Hi everyone! My name is Chad Girard and I’m very excited to be part of the Three Oaks team as a clinical mental health counseling intern. I’m working through my second year in the Masters of Science in Counseling program at Prescott College, and have my bachelors in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Coming into therapy as a second career after over a decade in tech has left me excited to assist others through their life transitions, be they personal or professional. 

I have seven years of experience in supporting college aged men in undergraduate and postgraduate positions who were navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, introspection and substance use. I’ve been told that I have a warm, grounding presence and a curious mind that helps others find clarity as they process their life experiences.

Counseling is the process of establishing a trustworthy therapeutic relationship. This means that all topics are on the table with respect to the client’s beliefs, values, and identity. My approach combines acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing, and I believe we all have inherent abilities that therapy can help us understand and utilize in the pursuit of our goals. Our past experiences have contributed to where we find ourselves today, but, with guided introspection, can teach us lessons as we move towards the better outcomes of tomorrow. I’ve had personal experience with the transformative nature of counseling and look forward to passing on that profound impact to others.

My approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based. While being warm, caring, and non-judgemental I do believe that therapy should be goal oriented, driving towards the client’s objectives as they change over time. I am comfortable with being direct and challenging client’s thoughts and behaviors, while also holding that the therapeutic relationship is a collaborative process. I have a special interest in working with adults and teens as they navigate life transitions, questions around masculinity, gender roles, difficulties with vulnerability, relationships, and substance use or addiction. 

When not immersed in the counseling environment, you’ll often find me walking my two dogs with my partner, or being smothered by one of our three cats. Any remaining time is spent playing board games with friends or reading. 

I look forward to working with you and your path, however you want to define it!

chad@threeoaksbehavioralhealth.com