Brian Strode

My counseling approach emphasizes the development of healthy stress management and emotional control skills, which are essential for navigating life's challenges. I guide individuals in building resilience against burnout, compassion fatigue, and PTSD, ensuring they can face adversity with strength. A vital aspect of my practice is helping clients find a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives, fostering overall well-being. Together, we work on enhancing mood, building self-esteem, and improving relationships, ultimately paving the way for greater success in both personal and professional spheres. By helping to equip individuals with the necessary tools and strategies, I aim to create a supportive environment where they can thrive and achieve improved self-esteem and general mood, overall life satisfaction, and personal and professional goals. I was a career Paramedic/Firefighter before changing careers to become a professional counselor. I graduated from the CACREP-accredited counselor education program at Old Dominion University with a Master's of Science in Education degree in 2009. Throughout my career, I have worked in outpatient private practice as well as in crisis mental health services. In addition to clinical practice, I believe that it is important for not just practitioners to understand the scientific literature on mental health and the science behind professional mental health therapy services, but for the clients and general public to understand it as well. I believe that understanding the credible information and not falling trap to the abundance of misinformation that exists not only helps in making the therapy experience successful, but also decreases the stereotypes and stigmas that often hinder people's pursuit of mental well-being. Outside of my professional life, I cherish quality moments with my spouse, children, and dogs. I enjoy traveling and have a passion for history, sports, and music. My sports interests span various activities, including baseball, ice hockey, MMA, and running. I also find joy in playing the drums and other various forms of percussion. You can often catch me at sporting events, hard rock and heavy metal concerts, and participating in mid-distance and long-distance running races. I can also often be found exploring locations and landmarks that have significance to human history, especially U.S. History and World History; I am that person that takes pictures of everything and reads every word on every information sign at these historically significant of places.