Anxiety, depression, and relationship issues are experiences that many of us encounter at various times in our lives. If you are feeling overwhelmed by negative emotions or believe you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or any combination of stressors affecting your peace of mind and relationships, we may be a good fit for each other. You are not alone in your struggles, and you deserve to regain the peace of mind and joy that seem to elude you right now. My primary goal is to help you transition from merely feeling good to truly living well. I draw from a range of educational, career, and life experiences to support individuals holistically. My therapeutic approach combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Process-Based Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with mind-body techniques. As a licensed marriage and family therapist and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with over 30 years of experience, I employ compassion, positive psychology, and Mindfulness to help adults and adolescents reach their fullest potential. Therapy provides a safe space to address mental health struggles and overcome challenges. My methods, particularly ACT, CBT, and Positive Psychology, are effective in treating issues such as addiction, anxiety, depression, anger, and trauma. They also assist individuals and couples facing relationship or parenting difficulties. Through ACT, you will learn to be more psychologically present, connect with your values, and make space for life’s inevitable pain. You will also discover how to take actionable steps despite emotional discomfort and cultivate an appreciation for each moment in your life. While my specialty is brief therapy, some situations may require an extended therapeutic relationship, which can be beneficial for adults and parents dealing with complex mental health challenges and navigating difficult child-rearing adjustments at home.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), aims to help individuals maximize their potential and live a meaningful life while effectively managing the inevitable pain that comes with it. In our first session, I will help you identify what truly matters to you and teach you the skills to handle challenging thoughts and emotions, fully engage in your activities, and appreciate the fulfilling aspects of life. I will also ask about your therapy goals and how you will measure the success of our time together. In subsequent sessions, my main focus will be identifying improvements and positive changes in your life.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
In my work, I focus on creating solutions rather than merely addressing problems. Positive Psychology, which is similar to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals shift their perspective and regain control over their lives. When combined with ACT, this method draws on traditional behavioral and cognitive therapy, demonstrating effectiveness in treating issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, self-harm, and post-traumatic stress. It also supports individuals and couples facing relationship or parenting challenges. In my practice, I prioritize observing objective and visible behaviors rather than emphasizing diagnoses or labels. The therapeutic relationship is about understanding the client's perspective on their issues, which may include feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, anger, or family conflicts. A crucial aspect of therapy is being attuned to how clients or families perceive their problems, taking into account factors such as age or stage of life.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
In my therapeutic practice, I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Positive Psychology and Mindfulness. My primary focus is on promoting self-compassion and fostering empathy toward others. Establishing trust and building a strong rapport with my clients are essential aspects of my work, as I am dedicated to thoroughly understanding their experiences, triggers, and behaviors. My approach includes practicing mindfulness, active listening, and fully immersing myself in the client's perspective. This methodology has proven effective in addressing a variety of issues, including depression, anger, anxiety disorders, workplace stress, PTSD, and challenges related to relationships and parenting. I hold a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy and am certified in behavioral analysis. I specialize in managing challenging child behaviors, including ADHD, both at home and in school settings.
About Dr. Walter Prather, Ph.D., LMFT, BCBA-D
Specializes in
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT, in combination with Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), stems from traditional behavior and cognitive behavioral therapy and is the cornerstone of my most relevant experience and training.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Like positive psychology, SFT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses more on what the client can do with solutions rather than the origin of the problem. Solution-focused practitioners focus on goal-oriented questioning to assist and guide clients to envision a future without the problem. When dealing with any client concern, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties, the SFT technique focuses on identifying the exception—instances where things worked well despite the problem. By examining the exception, a path towards a solution can be developed.