Contact Information
Email Dr. Ward
Phone: (304) 865-0272
Emerson Square
3705
Emerson Ave.
Parkersburg, WV 26102
Website : www.patrickwardphd.com
Dr. Ward is from Southeastern Ohio. He came to the Parkersburg area
to attend college at Ohio Valley University, where he met his lifelong
love and wife, Heather. After continuing his education at Oklahoma
Christian University, he and Heather worked in Japan for one year
teaching English in junior high schools. Upon returning to the U.S, Dr.
Ward attended graduate school for training in marriage and family
therapy. Dr. Ward became interested in marriage and family therapy
through his studies in psychology and his experience working in a mental
hospital. These experiences led him to the conclusion that people
cannot be treated for psychological issues apart from their context.
Instead, emotional and mental health issues are best treated in the
context of human relationships.
In the process of earning his advanced degrees in marriage and family
therapy, Dr. Ward and his wife Heather had three children. Through his
experiences of becoming a parent, Dr. Ward’s interest in parenting
guided him into research on parenting. As a result, he completed his
doctoral dissertation on the transition to parenthood. Dr. Ward
thoroughly enjoys life with his family. They are active in their
church, and enjoy experiencing God’s powerful presence in their lives.
When Dr. Ward is not working, he enjoys the outdoors as much as
possible. He enjoys running, camping, hiking and things like that. He
likes coffee too much. He enjoys reading and is a dedicated fan of
“Battlestar Galactica.” See his list of recommended movies and books.
(LINK)
Areas of Competence
I am licensed as a Professional Counselor in West Virginia and as an
Independent Marriage and Family Therapist in Ohio. I have extensive
training in couples and family therapy, as well as training in
assessment, diagnosis and treatment of individual mental health issues.
I specialize in couples therapy, stress management, coping and
adjustment to disability, blended family issues, parenting assessment
and training, sexual behavior issues, relationship issues, post-divorce
adjustment issues, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders.
My approach with individuals is an often an integration of
cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy. With families,
structural-strategic approaches are utilized, as well as Satir-inspired
approaches. In couples therapy, I work on the attachment processes
using emotionally focused therapy. My goal is to provide clients with
education and skills to live a full life psychologically, spiritually,
and socially.
Formal Professional Education
Purdue University
Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy
Abilene Christian University
MA in Marriage & Family Therapy
Experience
Over 10 years of experience providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
Licenses
Licensed Professional Counselor, West Virginia
Independent Marriage and Family Therapist, Ohio
Hello Janet, and thanks for doing this.
My
I'm in West Virginia.
