Thank you for checking out Venture Counseling! I’m Dave and I believe that everybody is working on something and that sometimes we need someone to give us a hand with that process.
I’ve worked in the mental health field since 2009, when I started working as a Youth Case Manager with Seriously Emotionally Disturbed youth at our local Community Mental Health Center (CMHC). During my time at the CMHC, I worked with youth and their families helping the clients learn skills to manage their symptoms and helping the parents find resources and learn more about managing their child’s challenges in a healthy way. In addition to this, I provided trainings for staff on crisis management and intervention.
In the summer of 2018, I decided that it was time to expand my skills and knowledge and obtain my master’s degree to become a therapist. I graduated from Washburn University in May of 2020 and started working with older adults in nursing homes. That fall I started Venture Counseling part time, working remotely from the back of my VW Camper Bus.
During my final semester at Washburn, I had the fantastic opportunity to become trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and since that time I have grown to very much appreciate how the scientific side and the artistic side of EMDR work together so beautifully to bring about healing, organically. I view myself as a facilitator of the client’s feeling better through our work utilizing EMDR.
In addition to my work in the mental health field, I became licensed as a foster parent in 2013. I worked with many teenagers in my home during that time. After I was married and our first child was on the way, my wife and I opted to close the license for the time being. We still have a passion to support kids in foster/adoptive homes along with the parents, both personally and professionally through Venture Counseling.
I started Venture Counseling because I know that working through challenges such as chronic trauma, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety and ADHD can feel like a risky or daring undertaking and in many ways, it is a journey rather than a destination. It is my goal to come alongside you for a part of that venture and be a guide to help you through some of the most difficult parts.
Though I take helping my clients seriously, you’ll find that I’m very laid-back. I typically wear a t-shirt and a ball cap to work. (Unless, of course, I had a moment of inspiration that morning and decided to comb my hair!) The office is bright and colorful, and you will find a whole lot of lava lamps as well as natural elements incorporated. While I believe that tears are helpful and very appropriate in therapy, I also believe that feeling safe and comfortable, laughter, and celebrating progress are all just as, if not more, important! We can choose to stay in the office, or perhaps go for a walk through the historic neighborhoods surrounding the office and to nearby City Park.
When I’m not working, I’m likely spending time outdoors with my family, driving (or working on) my old Volkswagens, or camping or running or hiking. Often, all of these activities combine!
Marty
Marty is a female Great Dane, born at the end of October 2024. Though it may be a little unconventional, Marty’s full name is Marty McFly Hazel Cook, named after Marty McFly from Back to the Future, and a precious “adopted” grandma-figure from my childhood.
Marty is training to be a therapy dog and though she isn’t fully credentialed, the trainers have said it is time for her to come to the office from time to time to start practicing for her job-coming to work with me to serve as a support to clients! She’s started to make some appearances from time to time. As her skills grow and when she is certified, she will start coming to work much more often!
Marty is a big goofy puppy, and quite kind and loves cuddles! She does understand that some people may not find her helpful, so when she’s in the office, she knows she can go take a break in the comfy crate in the other room.
