Aaron Trotter
MS, IADC

Substance Abuse Counselor

As humans, we like to hear and tell stories. Life is special and unique because we get to live in our own story. My approach, grounded in existential and humanistic principles, is designed to help you better understand your story and become the character you aspire to be. It is my belief that no matter how the story is going right now, you have the ability to be the best character you can in any given circumstance.

Choosing who you want to be can be challenging. However, the values, truth, purpose, meaning, and clarity you may find will be worth the journey. Together, we will explore the depths of your experiences, uncover your strengths, and navigate the complexities of life with intention and authenticity.

My Approach

Existential Therapy

Existential therapy explores the big questions in life-such as the meaning of life, how we make choices, and how we deal with the idea of death. We address these questions directly to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your values. The goal is to help you identify who you are, what you believe in, and how to align your actions with these beliefs. To truly love yourself, it's important to behave in ways that you respect and admire. Existential therapy helps you move past superficialities and live more authentically.

A key aspect of existential therapy is facing and overcoming your challenges-your "dragons"-one at a time. Prioritizing comfort, certainty, and pleasure can hinder growth. Therefore, we work on being completely honest with ourselves and taking responsibility for aspects of our lives we might prefer to ignore. This process empowers you to confront life's difficulties directly, helping you grow stronger and more genuine with each challenge you face.

Choice Theory / Reality Therapy (CT/RT)

Choice Theory emphasizes that we have more control over our lives than we often realize. It suggests that most of our behaviors are chosen, and we can change these behaviors to better meet our needs.

In CT/RT sessions, the focus is on identifying what you want from life-your goals-and determining which behaviors are obstructing you and which behaviors can help you achieve these goals. This approach is very action-oriented; it's not just about discussing change but about planning and implementing new behaviors. The main themes are personal responsibility and empowerment.

By focusing on choice and personal responsibility, CT/RT empowers you to take control of your actions and decisions. Together, we'll develop practical plans to help you reach your goals, enabling you to live a more fulfilling and intentional life.

Experience

Aaron's journey in the field of counseling began in 2017 when he started as a Resident Advisor at an inpatient facility. This role sparked his passion for helping others, leading him to become a counselor at the same inpatient facility. In 2018, Aaron expanded his experience by working at both a halfway house and an inpatient facility. That same year, he took a job at an outpatient (OP) center, where he counseled individuals dealing with gambling, substance use, and spending addictions.

In 2019, Aaron accepted a position as a counselor at Polk County Jail, where he provided support to individuals in a challenging environment. By 2020, he was promoted to lead counselor and supervisor, taking on greater responsibilities in guiding both clients and fellow counselors. In 2021, Aaron briefly served as an operations manager before transitioning in 2022 to a role as a gambling counselor. Later that year, he was promoted to outpatient supervisor, where he continues to see clients while also being involved in the business side of operations.

Throughout his career, Aaron has remained committed to helping individuals find their own paths to meaning and fulfillment. His diverse experiences across various settings have equipped him with a broad understanding of the challenges people face and the strategies that can support their growth and recovery.