Every path has a story.

this is ours.

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Wild Path Counseling

Experience & Background

Wild Path Counseling was founded by Ivan in 2025.

Raised in South Central Los Angeles in the 1990s, Ivan grew up in an environment where pressure was constant, and every decision carried real consequences. That foundation shaped a life built around discipline, adaptability, and composure under stress.

He is a father of three, and much of his life has been shaped by responsibility both at home and in high-pressure professional environments. Professionally, he has worked across crisis-driven and high-demand settings, including as a Department of Defense security contractor, Tribal Ranger supervisor, Park Ranger, Mental Health Specialist, Crisis Hotline manager, and in dual diagnosis treatment supporting individuals navigating addiction and severe mental health challenges.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology and has completed Master’s-level academic training in General Psychology. He is also the author of The Psychology of Growth, published in 2022 during the height of the pandemic.

Ivan has trained in martial arts for 26 years, growing up immersed in discipline-based practice and competing in events throughout California and Nevada. He has earned black belts in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do. That same lifelong discipline carries into his work today—direct, grounded, and focused on action over overthinking.

Wild Path Counseling isn’t built on theory. It’s built on lived experience, real-world pressure, and practical tools designed to help men move forward when life feels heavy and complicated.

Disclosure

Wild Path Counseling (WPC) provides mental health support through hiking therapy and outdoor counseling. We specialize in helping men build resilience, manage mental health, and achieve personal growth by engaging in nature-based counseling.

Please note the following:

  1. Mental Health Services: As a Mental Health Specialist, I offer therapy that combines counseling with physical activity such as hiking. However, I am not a licensed psychiatrist or medical doctor and cannot prescribe medication. My services are non-medical and focus on mental and emotional well-being through talk therapy and the healing power of nature.

  2. Scope of Services: My services are not intended to replace psychiatric treatment, emergency care, or medical services. If at any point I believe that a client requires more intensive mental health care (such as medication management, inpatient care, or crisis intervention), I will provide referrals to appropriate professionals to ensure the client receives the care they need.

  3. Outdoor Therapy: Outdoor therapy, including hiking, can be physically demanding. Participants should be in good health and physically capable of engaging in these activities. I do not provide medical assessments, so it is the responsibility of clients to assess their own physical ability to participate. All clients must complete a release of liability before participating in outdoor sessions.

  4. Confidentiality: All sessions are conducted in a confidential manner; however, I am legally required to report any imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, as well as any disclosures related to abuse, in accordance with state and federal law.

  5. Safety: While we will take reasonable precautions to ensure safety during outdoor sessions, participants are expected to follow all safety instructions. I am not liable for any injuries that occur during hiking or other outdoor activities. Clients are encouraged to consult their physician if they have concerns about their ability to safely participate in outdoor therapy.

By engaging in services with Wild Path Counseling, you acknowledge and agree to these terms. If you have any questions or concerns about the services offered, please contact me prior to booking your session.

Email : WildPathCounseling7@gmail.com