Biography
I am a retired Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown, NJ. While actively teaching, I was the Founding Director of the University’s doctoral program in counseling psychology. I have taught doctoral, masters, and undergraduate courses in personality theory, psychopathology, counseling and psychotherapy, and spirituality and counseling. At the same time, after earning a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1976, I originally became a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania in 1978, and I have over 40 years of clinical experience. I continue to be actively licensed as a psychologist in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, although my focus is now solely on teaching and writing. In general, I have spent most of the past 50 years learning about, treating, and teaching classes dealing with the core issues in mental illness and emotional dysfunction. Key to that journey has been my growing realization that the spiritual nature of man is vitally important as a source of guidance and strength as individuals face the defining crises of their lives. I have written articles about this psychospiritual resilience perspective and I have given presentations in academic and non-academic settings. My students and presentation participants have overwhelmingly expressed an intuitive appreciation for the validity of this approach and its importance as an integrated theme in psychotherapy. Spiritual identity, meaning, and purpose are readily perceived as the bedrock of emotional well-being, and there is a universal hunger for this soul-stirring dialogue. In this regard, I am currently writing a book based on these spiritual dimensions and I’ll be posting more information about that book as it nears publication. Please scroll through my curriculum vitae for a more detailed look into my education, training, and experience.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
| 1976 | Ph.D. | Counseling Psychology (APA-accredited) | Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL |
| 1974 | MA | Psychology | Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL |
| 1970 | BA | Psychology | Canisius College, Buffalo, NY |
Licenses
| 1991 | Licensed Psychologist, New Jersey State Board of Psychological Examiners, (License Number 35SI00286400). |
| 1978 | Licensed Psychologist, Pennsylvania Board of Psychologist Examiners, (License Number PS002671L). |
Affiliations
Listed in the National Register of Health Service Psychologists (Credential #17680)
Life Status Member, American Psychological Association, Divisions 17, 32 and 41
Senior Member, New Jersey Psychological Association
Member, Pennsylvania Psychological Association
Professional Experience
Academic Administrative Responsibilities
January, 2020 – May, 2021
Chair, Psychology Department, Saint Elizabeth University (formerly known as the College of Saint Elizabeth), Morristown, NJ. The Psychology Department had degree programs leading to the BA, MA, and Psy.D. degrees. Retired as Professor Emeritus in May, 2021. Taught in the Psychology Department as Adjunct Instructor in 2022-2023 academic year.
July, 2017 – December, 2019
Associate Director for Clinical Training, Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Counseling Psychology program, Psychology Department, College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ.
August, 2013 – July, 2017
Founding Director, Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Counseling Psychology program, Psychology Program, College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ.
August, 2012-August, 2013
Coordinator, Graduate Programs in Psychology, Psychology Program, College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ. Served as Coordinator, MA in Counseling Psychology and MA in Forensic Psychology and Counseling programs.
August, 2010-August, 2012
Program Chair for Psychology, Psychology Program, College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ.
Teaching Responsibilities
August, 2007- May, 2021
Professor of Psychology (Professor rank effective AY 2014-2015), Psychology Department, Saint Elizabeth University, Morristown, NJ. Taught undergraduate courses such as: Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology: The Human Life Span, Personality Theory, Introduction to Counseling, Orientation to the Psychology Major, Psychological Tests and Measurements, and Addictions: Twinkies to Tweeter (co-taught with Dr. Paul LaChance).
In addition, taught courses in the MA in Counseling Psychology and MA in Forensic Psychology and Counseling programs, including:: Ethical and Legal Standards in Counseling, Counseling Theories and Methods III-Practicum, Psychopathology and Diagnosis, Counseling Theories and Methods IV & V (Field Experience), Special Topic: Social and Cultural Issues and Applications in International Counseling, Counseling and Spirituality, and Introduction to Forensic Psychology. Finally, taught courses in the doctoral program, including: Recent and Advanced Theories of Personality, Advanced Adult Psychopathology, Techniques in Counseling and Psychotherapy, Doctoral Practicum I, and Doctoral Practicum IV.
1999-August, 2007
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Psychology, College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ. Taught three courses in the Graduate Program in Counseling Psychology: Psychological Applications of Ethical Issues, Psychological Issues in Human Services Leadership, and Psychological Applications of Social Issues.
1980-1985
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Behavioral and Professional Sciences, Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA. Taught courses in developmental psychology, introductory psychology, and psychology for law enforcement officers.
Clinical Experience
1985-2022
Private practice performing individual and marital therapy with adults and adolescents. Experienced in the treatment of anxiety, depression, bereavement, eating disorders, substance abuse, chronic pain, and stress-related conditions. Also experienced in career counseling, life-goals planning, and motivational issues. Clinical interests included integrating spirituality in psychotherapy, as well as self-concept change and its subsequent effect on perseverance, optimism, resilience, and sense of purpose. Closed New Jersey private practice office in 2022.
1979-1985
Executive Director, Court Psychological Services, Inc., P.C., Doylestown, PA. Clinical and administrative responsibility for both a forensic psychology program at the Bucks County Prison and a family counseling service accepting voluntary referrals from the Bucks County Common Pleas Court. Duties included supervision of a multi-disciplinary professional staff and program planning for two government funded contracts (As of January, 1982, voluntarily chose not to renew the prison program contract with the County of Bucks in order to devote more time to private practice, teaching and family referrals).
1976-1978
Staff Psychologist, Outpatient Department, Delaware Valley Mental Health Foundation, Doylestown, PA (Part-time Position).
Staff Psychologist and Assistant Director, Court Diagnostic and Treatment Service, Bucks County Prison (Part-time Position).
1975-1976
Clinical Internship, Outpatient Department, Delaware Valley Mental Health Foundation.
Honors
| 2021 | Professor Emeritus, Saint Elizabeth University |
| 1974 | Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Southern Illinois University Chapter |
| 1972 | Graduate Fellowship, Southern Illinois University |
| 1970 | Magna Cum Laude, Canisius College |
