Dr. Nicholas Wilkens

I graduated from Texas Lutheran College in 1991 with a BA in English. I spent the next two years at UT-Austin in their prestigious Advertising graduate school (not sure how I got accepted). I moved on when I realized that I wouldn't be working toward making the world a better place, but making people money. However, I learned a lot there as Advertising research is psychological research - it manipulates, rather effectively, individuals' minds to convince them to buy something that may not be in their best interest. I decided that I wanted to use such knowledge for good vs. profit. I graduated from Luther Seminary with a Master's in Theology. This allowed me to experience and understand intensively many theologies - not just Christian. Finally, I received my Ph.D. from St. Mary's University. Two of my alma maters, TLC and St. Mary's invited me back to teach. (Luther Sem did to, but do you know how cold Minnesota gets during the winter?).

I believe all individuals are inherently good. I am a Superfan of Mr. Fred Rogers who spent his life getting this message across to children specifically. He was a Christian minister, but never brought that up himself. I think he embodied unconditional positive regard for all people, and it was so very powerful. I understand that his own Christian faith understanding taught him this, and I know that this is a key theme in all the Holy writing of all major religions. The vast majority of self-proclaimed atheists with whom I have worked were essentially humanists who did have a moral code and values. One of my favorite seminary professors told me, "I can embrace a humanist who is an atheist, but I can't embrace a Christian who isn't a humanist." I believe that every person who comes to seek help from me is inherently worthy. And I work to bring that out. And I abide by, as a therapist, the old cliche that, "Nobody cares how much you know unless they know how much you care."