In addition to my clinical therapy practice, I consult with documentary photographers and filmmakers whose projects focus on contemporary social issues. This interest is reflected in my concern about how photography, film, art, and journalism can educate people about important issues that affect our daily lives, culture, and society.
I focus on how individual psychology (thoughts, feelings, actions) and social forces influence current and historical events. People do not exist in vacuums — we exist in a social context that is influenced by historical patterns. Individual, social, economic, political and cultural factors, when viewed within a historical context, can help us understand our life and times in broader ways. I believe art, culture, and language can be constructively used to help us understand the world better, and improve our individual and social well-being.
I first became serious about photography and social documentary when I purchased my first camera in 1977. I refined my technical and conceptual skills over the years through extensive reading and individual study; workshops with master photojurnalists and documentary photographers (Paul Fusco, Eli Reed, Susan Meiselas) associated with Magnum Photo Agency and a senior photo editor of the Seattle Times; and work with award winning documentary filmmakers.
As consultant, my work focuses on facilitating concept development and refining ideas for projects, using personal exploration to deepen understanding and meaning for the artist and the intended audience, and working through creative blocks.
Organizational Involvements
Trustee of the nationally recognized Seattle based 911 Media Arts Center (2006-2008), and member of the Advisory Board (2008-2010).
Adjunct faculty at Photographic Center Northwest (PCNW.org), and consultant to the Director of Education of PCNW regarding social documentary programming (2005-2009).
Project Credits
Project consultant to Academy Award nominated documentary film producer John Sinno (“Iraq in Fragments”);
Production Assistant, Consultant, Photography to award winning documentary filmmakers Kim Shelton and Bill McMillan (“The Welcome” and “A Great Wonder”).
Consultation with documentary photographers on photo essays and book projects.
Photo and Audio Credits
“The Welcome” website, a film and website about PTSD and healing with war veterans from Vietnam to Iraq/Afghanistan
“Doctors of the Dark Side” a film about Psychologists’ involvement in coercive interrogations and torture in post-September 11th America.
“Interrogate This“, a film about the controversy regarding psychologist involvement in coercive interrogations and torture, and American Psychological Association policies.
“Interrogation Psychologists: The Making of a Crisis“, a film about the origins of the policy of the American Psychological Association (APA) permitting psychologist involvement in interrogation procedures and why the APA risked massive defections for it.
“A Shrink’s Hippocratic Oath“, a Newsweek.com video about the the candidacy for President of the American Psychological Association (APA) by Dr. Steven Reisner, a crusader against APA policy permitting psychologists involvement in interrogation procedures in military and CIA detention centers that operate in violation the Geneva Conventions against torture and international standards of human rights.
World Affairs Council-Seattle (2008). Photographer for annual meeting with featured speaker, economist Paul Krugman (NY Times Columnist and Nobel Laureate)
ACLU- Washington (1997). Photographer for annual meeting honoring artist Jacob Lawrence, and First Amendment expert and NY Times Columnist Anthony Lewis.