Ross Walden, Counselor in Columbia, 65203

Ross Walden, MEd, JD

Profession(s):
Counseling, Psychotherapy, Coaching
License Status:
Other (see below)
Licensing Info:
I'm a Provisionally Licensed Professional
Primary License:
Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor

My Approach to Helping

I believe in helping people approach life's challenges in the "here and now," focusing on positive solutions, then working with them to gain insight to better understand the underlying issues and beliefs that have brought them to their current place in life.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

Anxiety and depression, often the result of life transition or past trauma. Much of my work has been in this area.

My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy

To help people move forward with their lives in a healthy way while also gaining greater understanding of who they are as a person.

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

Watching people grow and change motivates me. I love walking with people through the process of realizing they are capable of achieving their true potential.

My Role as a Therapist

My role as a therapist is to walk with people as they gain insight into themselves and find solutions to the challenges they face.

On the Fence About Going to Therapy?

There doesn't have to be something "wrong" with someone for them to go to therapy. Quite the opposite: the fact that someone has the courage to seek therapy tells me they desire to experience personal growth and change in their lives. I disagree with the notion that everyone must be tagged with a diagnosis, so I shy away from labelling people.

Had a Negative Therapy Experience?

Some people have tried therapy before and had bad experiences. I encourage them to come in for a consultation and see if we are able to establish a therapeutic rapport. If not, I am always willing to refer them to someone who may be a better fit for them.

Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist

Finding someone who demonstrates competence, rapport, and compassion.

How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist

Absolutely. I am a recovering alcoholic with 11 years of sobriety, and have dealt with both anxiety and depression in my past. Having dealt with these and many other of the same life challenges my clients are facing helps me approach their situations with more understanding and empathy.

Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed

It takes a great amount of inner strength to make the choice to go to therapy. The mere fact that someone is willing to be open to making changes in their life suggests that they have much more strength of character than they believe they possess.

My View on the Nature of 'Disorders'

In some cases, people are born with certain predispositions. However, I believe most mental health concerns are the result of how one interprets the events that have influenced their life. Labelling people with "disorders" and diagnoses is not consistent with my view of emotional and mental health.

The Duration and Frequency of Therapy

That depends entirely on the individual. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience. In general, the course and frequency of therapy is a joint decision.