Justin Trout

Starting when I was young, through some personal experiences, I have felt called to help people. I feel like people go down a path where they can choose the right or the wrong way. People have an ability within themselves to overcome obstacles. I just think some people need help seeing that; I want to help people see their own potential. In my family, I've seen the effects of bipolar disorder and major depression. I've seen how they can transform into other issues for a person and their entire support network. That's part of why I wanted to go into mental health. Personally, I sometimes struggle with seasonal depression. I saw a therapist for a while, and it was very effective for me. It did me a lot of good to talk about it. Other people can give you a perspective that you may not have yourself.

I started off working for a community state agency, and I was ready to help more people. NOCD has given me the opportunity to grow professionally, to meet more people, and to help more people. And I love seeing the outcome of therapy. I love seeing people overcome those hills and valleys and by the end of therapy be able to say, 'I feel better.' It’s always been satisfying to see people overcome their challenges.

Straight out of college, I worked at a therapeutic day treatment center that specialized in crisis stabilization. I specialized in CBT, DBT, and solution-focused therapy. I love working with people. Everybody has a story. Every story is valuable. I think the world is much better when we listen to each other's stories. If you can tell me your story, and there's any way I can add to it, that is an honor for me.

There's no overnight fix. It's going to take time. The best thing to do is take that first step. You can't expect to walk away after the first session feeling “cured,” but you can walk away feeling hopeful. In my work, I've learned to be very empathetic, very person-centered. My skill set allows me to focus on you as an individual. You're the center of my world for that hour. I will treat you with compassion and unconditional positivity. I will connect with you to better understand your situation.

I definitely understand where you're coming from. Sharing is a big step to healing. If you don't feel comfortable sharing with me today, let's just get to know each other. Let's build that rapport. When you get to where you can trust me, we can really start digging into the problem. And if you feel like it's not working, talk to me. If I can't help you, I'll find somebody that can. Don't give up.