Some know me as a therapist, musician, dad, friend, son, brother, and giant husband. Those are some of the roles I play. Who I really am is a man full of love, compassion, and desire for understanding. I also prefer tall, dark, and handsome. A long time ago, a beautiful woman came into my life and later became my wife. She took me on a journey that I don’t think anyone could ever envision filled with trips to beach front paradises and then to psychiatric facilities. She led me to the brink of breakdown and then to the strongest place I have ever been. I am here to share my story and knowledge with you in hopes that you may experience the growth and wisdom I have gained from these adventures.

I am a licensed psychotherapist by trade. I was trained in various methods of treatment including but not limited to solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy with certification in marriage and family therapy. All are used to help clients find new ways to cope with their stressors while working towards a healthier, happier life.

I am a musician as well. I started with piano when I was in 1st grade and have played guitar for the past 25 years and have had the fortune of acquiring and learning other instruments over the years. Playing music has been a form of therapy for me since I can remember. It is truly a spiritual experience for me nearly every time I take the stage.

As a psychotherapist I spent close to a decade working at an inpatient psychiatric hospital with suicidal, homicidal, psychotic, and out of control patients for the entire state of Wisconsin and part of Michigan. This was a line I used to use over and over to explain what I did. Unfortunately, it really doesn’t tell much of anything. It simply reflected that I spent time with people that were in a very difficult place. I now work in the outpatient clinic with people who also struggle with finding themselves and a happier way to live.

Through the death of my father-in-law, Dr. “Doc” Thomas Geocaris and of my father Dr. Peter Bordini, I learned to appreciate others while living life to the fullest by taking each day as it may be my last. In doing so, I learned to see the world in a different way, including how I practiced psychotherapy and did coaching and consulting. I learned to remain appreciative of the Western medical model while trying to incorporate the Eastern holistic methods that have been around for centuries. As my wife taught me, I had to learn to be simplistic about everything, especially in how we approach loving the self in mind, body, and spirit.

I have been blessed to know my ever-amazing, brilliant, and talented wife, Kerry Geocaris since 2000. We skillfully created our bundles of joy, Elliot and Teya. I love spending time with them doing just about anything. I love spending time with music, both playing and listening. I love to run. I love to laugh. I love to love. I have learned that life is too short to wait to tell people how you feel.

When I met my wife, Simply Kerry, she was just Kerry and definitely not “simple.” We shared a lengthy journey of healing that evolved into the work we are called to perform each day.

We had to learn how to care for ourselves. I was a rescuer. I tried over and over to save others, especially Kerry.

As she struggled with depression, my worry grew. This was my second education. I learned that I cannot make decisions for others. I can only help guide them.

Once I stopped living a life of damage control I was able to look inward and see that the most important change needed was in me.

I learned how to better care for my mind, body, and spirit. I learned to be transparent and share from the mistakes and triumphs I made. 

This change in perspective often happens when we are faced with losing the ones we love. I watched my father-in-law gracefully live their days to the fullest while fighting cancer. I watched my father fight his battle as well. I watched my wife grow in strength and healing. I began realizing that life is too short to be quiet and passive.

I realized we need to find our voices, share our stories, and alter the direction of the main characters because the ending has yet to be written.

The work I do as a psychotherapist and life coach involves helping others find their voice, see their pathway, and determine which direction to take to fulfill the story they want to write.

I try to be transparent so that the positive effects from others that rippled into my life continue onto the next person.