PRIMARY THERAPIST

THE STUDENTS Scott WORKS WITH HAVE A HISTORY OF:

• Substance Use
• Trauma
• Oppositional Defiance
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Attachment Disruption
• Grief / Loss

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Masters of Mental Health Counseling, University of Phoenix
Duel Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Sociology, University of Utah

25 Years working with adolescents and families
AEGIS Crisis Intervention Certified Instructor
Experienced in: CBT, MIT, DBT, ACT

Program Director, Stillwater Academy
Therapist, Stillwater Academy
Creator/Director, Project IMPACT
Ropes Course/Experiential Education Facilitator, Project Adventure

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PERSONAL APPROACH

I have great reverence for the process of change and growth that students and their families go through while in treatment. I approach therapy as a humble participant in that change process. I embrace the power of relationships in inviting change. With over 25 years of experience in the adolescent treatment industry, I understand that change requires risk and healing can only happen in a safe and nurturing environment. The wilderness provides the perfect milieu for this to take place. I believe that students “would if they could” and often their self-destructive behaviors come from a shame-based view of themselves. When working with a student or parent, my mantra is “don’t get stuck in the thick of thin things”. Often students and parents are so focused on the immediate “problems” that it is difficult for them to recognize a way out of the challenges they face. I take a strength based, relational approach to therapy and love helping students discover their unique strengths and “see” their inherent value, often for the first time. My approach draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and the 12-step model.

I have a calm and patient personality and am not easily rattled or offended. I am not threatened when a student’s behavior is oppositional or challenging and have years of experience de-escalating crisis. I am adept at seeing through a student’s defense mechanisms and using humor and kindness to gain a student’s confidence and trust. I work well with students who have co-occurring issues that come with addiction such as depression, anxiety, trauma and attachment issues. I have a passion for working with adolescents and their families and am grateful for the chance to be involved in the miracles that happen every day with those families.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

When not at work, I can often be found on the soccer pitch refereeing amateur, high school, college, semi-pro and professional soccer. I serve on the Utah State Soccer Referee Committee and love mentoring up and coming referees. I enjoy golf, running, cycling, and anything that has to do with water. I have completed several half marathons, LOTAJA and the Salt to Saint cycling events. My wonderful wife and I are the proud parents to three amazing kids, two kid-in-laws and one grandson. I love spending as much time as possible with family especially if it involves a beach!