Community Highlights: Meet Dave Saunders of Dave Saunders Counseling

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Saunders.

Hi Dave, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I actually went back to graduate school to get my Master’s in Counseling at the age of 50. My undergraduate degree was in Finance. I had worked in securities and mortgages for years and hated every minute of it. I thought it was time to do something different even if it was wrong. I looked at the books on my bookshelf and they seemed to add up to someone who would be a good therapist. I had been on my own mental health journey and many of my friends didn’t hesitate to tell me their deepest darkest secrets because they somehow felt I was a safe person. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. When someone tells me it’s too late to change careers or things about themselves, I tell them it’s seldom too late.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I actually enjoyed the classroom experience more than I thought I would. However, the length of time and the sheer number of hours it takes to become a therapist is a little much. Honestly, if I knew how long it would have taken, I’m not sure I would have done it. Now that I’m in private practice, I would not have had it any other way.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in PTSD and anxiety. I’m trained in both EMDR and Brainspotting. I have client’s come to be after seeing other therapists who try to move to fast or just aren’t attuned to the client. I’ve worked with everyone from special forces and combat vets to people with childhood trauma. Sometimes, the cause of the trauma is not easy to pinpoint or the brain is just protecting the client because it thinks the individual is still in danger. Most of my clients are exhausted because they spend all day “holding the beachball underwater” just to function normally.

What does success mean to you?
Professionally, I define my success as a therapist by the elimination of suffering. It feels pretty good to have someone come in with nightmares and help eliminate those.

Pricing:

• Go to my website davesaunderscounseling.com for pricing

Contact Info:

• Website: https://davesaunderscounseling.com