Welcome and thanks for stopping by

Research has shown that the key to successful counseling is finding that person you can connect with. You need someone who understands and relates to your individual struggles and is able to empathize with you, while at the same time can challenge and encourage you to find your solutions that will move you from where you’re at to where you want to be.

My Passion:

As a therapist, my passion is providing you (the client) a safe place to tell your story. My goal, through our collaboration, is that you’ll be able to re-write your story in a way that brings new meaning to your difficulties – a new story that empowers rather than weakens. I find my industry too often over-diagnoses and medicates problems rather than helping people find strength in the midst of their storms.  I invite you to read the article on my blog entitled “Should Christians Ever Seek Professional Counseling?” to connect with my own view story of what inspired me to want to help others as Marriage & Family Therapist.  

My Background:

Raised in Placerville California, I graduated El Dorado High in 1980. A US Navy veteran, I served four years onboard a nuclear submarine. I’ve been employed as a reserve deputy sheriff for Amador Country, a volunteer firefighter/first responder for Pioneer Fire District, and I worked over 30 years in private industry for Tri Tool Inc. While there, I served in several roles including, Field Engineer, Facility Management, and Product Designer where I authored multiple patents in the area of machine tool design. Upon completion of my first Masters degree, I was employed as a Clinical Counselor at Bayside Covenant Church in Granite Bay, after which I opened my own private practice in Fair Oak. As a counselor, my diverse background enables me to connect with people in ways others therapists often can’t.

My Faith:

As a Christian, I bring an authentic Pauline-Grace perspective for those wishing to incorporate their faith as part of their healing process. We all believe in something, and it’s those beliefs that often drive both our thoughts and behaviors. As a counselor, it’s not my role to tell you what to believe, but rather to help you understand how what you believe impacts your life. For more information about what I believe, you are welcome to read my Statement of Faith.  

My Education & Training:

I earned my B.A. in Liberal Studies, my first M.A. in Marriage & Family Counseling, and a second M.A. in Biblical Counseling. In addition, I’ve been trained in Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Emotional Focused Couples Therapy, Choice Theory, and EMDR. I’ve also had specialized training in addictions and I’m an authorized provider for CalGETS State funded problem gambling services. 

My Counseling Focus:

I work with individuals and families, but my real passion is working with couples to restore intimacy, improve communication, and help them develop the marriage they’ve always wanted. If your life or relationship is in need of mending, Contact me today!

– Joel D. Walton, M.A., MFT/BC