Home: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Age: 50. Birthplace: Ontario, Canada. Profession: Psychologist. Organization: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Institute of Manitoba. Title: C. Psych. Pronouns: He/Him. Significant other: Paula Ediger (spouse). Alma mater: Concord College; University of Winnipeg; University of North Dakota; University of Manitoba.
Current project: Psychologist in private practice. Recent recognition: People say I’m a good teacher and a really good therapist (“you saved my life”). Recent professional development: Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. Latest contribution to others: Chair of the Board for the Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Obtaining my Ph.D. in Psychology, my black belt in Taekwondo and my black belt in Hapkido. Hobbies: Fishing/boats, martial arts, reading, dog training. Recent travel or adventure: Trips to South Dakota, Niagara Falls and Vancouver. Last book read: Rethinking Trauma Treatment: Attachment, Memory Reconsolidation, and Resilience, by Courtney Armstrong. Recently viewed and recommended: The Hobbit Trilogy.
Personality profile: Open, warm, down to earth, flexible; ENTJ. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Smart. Moral compass: Canadian Psychological Association ethics guidelines; Faith. How do you define a perfect friendship? Funny, loyal, interesting. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Open communication, trust, loyalty. What is your greatest joy? My family. What is your greatest fear? Letting my family down. What is your guilty pleasure? Fantasy novels. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Blacksmith; physician. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Investments, Cabellas, tech. What is at the top of your bucket list? South America. How do you relieve stress? Reading, talking to friends, fishing, cooking. What is your go-to workout? Walking. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Time to sit and take it in (whatever “it” is).
What was your first paying job? Paperboy. I also worked on a chicken farm. What was your favorite college course? Interpersonal Communication. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? A stuffed dog. What book have you repeatedly read? “Dune” by Frank Herbert. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Young Guns. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? My diplomas. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? John Walker, Ph.D., C. Psych. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Tell the truth. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Know the name of the person who empties your garbage can. What is your go-to source of news and information? Twitter, CBC, CNN. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Internet. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Marrying someone from another country.
What change would you like to see in the world?
The more we can see others as us rather than them, the easier it will be to bring people together for positive change. Challenge in-group/out-group biases that reduce compassion.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Take life off autopilot. Live a value-based life with intentionality. What widely held belief do you reject? Healthy behaviour is natural behaviour.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Jumping in Holes with People. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Jim Gaffigan or James Corden. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandfather. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A police officer, then an English teacher. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? I like objects but none are invaluable. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family, at the lake, boating and swimming. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I proposed to my wife. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? High school. I would work to be more confident.
Personal motto: Ride the Chaos. Favorite quote: “Sometimes I simply remind patients that sooner or later they will have to relinquish the goal of having a better past” (Irvin D. Yalom, The Gift of Therapy: an Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients).
