Dr. Richard "Wade" Arnold

Dr. Richard "Wade" Arnold holds an MS in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University, an MDiv in Theology from Baylor University, and a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Florida. He has served as a staff psychologist and as a university professor, and he practices as a licensed psychologist in Florida (license PY8422).

Arnold describes his therapeutic stance as an integrated, pragmatic approach that draws on multiple counseling theories while emphasizing cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal perspectives. He typically frames the concerns people bring to therapy - such as anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties - in terms of thoughts, behaviors, and relational patterns, and he adapts methods to fit each person’s needs.

Two approaches he uses most often are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - which begins with the idea that the way we interpret events shapes our emotions and actions, and that revising those interpretations can alter emotional and behavioral responses - and Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy. The latter focuses on recurring interpersonal cycles: a person sees themselves and acts in ways that lead them to expect certain reactions from others; others respond in ways that confirm those expectations; and over time those interactions reinforce beliefs about who the person is and how they should behave. For example, someone who fears rejection may behave guardedly, be misread as uninterested, and ultimately experience the rejection they feared.

He tends to be most effective with people who are experiencing anxiety or depression, those having difficulty in relationships - including couples and friendships - and Christian clients. That said, he also works with people facing other concerns and with different beliefs, adjusting his approach to the worldview from which he works.

Prospective clients who resonate with this style are invited to arrange a video session. He is currently accepting clients Monday through Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM EST.