John Welch, APSW
About John
Starting therapy doesn’t require having everything figured out. You may be dealing with stress, relationship difficulties, a major life change, or simply a sense that something in your life isn’t working the way you want it to. Sometimes you know exactly what you want to change; other times, figuring that out is part of the work.
My professional experience has allowed me to work with people facing a wide range of life circumstances, relationships, and challenges, and it’s reinforced my belief that good therapy begins with understanding the person in front of me.
My style is warm, intuitive, collaborative, and straightforward. I work with individuals and couples from variety of backgrounds and identities. Most importantly, I want to understand what matters to you and what you hope will be different as a result of therapy.
Sessions With John
You can expect sessions to be conversational, genuine, and purposeful. I’m an active therapist: I’ll listen closely, ask questions, offer observations, and help you notice patterns or connections that can be difficult to see when you’re in the middle of them.
You don’t need to be someone who naturally feels comfortable talking about your feelings or who already knows exactly what to say. We can start with what’s happening in your life right now and work from there.
For couples, our work may focus on communication, recurring conflict, rebuilding connection, navigating change, or better understanding what each partner needs from the relationship. In individual therapy, we may challenge old beliefs or patterns, work through difficult experiences, or identify practical next steps toward change. I’ll support you while also being willing to respectfully challenge you when that can help you move toward your goals.
Specialties And Training
I have a Master of Social Work degree from the University of St. Thomas, with an emphasis in clinical mental health.
My approach is integrative, meaning I draw from different therapeutic methods based on your needs, goals, and preferences rather than using a one-size-fits-all model.
My work incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to explore connections between thoughts, emotions, and behavior; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to build skills for managing difficult emotions, navigating stress, and improving relationships; Solution-Focused Therapy to identify strengths and practical ways forward; and Narrative Therapy to help you examine the experiences and beliefs that shape how you understand yourself and your life.
Across approaches, my work remains centered on you. Your values, strengths, experiences, and goals guide the direction of therapy as we work toward healthier, more satisfying relationships and a life that feels more like your own.