About Josh

In high school I thought I was going to be an Olympic rower. In college I studied to become a Biblical scholar. After I got married, I decided to study Couples Therapy. The latter seemed to stick. I still want my chance at the Olympics...

Other interesting facts: I moved out of the country at age 16 by myself, dropped out of high school (to start college early), have lived in the 4 most popular cities in the country (I'll let you guess which ones they are), and I probably have the most horrible handwriting you'll ever see (apologies to all the graphologists of the world). I've been married for almost 15 years to the same wonderful woman who is also a therapist (lucky us). If you want to hear my joke about 15 years married, I'll share it with you next time we meet. ;)

I have 6 kids. Nope, that's not a typo. I get intimidated by offering parenting classes (don't wanna jinx myself), and I admit to knowing firsthand what it's like to raise kids with learning disabilities, off the charts smart, attitude, sibling rivalry, puberty, waking up in the night to change diapers, to run to the ER, or to look at those little angels while they're sleeping wondering how could they ever cause so much stress.

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About Josh, the Couples Therapist

And now for a little bit about me as a therapist. I don't believe in bad guys, but I do believe that mistakes are made and need healing. I believe every behavior has a reason, even if you can't imagine it ever making sense why he/she (or you) do X (fill in the blank with whatever you'd like). I don't justify behavior, but I do justify feelings. And I try to help you understand them. It is my job as the couples therapist to help you understand yourself and each other. I am a firm believer that the vulnerable human emotions that we all have are the secret hiding place where hearts lock on to each other. A few fun (and some important) facts about me as a therapist:

I have sought and trained in a multitude of couples therapies with some of the greatest couples therapists of our generation.
My approach is Systemic, Attachment based, Humanistic, Experiential, Client Centered, and Solution Focused (If those don't mean much to you, don't worry about it.)
I am ICEEFT certified as an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist and Supervisor.
Along with seeing couples, I offer supervision in couples counseling, lead a peer group consultation for therapists learning EFT, and serve on the Chicago Center of EFT board. So, yes, I have an affinity towards EFT.
I offer workshops for couples, check out www.holdmetightchicago.com.
I offer workshops for therapists looking to learn couples therapy (Feel free to contact me if you'd like to know more about those, as I don't always have them on my website.).
I am 6' 3", so be prepared to look up (until we all sit down).
Despite my height, I am unabashedly horrible at basketball.
I have worked with a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, and I always strive to understand and create a comfortable space for us to work together.

Couples Therapy is an art. The final mosaic should be a picture of hope, connection, understanding, and dreams coming true. I look forward to creating that mosaic with you.

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