My Story
In 1985, I began my career in Occupational Therapy, specializing in the treatment of mental illness and brain injuries. For the next 23 years, I remained dedicated to this field while advancing my education in Clinical Psychology. Life events eventually diverted my professional path, requiring me to work in several unrelated industries, including in-home healthcare, satellite installation, and HVAC, to navigate financial challenges.
​In 2012, I was hired by the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, where I provided treatment services to individuals within the justice system. It was during this time that I began developing what would become my therapeutic model, Integrated Self-Realization.
During my time in clinical service, I was credentialed as a Certified Co-occurring Disorders Professional – Diplomate (CCDP-D) and held IC&RC international certification for addiction-focused mental health treatment. I was also certified by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training as a Specialized Law Enforcement Instructor. At the time, I held a Master’s degree, which was the credential reflected throughout my public service career.
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Following my retirement due to disability, I was able to complete and successfully defend my dissertation in Clinical Psychology. This allowed me to fulfill a long-standing goal by earning the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree.
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Throughout my work, I recognized a recurring pattern: many individuals achieved sobriety, but not true recovery. Evidence-based practices were not reaching the root cause. What I found consistently was unaddressed childhood trauma and neglect, particularly among justice-involved populations. This insight became the foundation for Integrated Self-Realization, a therapeutic approach grounded in Jungian psychoanalysis and influenced by Internal Family Systems Therapy.
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I wrote my books to provide practical tools for people struggling with addiction and personality disorders, especially those caught in the revolving door of the criminal justice system. Today, I remain dedicated to promoting trauma-informed care and purpose-driven recovery through holistic and innovative approaches.
"He who learns must suffer. And even in our sleep, Pain that cannot forget, Falls drop by drop upon the heart, And in our own despair, Against our will, Comes Wisdom to us, By the awful grace of God"
~Aeschylus~
Curriculum Vitae
Certified Co-occurring Disorders Professional - Diplomate (CCDP-D)
[International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium]​
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​Specialized knowledge and skills in the treatment of both mental health and substance use disorders. 'Diplomate' is an advanced level of certification that demonstrates greater expertise and experience in co-occurring disorders treatment.
Drug Court Advisor
14th (District 3) and 19th East (District 1) Circuit Courts in Arkansas.
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Helping individuals navigate the drug court program, ensuring they receive necessary support and treatment to achieve long-term recovery.
Substance Abuse Program Leader
Arkansas Department of Corrections
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Responsible for leading and managing substance abuse treatment programs for offenders, including assessment, treatment planning, counseling, and reporting. Also supervise staff, educate the public, and implement evidence-based treatment practices.
As a Certified Co-occurring Disorders Professional - Diplomate (CCDP-D) in Arkansas, I have extensive experience in treating mental illness as it directly relates to addiction. ​I also hold a certification as a Specialized Law Enforcement Instructor. ​I was a Drug Court Advisor for the 14th Judicial Circuit, Division 3, and 19th Judicial Circuit, Division 1, from March 2012 - April 2013. A Substance Abuse Program Leader with the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Area-2 March 2013 - March 2022. Currently, providing Recovery Coaching through Inner Pursuit of Happiness October 2022 - Present.
Years of Professional Practice
With a proven track record of success, my combined expertise, compassion, and innovation enable me to deliver transformative guidance for individuals seeking freedom from addiction and trauma.