Wes Walton

Qualifications & Experience

My degrees include a B.A. in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, both of which were earned at Whitworth University. I am also a trained therapist in the Gottman style of couples therapy (Level 2), and I have training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.

My Call to Christian Counseling

My initial direction in the counseling field was to become a sports psychologist. I was attending Boise State and their Sports Psychologist gave a guest lecture on sports psychology. Almost everything that was being shown and explained clicked in my mind and heart; at that time, I knew what I wanted to do.

Going into my senior year at Whitworth, sudden life changes altered my plans. My swimming coach offered me a position as a graduate assistant coach the following year, and informed me of a Master’s program in “counseling,” he said. I looked into it and discussed it with some of my psych professors and decided to pursue the MFT degree as a stepping stone to sports psychology.

As most seasoned Christians can attest, the Lord gently altered my plans, heart, and passions. My heart began to ache for my clients and their family strife and individual issues in general. Through this process, my desire for working solely with athletes was changed and a passion for healing brokenness in the hearts of individuals, couples, and families grew, and continues to grow.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

Prior to the world of therapy, I had been heavily involved in the aquatic field of lifeguarding, teaching swimming lessons, managing facilities, and coaching swimmers. After my career ended as a swimmer, I have very much enjoyed being free to pursue other athletic avenues. Currently (and for the foreseeable future), I have loved learning and playing the sport of volleyball. I also love to take my dog Lana (a Labrador retriever) on walks, to play frisbee, and in the summer she loves to go paddle boarding and swimming. Other hobbies include game nights with friends and video gaming.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Autism (high-functioning)
• Athletic/sport-related issues
• Coaching
• Counseling for Children (9 years and older)
• Counseling for Teens
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• Family Counseling
• Grief and Loss
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Marriage Counseling
• Men’s Issues
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Premarital Counseling
• Professional Development
• Relationship Issues
• Sex and Porn Addiction
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma

Depression

Depression is sadly all too common in our current day and age. Symptoms may include feeling low on energy, finding it difficult to take care of yourself such as eating, sleeping, hygiene, etc., experiencing thoughts and feelings of worthlessness and guilt, and maybe even having thoughts of suicide. I know how hopeless the experience of depression can be, but I also know that it’s not the end. There are many reasons why you may be feeling depressed and I’ve noticed that often those experiencing depression have been either avoiding or neglecting some important aspect of their lives; they have essentially “shut down” their emotional selves and need help being willing and able to open themselves up to all that our emotions include. Both the pain and joy need to be experienced in life and my goal is to assist you in processing through the numbness and into a full life.

Family Counseling

I believe the family environment is meant to be a place for all members to be seen, loved, and developed. In nearly all instances, we learn how to relate to others through our families of origin. If you’re looking for therapeutic support in this matter, it means something is off. Let’s take a look at the structure of how the family is operating. Are the parents connecting and secure with one another? If so, what type of structure are they providing for the children; is it high in structure and warmth? How are the children responding to the parents? I’ll work with you to examine the emotional, relational, and behavioral patterns between members and systems to find where things are going awry and assist you and your family in finding solutions.

Infidelity and Affairs

Broken trust, deep pain, and a sense of overwhelming betrayal may be words you’d use to describe where you are. It may seem impossible to overcome and forgive your spouse in this situation. I promise you, though, that if you find yourself able to do the very difficult task of choosing to stick with this relationship or marriage, there is more glory and a deeper, more intimate relationship to be found as the two of you process this breach in relationship. Yes, you may have grounds for leaving, but the personal development and relational experience you will have with the Lord while moving through this will far outweigh the pain you’ve experienced. For the one who committed the act of infidelity, there is forgiveness for you even if only from God. I hold no judgment towards you and desire to examine what led you into that relationship so that there may be freedom and newfound strength in you and the relationship.

Marriage Counseling

I resonate with and utilize the language that Dr. Eggerichs uses in his book, Love and Respect. Let’s look at the patterns in your marriage. Are you two truly understanding each other? Are you able to be vulnerable with your spouse and speak openly and honestly (not in a rude or abusive manner, mind you), and are you able to receive your spouse’s open honesty? If not, let’s identify any underlying patterns of belief or assumption that are impeding your ability to love your spouse well in the manner that fits both of your dispositions. For Christians, are you both living in your calling according to God’s design? Men are to sacrificially love their wives, and wives are to respect their husbands. If these practices aren’t happening, let’s identify the issue and work with you to find solutions.

Sexual Abuse

I know your pain. Someone decided to take something from you that the Lord designed and intended to be a marvelous and glorious part of your human experience. I believe our sexuality is one of the most vulnerable and intimate aspects of who we are as people. This is why you might be experiencing so much pain, shame, and negative repercussions, whether in behaviors, trust, or allowing yourself to risk in future relationships. It would be my honor to walk alongside you as you explore the depths of your pain in order to find the beauty of what healing and sexual freedom can look like.

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• North Spokane – Monday, Wednesday and Friday
• Spokane Valley – Tuesday and Thursday
• Online (WA Only) - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for Individuals and Couples looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment, the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), most insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.