Dave Salge, MEd, LPC Assistant Director

Dave Salge, MEd, LPC

dsalge@wlu.edu

Joined the University Counseling Center: July 2021

Certifications:

  • Level 1 Run Coach, Road Runners Club of America
  • Run Walk Talk® Therapist

Primary Theoretical Orientations:

  • Collaborative Language Systems
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
  • Emotional Freedom Techniques
  • Existential Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy

Clinical Interests:

  • Emotion regulation
  • Grief
  • Identity exploration
  • Interpersonal
  • Trauma

I was drawn to the field of counseling after working in college access/youth development for about 10 years, supporting largely first-generation, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and immigrant students. I see myself as a facilitator of change balancing practical skill-building with insight-oriented work. I believe counseling imitates “real life,” and therefore is a powerful opportunity to rehearse “real life.” Sessions can feel like a fitting room where we try on different skills and insights to see which ones might shine. Seeking counseling is a courageous choice. I prioritize building trust to help students confront the things they hope to improve in life.