Meet Erik - Founder of the BARC Method
From combat deployments and invisible wounds to building a path where dog training and personal growth work together. Erik’s life story is one like no other. His vision for the BARC Method isn’t to replace traditional medicine or therapy. He simply wants to provide an additional tool for those who are suffering.
Timeline of Events Leading to the BARC Method
Some of Erik’s experiences
which helped shape his
vision for the BARC
Method go all the way back
to his early childhood. But
for this abbreviated
timeline, we’re starting with his
military days and mixing in
some highlights to help provide
the full picture.
Afghanistan
Following a year at the South Korea / North Korea border and a deployment to Iraq, Erik was deployed to Afghanistan with Homer.
Back from War
This is an article from when Erik and Homer received recognition for the actions we did together while overseas.
Civilian Life
Following a medical retirement due to PTSD, TBI, and more, Erik was extremely lucky to find a job with the nation’s largest supplier of service dogs for veterans.
New York Times
PAW Service Dogs
Erik’s desire to help as many individuals and families as possible led him to the path of creating a nonprofit entity called P.A.W. Service Dogs.
Airport Training
Some of Erik’s previous and current families he was helping showed up for training at the Jacksonville Airport.
PAW - Therapy Dog Training
Lifelong Friendships
Recognition
First Coast News in Jacksonville did a news story on Erik and his efforts with P.A.W. Service Dogs.
Decision Making Time
While fulfilling his desire to help others was being met, his finances were suffering. At the same time, he still felt that there was a way to help a greater number of individuals and families than one-on-one training.
Getting to Work
Erik spent more than 2 years of researching cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness, positive psychology, how the brain works, and proven self-improvement techniques. As well as teaching himself the world of AI and information technology.
The BARC Method
Over 15 years of experience in training military working dogs, companion dogs, puppies, service dogs, therapy dogs, and even livestock guardian dogs + Living with invisible wounds + Overcoming multiple suicide attempts + More than 2 years of research, writing, and creation = The Blended Approach for Renewal and Change…The BARC Method
and then 