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My name is Randall Walker. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I work with individual adults, couples, and families. Although I work with those seeking solutions for a variety of issues, I am especially interested in working with people who are recovering from substance use issues.
My approach
I work from a strengths-based, cognitive-behavioral approach. I help people identify what worked for them in the past and how they might apply past solutions to their current situation. We look at the connection between what people think about their situation and the influence this has on their actions. We collaborate to develop thoughts and behaviors more likely to get clients what they want.
My focus
I work with individual adults, couples, and families. I work with people who are looking to understand their lives and make changes. I work with people who experience depression, anxiety, marital problems, work challenges, stage-of-life concerns, family and relational issues.
My communication style
Sessions are conversational. Clients set the agenda for the day’s conversation. I am not a confrontational therapist. I believe in helping clients increase their motivation for change and then supporting them to take the necessary steps to bring about the desired results.
My journey to mental healthcare
I started my own therapy while in college. I started graduate school with the intention of eventually entering the ministry. However, I realized quickly that therapy fit me better. After receiving my license, I worked in a variety of settings, including social service agencies, treatment programs, and private practice. Most recently, I have been an educator training future counselors and therapists. I have come to appreciate and believe that as a therapist, supporting people in their healing journeys, I am contributing to making our world a more peaceful place.
My goals for you
Clients determine the goals for therapy. We typically identify preliminary goals in our first meeting. I make suggestions about what might be helpful in achieving identified goals. Goal setting can be a fluid process. Goals can change from session to session. Generally, however, it is helpful to know where clients want to go.
My first session with you
We generally spend a few minutes at the start going over the rules for therapy and answering any questions clients might have. I then spend a few minutes getting to know a little about the client, where they live, where they work. We then spend the bulk of our first meeting talking about what has brought them into counseling at this time. We usually end the session by spending a few minutes talking about what they would like to get out of therapy and what that might look like. I like to ask, “How will you know when you don’t need to come to counseling any longer? What will have changed?”
