“Mental health matters for everyone, everywhere, free of stigma and shame,” David Wamsley, LMHC.

David Wamsley, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, grew up in rural Appalachia, where struggles were often met in silence, as there was little information, and few, if any resources available for confronting mental health challenges. 

Every two weeks, David’s parents drove him nearly three hours out of town for therapy sessions. 

As David neared college, his passion to de-stigmatize mental health and reduce barriers to accessing quality and affordable mental health care in both rural and urban settings grew into a lifelong mission. 

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over fifteen years of experience in the field, David remains rooted in a humanistic approach to counseling which aims to help clients recognize their inner strengths, creativity, and capacity for self-fulfillment. 

Above all, David believes in meeting clients where they are and giving clients the space to share their experiences, develop new tools to meet life’s challenges, and forge new insights into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with curiosity, humor, and compassion.  

We sat down with David to learn more about his approach to working with children, adolescents, adults, and families online in Massachusetts and in-person from our Franklin office.

What have your previous experiences in the mental health field involved?

My first clinical internship after college was in rural health, working with children with severe developmental and mental health needs, while simultaneously addressing substance use disorders in their parents and family systems. 

I spent several years pastoral counseling while pursuing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I addressed the stigma regarding seeking mental health care in the Christian community, where people deserve to care for their whole selves – mind, body, and spirit – without shame. I learned how to integrate faith, the spiritual components of humanity, and the body-mind-social-spiritual framework into my counseling practice. 

Early in my career, I worked side by side in a factory with people who needed extra care in obtaining employment or faced challenges in maintaining employment. Whether by sorting clothing, helping with the assembly of semi-truck parts, or sitting in a circle with those desiring to be better parents, the trust and rapport built between myself and the workers inspired my humanistic perspective in counseling. 

I spent several years guiding college students through the challenging years of self-discovery. My work with college students was always mobile, creative, and fun. The authenticity these young adults wanted to achieve proves how far we’ve come in seeking change for ourselves, and our future. 

I also provided First-Episode Psychosis treatment for people, ages 12-35. This experience taught me that each person has their own story and the ability to find their own way. I am the guide to safely support individuals towards self-discovery and wellness. 

For about seven years, I worked in community intensive home based therapy, utilizing play therapy with children and attachment-based therapy, solutions-focused therapy, and trauma-informed interventions with families. It’s a privilege to provide mental health care to families and young children in need of support, and to witness progress in families impacted by severe trauma. I spent this last year leading and managing community and home-based mental health services, as well as supervising counselors through Massachusetts Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI).

How would you describe your therapeutic style and approach?

My counseling style begins with a humanistic perspective, which means supporting and empowering clients’ personal growth, self-awareness, and inherent capacity for positive change.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I believe in meeting clients where they are and utilizing modalities that support their unique needs and goals. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), coupled with mindfulness can help clients gain greater awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment, and as a result lead to intentional and goal-oriented actions. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can also equip clients with the awareness and tools to manage and improve emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and distress tolerance. 

When working with children and families, I’ll use attachment-based and solution-focused techniques, as well as trauma-informed and evidence-based play therapy, to foster child-caregiver trust and encourage emotional and behavioral modifications.

What mental health challenges do you offer counseling for:

I’m here to support children, adolescents, adults, and families who may be struggling with the following mental health challenges:

• Grief/Loss/Bereavement
• Health/Medical Problems
• Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD/ADD) 
• Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders
• Peak Performance/Performance Anxiety
• Obsessive and Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Ethnic/Cultural Issues
• Adjustment Disorder
• Attachment Disorder
• Parenting Issues
• PTSD/Acute Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety/Panic/Phobias
• Academic/Occupational/Work Issues/Career
• Trauma
• Autism Spectrum Disorder/Asperger’s Counseling
• Anger Management

How do you build therapeutic relationships with clients?

“Be curious, not judgmental”

– Ted Lasso, S1E8, The Diamond Dogs

I remain curious, I listen intently, I give clients the time and space to process their feelings and share their concerns with me when they’re ready.

What’s your favorite part of being a therapist?

I genuinely love hearing the stories of humanity. Life is so big and so full of surprises, hardships, joy-filled moments, losses, struggles, accomplishments, transitions. It’s a privilege to hear people’s stories and to be asked for assistance along the way.

What advice would you give to potential clients?

Most of us don’t like to ask for help. It’s extremely courageous to make the first phone call to schedule an appointment. 

Most of us also don’t want to share our whole life story with a complete stranger. The good thing about therapy is that you don’t have to share all of the details in your first, second, or third session, you just have to show up and find a fit where you feel safe to explore when you’re ready. If you’re not ready, that’s okay. We’ll be here when you are.

What do you like about living in Massachusetts?

We’ve been in Southeast Massachusetts for one year and we wish we moved here sooner. 

While our families live several states away, we’ve found joy here. We love having access to the mountains and ocean, the peace and quiet, and the bustle of the city. We love the diversity of people, the food, and especially the coffee!

How has practicing therapy in Franklin, Massachusetts influenced your approach to counseling?

Working with HBH is the first time that I’m able to offer therapy, after stepping away from a managerial role. I’m looking forward to assisting people where they are and helping them get to where they want to go. 

Ocourse, being new to an area with such a long move brings feelings of loss, isolation, and uncertainty. These challenges remind me that so many people live their lives alone, and deserve a space to process their experiences with compassion and curiosity.  

Mental health matters for everyone, everywhere, free of stigma and shame.

Start working with David Wamsley, LMHC today:

Life can be exhausting and it can be scary to ask for help. David Wamsley, LMHC is here to remind you that you are not alone and there’s no rush to the therapeutic process. He is here to make sure you feel both safe and supported throughout your experience. 

Whether at home or in the office, schedule an appointment to start working with David online in Massachusetts or in-person from our Franklin office. Contact us today at (413) 343-4357 to get started!

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