03/02/2026
Recently we asked our counselors some questions so you get a chance to get to know your providers a little better. First up is Nate Maust, LCPC. Nate is the founder of Quest for Hope Counseling.
1. What led you to become a counselor?
Nate: During my late teenage years, I began to sense a calling toward counseling. From a young age, I noticed I was wired to see people — to notice what others might miss and to feel compassion for their struggles. While studying at Rosedale Bible College, I spent intentional time reflecting on what I valued most. That season clarified my desire to pursue counseling and confirmed that walking alongside people in their pain and growth was not just a career choice, but a calling.
2. How would you describe your counseling style?
Nate: Three words that describe my counseling style are: kind, warm, and conversational. My desire is to find the strengths and value in each person I meet and help my clients see those for themselves. We develop meaningful, attainable goals and together identify what’s getting in the way, creating practical steps forward. I prioritize evidence-based therapies so there is clear direction as we work toward your goals.
3. What issues do you specialize in?
Nate: In a rural setting with limited providers, I’ve focused on becoming a strong generalist while developing deeper experience in anxiety, depression, addiction (including pornography/sex addiction and substance use), complex PTSD, life transitions, relationship communication, and spiritual concerns.
4. What theoretical approaches influence your work?
Nate: My work is primarily grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helping clients understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact. I am also trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a structured therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic experiences.
I integrate elements from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy — always selecting approaches that align with both evidence-based practice and Biblical Christianity.
5. What is the first session with you like?
Nate: My hope is that my counseling style puts you at ease and that by the end of the first meeting you know whether this will be a good fit for you. The first session may feel different from other sessions as there may be more questions than usual so I can get a sense of what you value, struggle with, and the growth you hope to experience. One of my only rules in counseling is this: if I ask a question and you’re not ready to answer it, you don’t have to. I would rather you leave wishing you had said something — knowing we can revisit it later — than leave feeling you shared more than you were ready to.
6. What do you do outside of counseling to recharge?
Nate: Outside of counseling, I recharge by connecting with family, friends, and my church community. I enjoy creating inviting spaces, spending time outdoors, playing board or card games, and getting fully immersed in the latest season of Survivor.
7. How do you create safety in the therapy room?
Nate: I want you to leave each session feeling heard, respected, and confident that your story was handled with care. When you enter the offices at Quest for Hope Counseling, help yourself to any snacks, coffees, teas, or hot chocolate in the waiting room. I want to move at the pace you are ready to move at and work on goals that are important to you.
8. For clients who desire it, how do you integrate faith into sessions?
Nate: One prayer for myself is that my desires reflect God’s desires. If you’re comfortable, we can spend time in prayer, inviting God’s presence into the session and asking Him to guide our path. When integrating faith, the approaches we use will align with Biblical principles. I integrate different forms of spiritual disciplines and faith-based meditative activities that incorporate scripture.
9. How do you help clients who feel stuck or isolated?
Nate: When clients feel stuck or isolated, I start by slowing down and understanding the “stuckness.” Sometimes emotional struggles are connected to physical health, so I often encourage clients to coordinate with their primary care provider to rule out underlying contributors. Beyond that, we explore patterns, barriers, and beliefs that may be keeping them stuck. My goal is to help clients feel empowered in their treatment — maintaining autonomy over their goals — while also offering perspective and tools that lead to meaningful forward movement.
10. What do you believe creates real change in therapy?
Nate: I believe real change begins with openness to looking at things in a different way, a desire for growth, and a willingness to learn. A strong therapeutic relationship is foundational to meaningful change. My hope is that clients develop the skills, insight, and supportive community needed to eventually no longer require therapy in order to experience lasting wellness.
11. Who all do you work with?
Nate: I work with individuals ages 5 and up, as well as couples. If you’re considering counseling, I would be honored to partner with you in your journey. My hope is that therapy becomes a space where you feel safe enough to grow and supported enough to move forward. I currently am operating on a waiting list.
