(He/Him)
In-Person and Telehealth Sessions Available
Supervised by Tameka Franklin, LPC-S
Not every kid opens up in traditional talk therapy. Some process better through story, gameplay, and creative expression. If your child shuts down when asked direct questions, struggles to name their feelings, or has tried therapy before without success, Andrew’s approach might be exactly what they need.
Who Andrew Works Best With
Andrew specializes in working with children and teens (ages 9-18) who:
- Struggle in traditional talk therapy or have “failed” previous therapy attempts
- Are neurodivergent (autism spectrum, ADHD, anxiety) and need alternative ways to express themselves
- Love gaming, fantasy, sci-fi, world-building, or creative storytelling
- Have a hard time talking directly about emotions or difficult experiences
- Feel like they don’t fit in or haven’t found “their people”
- Process experiences better through metaphor and narrative than direct discussion
Andrew’s Therapeutic Approach: Narrative Therapy Using Role-Playing Games
Andrew uses narrative therapy and role-playing games (like Dungeons & Dragons and Monster of the Week) as primary therapeutic tools. This isn’t just “playing games” – it’s evidence-based therapy that uses story and gameplay to help kids work through anxiety, depression, social challenges, trauma, and identity issues.
Here’s how it works: When your child creates a character and navigates challenges in a story, they’re actually processing real-life struggles in a safe, metaphorical space. The dragon they’re fighting might represent their anxiety. The quest to find a lost artifact might mirror their struggle with identity or belonging. This indirect approach helps kids explore difficult emotions and experiences they couldn’t talk about directly.
Andrew also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and person-centered approaches, tailoring his methods to each client’s needs. But narrative therapy and creative expression are his specialty and where he sees the most growth with clients who struggle in traditional settings.
What Parents Should Know
Andrew’s approach might look different from what you expect. Your child will be engaged, creative, possibly laughing and having fun. That is the therapy happening. Deep therapeutic work often happens most effectively when kids don’t feel like they’re “in therapy.”
Andrew provides regular parent check-ins to help you understand the therapeutic themes being explored and how they connect to your child’s growth and presenting concerns. You’ll see how the creative work translates to real-world skill development and emotional processing.
Andrew’s Background
Andrew brings a unique combination of experiences to his work. He served eight years in the U.S. Navy and spent seven years as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) working with children ages 5-18 on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This background gives him deep understanding of neurodivergent children, military families, and those who communicate differently.
He’s also a genuine member of the gaming and fantasy community – he loves tabletop RPGs like Pathfinder and Dungeons & Dragons not just as therapeutic tools, but as personal interests. This authenticity helps him connect with kids who love these worlds and understand their language and culture.
Andrew Also Works With
- Veterans and military families (his Navy background provides cultural understanding)
- First responders dealing with occupational stress
- Young adults navigating life transitions
- Men who are starting over after a divorce or separation
Who Andrew Is
Outside of work, Andrew spends time with his wife, children, family, and friends. He’s an avid reader and tabletop RPG enthusiast. He brings the same curiosity, creativity, and genuine care to his work with clients that he brings to the rest of his life.
Education & Credentials
- S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Walden University
- S. in Psychology, Sam Houston State University
- Texas LPC-Associate #96908
- 8 years service in the U.S. Navy
- 7 years as Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT)
Is Andrew Right for Your Child?
If your child has struggled in traditional therapy, loves creative storytelling or gaming, or processes experiences better through narrative than direct conversation, Andrew’s approach might be an excellent fit. During the intake process, we’ll discuss whether his narrative therapy approach aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s goals.