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 become so “problem focused” that we forget we truly do have considerable internal and external resources to get to where we want to be. As important as our difficulties are, we are much more than our problems. 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 concern.
My broad life experiences with a wide variety of people, settings, and issues have all given me a profound respect and compassion for my clients who face their challenges head-on. I recognize that coming to counseling is sometimes a difficult decision; people may have mixed feelings or uncertainty about their situation and what counseling can offer. 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 become so “problem focused” that we forget we truly do have considerable internal and external resources to get to where we want to be. As important as our difficulties are, we are much more than our problems. 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 concern.
My broad life experiences with a wide variety of people, settings, and issues have all given me a profound respect and compassion for my clients who face their challenges head-on. I recognize that coming to counseling is sometimes a difficult decision; people may have mixed feelings or uncertainty about their situation and what counseling can offer. 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 larger relational context.
I bring clarity to these important systemic relational dynamics, equipping clients with key insights and direction on how to break out of stuck patterns and make meaningful changes. I integrate a variety of theories, methods, and techniques, incorporating what is most helpful for each client. I often draw 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. I also draw deeply from the insights into our shared humanity and universal experiences often found in philosophy and great literary fiction.
"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 larger relational context.
I bring clarity to these important systemic relational dynamics, equipping clients with key insights and direction on how to break out of stuck patterns and make meaningful changes. I integrate a variety of theories, methods, and techniques, incorporating what is most helpful for each client. I often draw 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. I also draw deeply from the insights into our shared humanity and universal experiences often found in philosophy and great literary fiction.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
An additional approach I utilize when appropriate for individual clients is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a neurobiological treatment with proven effectiveness. 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 visit my EMDR page to learn more. |
Your values are respected
As a Christian minister, I am aware of the influence that spirituality and faith can have on our values and individual and relational functioning. My clients come from a wide range of spiritual and non-spiritual backgrounds. When clients wish 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 on the basis of religious beliefs, 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 both adolescents and young to older adults. My emphasis is on addressing all things relational: parenting, dating, pre-marital, marital, divorce, blended family, sibling, family-of-origin, and peer and work relationships. Issues I address include: relational conflict, communication problems, identity and self-esteem, 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 unable to provide the professional service you require, I am glad to offer referrals to other professionals and am also happy to collaborate in a team approach.
As a Christian minister, I am aware of the influence that spirituality and faith can have on our values and individual and relational functioning. My clients come from a wide range of spiritual and non-spiritual backgrounds. When clients wish 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 on the basis of religious beliefs, 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 both adolescents and young to older adults. My emphasis is on addressing all things relational: parenting, dating, pre-marital, marital, divorce, blended family, sibling, family-of-origin, and peer and work relationships. Issues I address include: relational conflict, communication problems, identity and self-esteem, 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 unable to provide the professional service you require, I am glad to offer referrals to other professionals and am also happy to collaborate 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