Ron Henson

Licensed Professional Counselor|Clinically Supervised

My path to becoming a therapist has been deeply shaped by my personal experiences and background. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I know firsthand the challenges of navigating new and unfamiliar spaces, often without a clear roadmap. Growing up, I worked in various customer service roles, which taught me the importance of patience, understanding, and connection. These experiences helped me recognize the value of truly listening to people and meeting them where they are, skills I carry with me into therapy. My own mental health journey has also been a significant part of my story. I’ve experienced the struggles that come with feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or misunderstood. But I’ve also experienced the power of receiving support from people who believed in me and helped me recognize my own strengths. Those moments of being heard and supported inspired me to become the kind of person who can provide that for others. I chose this profession because I know what it feels like to face challenges that seem insurmountable—and how transformative it can be to have someone walk alongside you, helping you navigate through. Being a therapist allows me to combine my passion for connection, my lived experiences, and my commitment to creating a safe, supportive space where others can find hope and make meaningful change in their lives.

If I had to pick one book that influenced my approach to therapy, it would be Learned Optimism by Dr. Martin Seligman. Before I ever received professional support, I spent hours at my local library reading psychology books, searching for ways to understand myself and the challenges I faced. This book was transformative for me because it introduced the concept of learned helplessness, helping me make sense of the feelings of being stuck and powerless that I experienced. It also opened my eyes to the possibility of change and growth, which ultimately led me to seek therapy. The insights I gained from Learned Optimism remain a cornerstone of how I approach therapy today. I don’t view clients’ choices or perspectives as “negative” or “flawed” but as attempts to meet their needs in the context of their unique experiences. My goal is to help clients explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion, identifying new ways to fulfill their needs while aligning with their values and goals. This approach helps create a space where clients feel understood and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.

My personality has evolved over time, and that evolution has significantly shaped my approach to therapy. When I first started in this field, I was more reserved and focused on maintaining a strictly clinical mindset. While this gave me a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, I’ve since allowed myself to embrace a more authentic and natural way of connecting with clients. Today, I blend my solid clinical framework with a genuine, personable approach. I’ve become comfortable bringing my true self into the therapeutic space, which includes using appropriate humor, sharing relatable insights, and building rapport through shared interests where it serves the client’s needs. This shift isn’t about minimizing the professionalism or seriousness of therapy but about fostering a connection that helps clients feel at ease and understood. By allowing my personality to shine through, I create a space where clients feel supported and empowered to engage in the work of change. My ultimate goal is always to meet my clients where they are, using every tool—whether it’s humor, shared understanding, or clinical techniques—to help them move forward in meaningful ways.