Colin Ward's Strength-Centered Counseling reflects over two decades of clinical and academic experience. Frustrated by the limitations of traditional approaches to counseling for influencing enduring change with clients, Dr. Ward sought out additional training in postmodern approaches. He continued, both in school and private practice settings, discovering the phases of Strength-Centered Counseling and then developing effective techniques and interventions for working with clients to engage hope, identify strengths, and develop resilient life patterns.

Dr. Ward is currently a counselor educator and supervisor at Central Michigan University. He received his B.S. in Education and Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1983, his M.S. in Counseling from Winona State University in 1988, and his Ph.D. in Counseling from Oregon State University in 1997. In addition to strength-centered counseling, his other interests include wellness counseling, school counselor training, advocacy and professional leadership, counseling supervision, family therapy, and public policy for promoting the counseling profession and social mental health.

Teri Reuter's wide range of professional and personal experiences have led her to believe in the transformational power of a Strength-Centered approach to counseling. Ms. Reuter has taught Communication courses at the university level for over twenty years, and in that time, she and her family have lived in many different places, both in the United States and Europe. Living in, working in, and adjusting to these varied cultures has helped her recognize the value of identifying one's own strengths and developing resiliency. In collaborating with Colin Ward, Ms. Reuter has refined her philosophies into practical guidelines to help her and other counselors work with clients in broadening their strengths and meet life challenges.

In 1989, Ms. Reuter graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. in Communication Studies, and in 1991 she earned an M.A. in Communication Processes and Disorders and a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. She received her M.A. in Counseling from Oakland University in 2008. Currently, Teri Reuter is a counselor in Orlando, FL.