Rusty Simon LPCC-S
Rusty’s Heart for Counseling
My approach is strength-based. I enjoy helping clients discover their strengths and build on them. A lot of people are finding meaning in their faith and their relationship with God. I want to help them integrate this strength into their counseling process. We are all created so differently and can use these strengths to adapt to our environment and find meaning, identity and purpose in life.
Rusty’s Style
I believe in helping clients renew their mind, which involves exploring maladaptive thoughts and finding more accurate, helpful thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be very helpful with this. I also like the Narrative approach, which helps people re-write their lives and see the problem as the problem (instead of seeing the person as the problem). I believe one of the benefits of counseling is when clients have a safe place to feel heard and validated. I believe counseling should not be “advice giving.” Rather, what people need is empathy and support as they take on life’s challenges and find tools and skills to achieve their goals.
Specialties
• Anxiety/Depression
• Spiritual Trauma
• Couples Counseling
• Adult ADHD
Special Training
• Anxiety/Depression
• Trauma in children
• PTSD diagnosed
Experience
• Anxiety/Depression
• Trauma in children
• Complex trauma in adults
• Play therapy, Bipolar
• PTSD diagnosed
• Sexual Trauma
• Spiritual Trauma
• In-depth Diagnostic Assessments
• Dual Diagnosis
• Grief & Loss
• Parenting
• Anger Management
• Attachment/Adoption
• Couples Counseling
• Adult ADHD
• ADHD in children
• Neurodivergent couples
• Working with Kids/families
• Working with Medicaid population
• Working with Foster care system
• Group Therapy
EDUCATION
Rusty received his Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Education from Lee University in Cleveland, TN. He earned an MDiv and then a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. He is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a supervisor designation.
EXPERIENCE
Rusty has experience working with a variety of ages and populations. He has served churches and religious organizations and has received training in CBT, DBT, NMT, Narrative Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. He uses these approaches in his practice and supervision. Rusty specializes in helping clients who struggle with ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and PTSD.