Counseling Approach
The foundation of my approach to counseling is an asset-based, family systems perspective.
Asset-based
“Asset-based” means that while I seek to understand and fully address any given “problem,” I nevertheless place emphasis on identifying what strengths each individual, couple or family possesses. Sometimes we can get so “problem focused” that we forget we really do have considerable internal and external resources to get to the place we want to be. As important as our difficulty is, we are much more than our problem.
I partner with my clients in re-discovering (or sometimes discovering for the first time) their considerable strengths and how to apply those strengths to their issue of concern. My broad life experiences with a wide variety of people, contexts and issues have all given me a profound respect and compassion for my clients who face their challenges head on. I realize that coming to counseling is sometimes a difficult proposition; people may have mixed feelings or expectations about their situation and the possibilities of counseling. I seek to create an environment that is warm, safe and supportive, a place where clients are free to honestly share their truest concerns and fears. I challenge my clients to work hard as they discover fresh perspective and deepening hope. I believe in the fundamental dignity and resilient potential of each client. I am able to work with clients on short-term problem solving over a few sessions, or longer-term growth work.
Asset-based
“Asset-based” means that while I seek to understand and fully address any given “problem,” I nevertheless place emphasis on identifying what strengths each individual, couple or family possesses. Sometimes we can get so “problem focused” that we forget we really do have considerable internal and external resources to get to the place we want to be. As important as our difficulty is, we are much more than our problem.
I partner with my clients in re-discovering (or sometimes discovering for the first time) their considerable strengths and how to apply those strengths to their issue of concern. My broad life experiences with a wide variety of people, contexts and issues have all given me a profound respect and compassion for my clients who face their challenges head on. I realize that coming to counseling is sometimes a difficult proposition; people may have mixed feelings or expectations about their situation and the possibilities of counseling. I seek to create an environment that is warm, safe and supportive, a place where clients are free to honestly share their truest concerns and fears. I challenge my clients to work hard as they discover fresh perspective and deepening hope. I believe in the fundamental dignity and resilient potential of each client. I am able to work with clients on short-term problem solving over a few sessions, or longer-term growth work.
Family Systems
"Family systems” means that I look at issues not just from an individual perspective, but also from the perspective of how everyone involved functions together. We co-influence one another, sometimes in complex and subtle ways. What’s more, we carry with us all of our relationships, past and present, and these relationships are often an “unseen” influence on our current concern. Rarely is a given problem purely an “individual” issue; almost always it fits into some kind of larger relational context. I bring clarity to these important systemic relational dynamics, equipping clients with key insights and direction on how to get out of stuck patterns and make satisfying changes.
I integrate a variety of theories, methodologies and techniques to incorporate what is most helpful for each client. I often utilize concepts from solution-focused therapy, attachment theory, individual and family development, intergenerational and family of origin perspectives, Internal Family Systems, narrative therapy, interpersonal neurobiology, cognitive-behavioral therapy and existential and faith-focused perspectives.
"Family systems” means that I look at issues not just from an individual perspective, but also from the perspective of how everyone involved functions together. We co-influence one another, sometimes in complex and subtle ways. What’s more, we carry with us all of our relationships, past and present, and these relationships are often an “unseen” influence on our current concern. Rarely is a given problem purely an “individual” issue; almost always it fits into some kind of larger relational context. I bring clarity to these important systemic relational dynamics, equipping clients with key insights and direction on how to get out of stuck patterns and make satisfying changes.
I integrate a variety of theories, methodologies and techniques to incorporate what is most helpful for each client. I often utilize concepts from solution-focused therapy, attachment theory, individual and family development, intergenerational and family of origin perspectives, Internal Family Systems, narrative therapy, interpersonal neurobiology, cognitive-behavioral therapy and existential and faith-focused perspectives.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
An additional methodology that I utilize when appropriate for individual clients is a neurobiological treatment with proven effectiveness, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); successful outcomes are also well-documented in the literature for treatment of other psychiatric disorders, mental health problems, and somatic symptoms. You may go to my EMDR page to learn more. |
Your values are respected
As a Christian minister, I am aware of the influence our spirituality and faith can have on our values and individual and relational functioning. My clients include those with a wide range of spiritual and non-spiritual backgrounds. When clients desire to incorporate their faith and core values into their counseling, I am glad to explore this in a manner that is respectful of their traditions and present experience. No client is ever refused services because of their religious beliefs (or on the basis of race, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, health status, national origin, or sexual orientation).
Areas of focus
I provide therapy to individuals, couples and families, working directly with older children, adolescents and adults. My emphasis is on addressing all things relational: parenting, dating, pre-marital, marital, divorce, blended family, sibling relationships, family of origin, peer and work relationships. Issues that I address include: relational conflict, communication problems, identity and self-esteem issues, past and present abuse, sexual concerns, anger, anxiety, OCD, depression, loss and grief, PTSD, trauma, pornography, affairs and behavioral concerns and habits.
If I am not able to provide you the professional service that you require, I am glad to provide you referrals to other professionals and I am also glad to work with other professionals in a team approach.
As a Christian minister, I am aware of the influence our spirituality and faith can have on our values and individual and relational functioning. My clients include those with a wide range of spiritual and non-spiritual backgrounds. When clients desire to incorporate their faith and core values into their counseling, I am glad to explore this in a manner that is respectful of their traditions and present experience. No client is ever refused services because of their religious beliefs (or on the basis of race, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, health status, national origin, or sexual orientation).
Areas of focus
I provide therapy to individuals, couples and families, working directly with older children, adolescents and adults. My emphasis is on addressing all things relational: parenting, dating, pre-marital, marital, divorce, blended family, sibling relationships, family of origin, peer and work relationships. Issues that I address include: relational conflict, communication problems, identity and self-esteem issues, past and present abuse, sexual concerns, anger, anxiety, OCD, depression, loss and grief, PTSD, trauma, pornography, affairs and behavioral concerns and habits.
If I am not able to provide you the professional service that you require, I am glad to provide you referrals to other professionals and I am also glad to work with other professionals in a team approach.
Michael D. Ward, M.Div., M.A., LCMFT
110 North Cherry Street, Suite 235
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: 913.940.2051
110 North Cherry Street, Suite 235
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: 913.940.2051