Team Spotlight – Joellen Walter, LPC

Joellen Walter is from Addison, Texas. She joined our Origins Counseling-Dallas team in June 2020. She earned her bachelor’s in political science with a minor in American studies from Beloit College and her master’s in community counseling from Argosy University. Before joining Origins, her professional experience included working in private practice with adults dealing with depression, anxiety, identity, and balance in their everyday living and conducting pre-surgical psychological evaluations. Joellen worked as a certified personal trainer for 15 years and has a deep understanding of the relationship between body, mind, and spirit. She’s trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is a corrective exercise specialist, a performance enhancement specialist, and a nutrition coach. Joellen also has a small private practice outside of work specializing in behavioral health, life skills, anxiety, and depression. Sober for over 20 years, she de-stresses and maintains her life balance by collecting vintage signs and browsing antiques, and spending time with her two beloved cats. 

What brought you to the field of addiction treatment? What brought you to Origins?  

I have been sober for over 20 years now. The 12-Steps helped give me a life back, and therapy taught me to thrive in life. As a brief history, I went back to college many years ago, graduating in 2013 with a master’s degree in community counseling. In the last three years, I took the National Counselor Exam and worked on my hours to become fully certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). During COVID-19, I realized it was time to take a new approach to my life, so I started sending out resumes. I found Origins and realized God was leading me in a new direction. I am excited to be part of this growing team.   

If there was only one thing you could tell us about working within your specialty area, what would it be? 

Since I was a personal trainer for 15 years, I can tell you how important it is in recovery to support the body as we heal and learn to live a healthier life. Getting proper sleep, exercising, and practicing good nutrition will help the body heal, along with the mind and soul.

What have you learned through your experience working in treatment?

I don’t think I can tell you what I have learned in treatment thus far in a few sentences.  The most important lesson I continue to learn is how to balance love, compassion, and accountability in dealing with patients.

Do you hold any credentials or certifications? Do you participate in any professional activities outside of work?   

I’m trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), I’m certified as a personal trainer, a corrective exercise specialist, and a performance enhancement specialist. I’m also a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coach. I also have a small private practice outside of work specializing in behavioral health, life skills, anxiety, and depression.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 

I have two beautiful cats that I have had for the last 12 years who love to cuddle with their Mom. I also have gone back to my childhood roots in the antique business. My parents have been antique dealers for more than 45 years. I enjoy buying, selling, and trading in antique soda advertising. My parents gave me my first vintage signs when I was in high school. I enjoy spending my days off traveling around the south, going to flea markets, antique shops, and visiting friends in the hobby. It is a great way to destress.

Origins Counseling in Dallas, Texas, made available by a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For information on our programs, call us today: 866-671-4124.