Balanced Treatment

Wes considers the client as a whole. The client's current concerns are viewed within the framework of their cultural influences, life experiences, family relationships, community relationships, lifestyle choices, interpersonal patterns, worldview, spiritual beliefs, and many other factors. The client experiences this as a tailored approach, rather than a set of mechanical therapy techniques. When appropriate, Wes can also provide feedback on alternatives to medication, such as herbal teas, nutritional supplements, and other natural options.

Wes respects the past 130+ years of psychological and sociological research, including recent knowledge gained in trauma research, neuroscience, and somatic approaches. Wes has not devoted himself to one particular type of therapy intervention, but integrates the core ingredients from a variety of treatment approaches. This allows the client an individually-tailored, effective, expedient, and evidence-based therapy experience.

Wes helps clients see themselves, their relationships, and their worldview with clarity. The psychodynamic approach allows the client to make connections between the past and present, while more mindfully moving into the future. With increased insight, the client can see generalized and repetitive patterns that may be affecting multiple areas of their life. This provides for long term benefits, instead of short term bandaids. 

Wes recognizes the impact that painful or frightening historical experiences can have on a client's wellbeing in the present. Past distressing experiences can lead to a variety of consequences, from subtle "body memories" (e.g. feelings of anxiety, restlessness, or tension) to terrifying nightmares or intense PTSD flashbacks. Using the latest evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, Wes can help clients release stored memories in the body and mind. This can lead to dramatic and expedient decreases in symptoms, alongside profound improvements in overall quality of life.  

Wes provides clients with immediate tools for improving the quality of their lives. By learning and practicing these individually-tailored tools, clients can develop powerful relaxation techniques, emotion regulation strategies, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. 

Wes recognizes that many Christian clients prefer a therapist who understands their worldview and core values. Wes is deeply invested in his faith and is equipped to help Christians who do not see emotional and spiritual health as inherently separate concerns.  Additionally, Wes has recurrently seen miraculous transformative healing occur in the lives of believers and appreciates the profound role that faith can play in a client's healing journey.