Travis Walls
I'm the only therapist in the world who works with adults with Autism AND is writing this profile! Below is my more clinical introduction: Authentic communication is an important part of the therapeutic process, especially for neurodivergent clients. If you’re looking for someone who will show up as themselves, champion your special interests and strengths, and work with you to relieve some of your daily distress, I’m the therapist for you. Together, we’ll find solutions that you can feel good about and empower you to make lasting change.
Authentic communication is an important part of the therapeutic process, especially for neurodivergent clients.
First session
Beyond standard first-session topics of conversation (what brought you to therapy, your goals, your background), I’ll also be assessing your strengths and how we can use those to help you get where you want to go. Together, we’ll collaborate on what approach makes sense for you and the next steps you’d like to take.
Strengths
I pride myself on my ability to relate to clients and their inner world. Once you share your special interests or ways of understanding the world, I can tailor my therapeutic approach to make the therapy process more easily digestible. This strength also helps me bridge the gap between your normal sticking points and your future goals.
Ideal clients
I enjoy treating adults with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or trauma disorders. If you have a willingness to explore within yourself and an openness to the therapy process, we’ll enjoy our work together.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT skills and concepts as a basis for many therapeutic interventions. I work to help clients identify their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as the events that might spawn them. With clients who have Autism, I also help identify how physical sensations can impact feelings, and create immediate behavioral reactions.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-Focused CBT is an evidence-based practice with roots in CBT techniques. I support clients in learning about trauma, identifying methods they can use to relax their bodies, identify and regulate emotions, and develop an understanding of their thoughts and the connection to feelings and behavior. With these building blocks we are able to explore a narrative of the client's trauma and process its effects on present day life.
EMDR
EMDR is an excellent treatment model for clients who have deeply-rooted personal beliefs whose origins may stem from trauma, and have struggled to engage in other types of therapy due to challenges addressing trauma in a regulated way, or challenges with maintaining positive beliefs. EMDR frequently utilizes Bi-Lateral Stimulation (BLS) in order to support the brain and body in processing their traumatic memories and the associations that have developed as a result.
Humanistic
I believe that most clients know what kind of support they need, and often times know what kinds of solutions they want. I provide unconditional positive regard for the people I work with, no matter what challenges they are facing.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
When engaging clients from a solution-focused perspective, I work to identify changes a client wishes to make in their life and help them develop concrete steps on the path to that solution.
Location
Virtual sessions