Derek Wise, MA
Licensed Professional Counselor

I am a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a private practice in Las Vegas, NV. My practice is devoted to helping adolescents and adults work through their challenges and make changes to lead their best lives. I assist with a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety and mood issues, life transitions, trauma and loss, grief, relationship and parenting struggles, and more.

 

I specialize in helping adolescents and adults with trauma who have emotional and psychological issues related to loss, tragic events, and abuse. My own experience with developmental trauma, along with my longstanding interest in helping others heal, inspired me to dedicate myself to helping others on their path to wellness.

 

My focus on treatment began in college and continued working in treatment settings such as community outpatient centers serving adolescents and adults, mobile crisis, court-ordered (state and federal) substance abuse and mental health, inpatient psychiatric facilities providing individual and group therapy (substance abuse and mental illness), and outpatient, partial hospitalization (PHP) treating adolescents utilizing DBT.  As well I have served as the mental health department head in a private detention center for the US Marshall Services as well a therapist for Metro PoliceThis work laid the foundation for my clinical training and practice.

 

My approach to therapy prioritizes relieving any distressing mental health symptoms while building on the client's strengths to increase coping, self-efficacy, and resilience. I do this by engaging in a collaborative relationship with my clients, in which we work together to identify and work towards treatment goals. I take an active role in sessions, drawing upon EMDR, cognitive-behavioral strategies, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, and interpersonal and client-centered interventions. My approach is culturally sensitive, non-judgmental, and built on principles from Carl Rogers. I also work collaboratively with clients' physicians, alternative healthcare providers, family members, and others to provide the best care possible.

 

I love my work and feel extremely fortunate that I am able to spend my days helping other people. I am inspired by my clients' strength and courage and their pursuit of a life well-lived.

 

When I am not with my clients, I treasure spending time with my children and wife. I also love being with friends and family, attending concerts, traveling, reading, and being outdoors.