Today we’d like to introduce you to Ethan Clark
Hi Ethan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began college like many, having no idea what I wanted to study which led me to choose a degree in business. While I appreciated learning about the ins and outs of management, I noticed a nagging lack of fulfillment that was difficult to ignore. I knew from looking back on impactful experiences that I felt most fulfilled when I was with people talking about and engaging in their story. After graduating from Texas A&M University, I pursued opportunities to work in ministry which led me to work at a church in Austin, Texas and move to Athens, Greece to work with refugees in the area. These fulfilling experiences pushed me to consider a career in counseling, and I moved to Dallas in 2015 to begin the counseling program at Dallas Theological Seminary.
The 90-hour program taught me how to view psychology through my Christian lens and provided a framework for how to be a thoughtful, skilled therapist. After graduate school I completed my 3,000 hours needed to become fully licensed at an outpatient facility that served clients needing a higher level of care due to addiction or other mental health struggles. After becoming fully licensed, I began working at a Christian private practice in Dallas where I began seeing adult clients struggling with issues such as shame, anxiety, comparison, relationships, depression, grief that life played out differently than expected, and spiritual issues. I recently joined Jay and Amy Wright Counseling where I will continue working with adult clients.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to becoming a licensed professional counselor is not easy and can have some difficult barriers along the way. I was grateful to have found a working environment where I could complete my 3,000 hours relatively quickly in about 20 months, but this process can take some clinicians multiple years. Another requirement is meeting with and paying a LPC Supervisor on a weekly basis. While it is necessary to receive supervision, the cost can add up for those that do not have regular work. The dedication to working nights and weekends in order to complete the licensing requirement was not easy, but it was worth it and my love for this career has only grown. Having worked in private practice the past few years has been a gift as I now get to set my own schedule and see clients who I genuinely enjoy working with.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a counselor, I meet with men and women who desire to talk about life’s difficulties with an objective person. I can provide unique insight and feedback that can help bring understanding to the struggles someone is going through. I work with many people who have not learned how to identify or engage with emotions in a healthy way, which has contributed to unhealthy behaviors, relationship issues, and unhelpful thought patterns.
I am extremely proud of my clients that show up to engage in the difficult work of exploring their story in order to grow and live a healthier life. I consider it an honor to listen to people’s stories and work together toward the goals they have. Some feedback I have received from others that I believe sets me apart is that I put people at ease and try to bring humor into the process, when appropriate. Counseling is difficult enough so I would encourage prospective clients not to settle for a counselor who is not a good fit for them.
Pricing:
- $160 for individuals
- $180 for couples
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jayandamywright.com/
Image Credits
Carlos Velasquez
