completed a doctorate in counseling and psychology at the Alaska Pacific University. He holds certifications through the following organizations: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Complex Trauma and Dissociation through the International Society of the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (ISST-D), Heart Math clinical practitioner, Mental Health First Aid trainer, and is a Qualified Addiction Professional.
In 2010, Ian worked as a behavioral health associate in the village of Aniak. As part of his work, he traveled to villages teaching and leading court-ordered anger management and substance use groups. His time in Aniak taught him about the beauties and challenges of working in a rural village setting with people from multi-cultural backgrounds. In 2012, Ian and his wife moved to Juneau where he began working as a clinic case manager with JAMHI Health & Wellness helping adults live their own best lives. Ian later worked at Catholic Community Services as a senior services family advocate and then became program director for Rainforest Recovery Center. All of these experiences led him to want to continue to grow as a person and professional and to enter a doctorate program so he could begin pursuing his passions in the field. He returned to JAMHI to work as a Psychologist in 2018.
Ian’s clinical interests include trauma and dissociation, spiritual formation, nutritional psychology, non-violent communication approaches, and physical activity and movement interventions. He is also trained in dialectical behavioral theory (DBT) and interested in expanding his skills in EMDR work in combination with play therapy for children, adolescents, and families. Ian aims to bring a “bio-psycho-social-spiritual” lens to himself and those that work with him. He believes that he can join his clients in their interests, hopes and struggles in a meaningful way that feels comfortable, sparks interest, and when appropriate, helps embrace uncomfortableness. He uses his spiritual background and formation to help youth and families feel free to talk about the core parts of their identity whether it be faith in God, community, or spiritual traditions and/or practices.
Ian is an avid reader of ancient history, archaeology, Christian contemplative traditions and other religious traditions, psychology, and any topics around holistic nutrition and health. He enjoys playing with his cats, feeding animals outside and having both silly and thoughtful conversations with his wife. Ian likes quiet settings, sipping on some quality tea, experimenting with healthy eating options and engages in various forms of exercise including walking/running trails, home workouts, and watching combat sports such as boxing and mixed martial arts.