About Me

Wade Warden, MA
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Under the Supervision of Jim Fry,
Life Coaching & Counseling Centers

Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
B.S. Religion: Biblical and Theological Studies
Member of the American Counseling Association
Member of the American Association of Christian Counselors

I did not start my counseling career until later in life. I am not only a therapist but also an Army veteran, a business owner, and a contractor. I have also worked as a licensed clinical laboratory technologist and certified nursing assistant. As you can imagine, I have had many life experiences that enable me to relate to my clients and my clients to feel comfortable with whom they are entering into a counseling relationship. I have experienced the challenges associated with military service, separation from family, divorce, blending of families, and the consequences of unhealthy coping skills.

Returning to school at an age most people are transitioning into early retirement; I felt called to pursue ministry bi-vocationally. During the second semester of divinity school, God prompted a change in direction. My call to ministry would take the form of mental health counseling.

When determining a pathway to healing, I develop a treatment plan with the client, not for the client. While my primary theoretical orientation to therapy is solution-focused brief therapy, other techniques are often used based on the client’s personality, history, and strengths. Drawing from techniques such as (but not limited to) psychoanalytic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, bibliotherapy, reality/choice therapy, Gestalt therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, and mindful therapy clients can feel confident that any and all resources will be made available to facilitate healing. I recognize that all theories have something to offer when tailoring treatment with the client. Even theories that were, or still are considered secular and humanistic, I integrate my faith into them with absolute confidence that God can use all things for good according to his purpose (Rom 8:28).

My counseling experience and client base are full-spectrum. Diversity is what motivates me to challenge myself and my clients. I meet clients wherever they are and explore their world within the context of their culture and beliefs while relying heavily on my Christian faith to exemplify the love of Christ. Elements from many theoretical orientations and techniques are integrated while remaining faithful to my solution-focused brief therapy orientation.

Children: play therapy, sand tray therapy, drama therapy
Adolescent and youth: Age-appropriate cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, art therapy, and drama therapy.
Women: cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness brief
therapy, strength-based therapy, and bibliotherapy.
Men: cognitive-behavioral therapy, choice/reality therapy, ecotherapy
Couples: Solution-focused brief therapy