About
The Short Version: I'm A Counseling Student Who Thinks Therapy Should Make More Sense
Ryan Millican
Counseling Grad Student • Army Veteran • Host of The Therapy Track
I spent 15 years in the Army National Guard–first as an enlisted paralegal, then as a commissioned officer leading maintenance and ammunition units. I've led Soldiers at just about every level, and the person other Soldiers came to when things got heavy.
That experience taught me something; most people don't need someone to talk at them–they need someone who can translate complicated things into language that actually helps. That's what I'm trying to do with therapy.
I'm currently in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program. My plan after graduation is to work at a VA Vet Center, focusing on trauma-based counseling with veterans.
The Therapy Track is where I share what I'm learning along the way–one concept at a time, in plain language, with a practical tool that you can actually use.
Why This Exists
Therapy Has A Communication Problem
Most people have no idea what therapy actually looks like. The concepts are locked behind academic language, and the process feels like a black box. That's a problem–because the people who could benefit most are often the ones who feel the most confused or intimidated by it.
On the student side, it's a different version of the same problem. You learn theories and techniques in class, but connecting them to a real session feels like–or what a real client might say–takes time and practice that textbooks don't always give you.
The Therapy Track exists to close that gap. One concept per week. Plain language. A real-life scenario. And one tool you can practice–whether you're a student learning the craft or someone trying to understand what therapy might be like before you walk through the door.
Background
Where I've Been
Education
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Walden Univeristy • Expected Graduation 2028
Current GPA: 4.0
Military Service
Army National Guard
15 Years of Service
Enlisted → Commissioned Officer
- Battalion Paralegal
- Brigade Judge Advocate NCOIC
- Platoon Leader
- Executive Officer
- Company Commander
- Battalion Ammunition Officer
What's Ahead
The Road From Here
After graduation, I plan to work at a VA Vet Center–providing trauma-focused therapy to veterans. PTSD, family separation, military sexual trauma, and the invisible weight of transiion back to civilian life. That's the work I'm building toward.
The Therapy Track will grow with me. Right now it's a solo show built around what I'm learning in training. Over time, it'll include interviews with licensed therapists, supervisors, and other counselors–people further down the track who can share what the work actually looks like.
If you want to follow along, the best way to subscribe below. I'll keep showing up every week with something useful.
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