My Experience.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I specialize in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I have nearly two decades of experience formally helping people and more than 13 years of training in psychology—earning a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree in the field of psychology. I also have an additional Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and another Master of Science in Health Law & Policy.
I joined the Army Reserves at the age of 17 and served in special operations—the 12th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and 93rd Psychological Operations (PSYOPS). I was Airborne in the 12th group, and served in Bosnia in PSYOPS as a computer graphics illustrator and artist—my job was to design the propaganda.
After attending Loyola University for my undergraduate studies, I then learned how to fly planes. I also worked for two years as an activity therapist for children and adolescents with severe behavioral disorders in a locked psychiatric facility (the Catholic church might want to consider this job as an effective form of birth control).
When the facility closed, I then pursued competitive skydiving in addition to receiving my Master of Science in Health Law & Policy in the Public Services Management Program and at the College of Law at DePaul University. During this time I also worked at The Center for Ethics and Advocacy in Health Care (Techny, IL), as the Director of Development and Special Projects.
Having studied economics and finance, I wanted to have a greater impact re-directing other people’s money to important causes, so I managed a wealth management consulting firm and became a financial advisor specializing in charitable trusts. I enjoyed it immensely; however, life offered a course correction, as it often does.
So I pursued my PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of New Mexico. I was fortunate to have the co-founder of Motivational Interviewing, William R. Miller, Ph.D., as my graduate advisor. Bill is one of the most impactful psychologists of our time—and MI is one of the best ways to help people change quickly.
I was also privileged to study with Barbara McCrady, PhD for two years—another incredibly well-accomplished clinical scientist and a very strong mentor.
During graduate school I did many (mostly legal) things.
Memorized the DSM, verbatim.
Completed advance course work and studies.
Was a research assistant for a homeless adolescent project.
Co-authored various published studies and abstracts, including, ‘Hettama, J., Steele, J.M. & Miller, W.R. (2005). Motivational Interviewing. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1, 91-111.’
Went 168mph on my motorcycle.
Treated as many people as possible in our clinic, from the beginning of my first year.
Re-designed and painted the psychology clinic because space and surroundings matter.
Started a “pay-it-forward” initiative.
Proved once again, that yes, indeed, I was in special forces.
Was the Instructor of Record for 19 undergraduate courses—General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Abnormal Behaviors, and Human Learning & Behavior—and received very high ratings for my courses, content, and style.
And, most importantly, I finally began to realize that much of the DSM ought to be forgotten, not remembered.
After graduate training at UNM, I completed a one-year scientist-practitioner, APA-accredited internship at a consortium between the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), National Crime Victims Center, and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (2009-2010).
John Roitzsch, PhD taught me the importance of tea, hugs, and having only “honored guests” as clients. I also treated veterans with trauma issues, developed and led groups at MUSC’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for substance use, and developed and implemented programs for inpatient psychiatry at MUSC.
Afterwards, I completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University at the Cognitive Behavioral Research and Treatment Program (2010-2012), where I engaged in the following: research on veterans with co-morbid substance use disorders and PTSD and homeless individuals with crack addiction; provided psychotherapy for outpatients; and assisted in clinical supervision for MD-level psychiatric residents, clinical psychology pre-doctoral interns, and graduate practicum students.
My next position was at the School of Medicine at Duke University, where I was an attending from 2012-2015, and the lead Clinical Psychologist at Duke University Health System at Duke Integrative Medicine from 2015-2018.
I became a highly successful and sought-after psychologist—both as a clinician and educator. I learned how to treat people better—and more importantly—how not to treat people.
I was nominated “Professor of the Year” the years I taught residents in the School of Medicine and was asked to speak at the graduation ceremony. Many students studied with me for multiple years.
I was referred to regularly to treat athletes, difficult and complicated cases, and high-profile cases and/or family members of “very important people” —by administrators and clinicians who never quite understood that every single person I treated and taught was very important to me.
During all those years, I thrived on my desire to treat and teach. And again, I never once met a “treatment-resistant depressed or traumatized” person—though I did meet a lot of people who were not getting the appropriate care, teaching, or supervision (which better explained those people’s “resistance”).
My people got better quickly—and my trainees learned actual skills to become effective clinicians.
LICENSURE
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, North Carolina (#4267)
Certified Health Services Provider Psychologist (HSP-P)
FORMAL EDUCATION & TRAINING
2010-2012, Postdoctoral Fellowship, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
Cognitive Behavioral Research and Treatment Program.
2010, Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
APA-accredited clinical scientist program. Graduate training from 2003-2010.
Advisors: William Miller, PhD, 2003 until his retirement, 2008; Barbara McCrady, PhD: 2008-2010.
Dissertation: Eliciting abstinence and improving retention in a vocational and educational training program for young people: A pilot study.
2010, Clinical Psychology Intern, Charleston Consortium-Charleston, SC
Substance Abuse Track. APA-accredited, 1-year scientist-practitioner internship program—80% clinical, 20% research—2009-2010.
Research Preceptor & Clinical Supervisor: John Roitzsch, PhD
Consortium included collaboration between the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), National Crime Victims Center, and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center.
2008, Master of Science, Clinical Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Advisor: William Miller, PhD
Thesis: Wisdom, spirituality, and growth after trauma: A search for meaning after sexual assault.
1998, Master of Science with Distinction, Health Law & Policy, DePaul University, Chicago, IL
A joint program with DePaul College of Law and Public Services Management, DePaul University.
Advisor: Susan Sanders, PhD
Thesis: The Americans with Disabilities Act: Should asymptomatic HIV-positive individuals be protected against discrimination?
1994, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
1994, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
*If you would like an expanded, narrative version of my life, please click here: