Hi, I’m Phil
I take a humanistic approach to my work. That is, I believe that all of us have an inherent capacity to meet our needs and a drive to evolve. My job as a therapist is to help clients clear impediments to accessing this innate capacity, thereby helping clients help themselves.
Research on what contributes to effective therapy shows that a strong therapeutic alliance, in a safe space, leads to optimal conditions for healing and change.
My Background & Approach
Before becoming a counselor, I worked in Las Vegas’s gaming industry. But because I didn’t find the work fulfilling, I sought out volunteer opportunities to add a sense of purpose to my life. Addiction was a struggle that was close to home, so I decided to begin volunteering at a detox center. This was my chance to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
Through this experience, I was inspired to pursue a career as a therapist. I enrolled in a master’s program for mental health counseling and educational psychology in 1990, receiving my degree four years later. Since then, I’ve worked with a variety of clients in a variety of mental health capacities, sincerely enjoying my practice every step of the way.
“Yesterday, I Was Clever, So I Wanted To Change The World. Today, I Am Wise, So I Am Changing Myself.” - Rumi
As a dual licensed clinician, I am both a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and an addictions counselor (LCADC). I invite individuals, couples, and families into therapy for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, and relationship concerns.
In my experience, I find that often, client symptoms are associated with relational issues. From this perspective, I aim to help clients understand how their relational systems affect their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—and vice versa. My counseling style is integrative, and I adjust my approach to the needs of each client.
Regardless of what brings a client to therapy, I work well with those who are motivated toward personal growth. I pride myself on being an active, empathetic listener with a good sense of humor who is focused on the goals of each client. I routinely gather feedback from my clients to help strengthen the therapeutic relationship, and I believe in creating a safe, collaborative atmosphere to facilitate growth.
I maintain a private practice at Red Rock Counseling, an agency that operates as an approved internship site for multiple graduate training programs in the area. Currently, in addition to serving clients daily, I supervise both graduate students and state interns. I am an approved supervisor with the NV State Board of Examiners and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
More About Me
Outside of work, I lead an active and connected personal life. I’ve been happily married to my wife for over 25 years, and together, we own and operate a senior residential care facility. If we aren’t too busy with that, we love to travel, explore the outdoors, and spend time with our children (two humans and two dogs). If you are a client seeking individual, family, or couples therapy, I am a trained, experienced clinician who can help. For more information about my services, contact me.