Bryan R. Welch

Attorney Counselor

JD, M. Coun., CADC I, Professional Counselor Associate

I love my work as an attorney counselor with the OAAP. Every day I have the privilege of supporting members of the legal community as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the legal profession. One of the things I've learned in this work is that many people believe they are the only ones having a hard time. They think everyone else has things figured out. In fact, legal professionals face many of the same challenges, but they often experience them in isolation. A really enjoy walking beside people as they begin to realize they're not alone and that help is available.

In my professional career, I’ve gone through two major changes – from small business manager to lawyer, and from lawyer to counselor. I began my legal career in my mid-30s by attending Lewis and Clark Law School and graduating from the night program in 2003.  From then until joining the OAAP staff in 2015, I practiced law in a small community firm, where I focused primarily on family law and eventually family mediation. As I transitioned to counseling I first became a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, then ultimately earned my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Oregon State University.

While Oregon has been my home for over 40 years, I was raised in the Midwest as a white, cis-gender, hetero, male. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and continually strive to increase my awareness of how legal culture impacts people with different identities. I am proud of the fact that I am a person in long-term recovery from alcohol use disorder. And when I’m not working, I’m most at home spending time with friends, enjoying all the beauty that Oregon has to offer, or playing guitar and ukulele – usually with more enthusiasm than skill!

My training and personal experience support my work helping others navigate things like burnout, career dissatisfaction, chronic stress, secondary trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, and substance use concerns. What I enjoy most is helping people move from feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or discouraged toward a place of greater balance, connection, and hope.

If you're facing challenges in your professional or personal life, I hope you'll reach out to me or one of my amazing and talented colleagues. Seeking support is often the first step toward feeling better and reconnecting with what matters most. Whatever you're dealing with, there's a good chance you're not the first person to experience it—and you don't have to do it alone.

My professional ethics require that I make available to you my Professional Disclosure Statement. Please read it prior to our meeting and let me know if you have any questions.