DR. DAVID PHELPS
My approach to psychotherapy is focused on building a strong and collaborative relationship with you, the client. My style is warm, curious, and engaged. I approach all of my clients with an immediate concern for relieving their troubling symptoms and helping to resolve their current life problems. I provide a safe and confidential space in which you can share your story. Together we can come to understand you and how you can move forward in your life.
I am influenced by the psychodynamic tradition, more specifically exploring how my client relates to themselves and others. In the context of a safe and supportive relationship, we will explore aspects of your self – including thoughts, feelings, and behaviors – that may not be fully known. As you begin to feel understood, accepted, and more deeply known in therapy, a trusting therapeutic relationship develops and together we discover aspects of your experience that were not fully realized or understood. This process of exploration results in greater self-understanding and leads to change, whether you are seeking immediate symptom relief or longer-term transformation.
I look forward to helping you with any of the following conditions or circumstances:
- Depression, sadness, loneliness
- Anxiety, worry, panic, OCD
- Low self-esteem or self-worth
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief and loss
- Eating and body image issues
- Family of origin issues
- Sexual and gender identity development
- Career issues, including executive coaching and development
- Life transitions
- Relationship difficulties
- Personal growth
- Lack of intimacy, feeling disconnected
- Infidelity, separation, divorce
- Disagreements about values, important life decisions, parenting style
- Improving communication
- Building a strong, loving relationship
- Adjusting to new life events or circumstances (marriage, cohabitation, child birth, infertility issues, etc.).
Education & Training
- Licensed Psychologist, State of Wisconsin, #3179-57
- Ph.D., Marquette University, Counseling Psychology
- M.A., Marquette University, Counseling Psychology
- M.S., Marquette University, Human Resources
- B.A., University of Minnesota, Psychology & Women’s Studies
Professional Affiliations
- American Psychological Association, Member
- Society for Human Resource Management, Member