Devan Glissmeyer, Ph.D.

Clients With Whom 
Devan Works Well

Devan works with adolescent boys who are experiencing significant challenges in emotional regulation, behavior, and interpersonal relationships. These challenges often fall into four primary areas: intense anger or entitlement, ongoing patterns of dishonesty, difficulties with social awareness and interaction, and high levels of anxiety. The boys he supports frequently struggle to manage their emotions in a healthy way, test limits at home and in other environments, and may feel misunderstood or disconnected from the people around them.

Some students show persistent patterns of dishonesty, where lying has become habitual—even in situations where there is no clear benefit or reason. Others face ongoing social challenges and often align themselves with negative peer groups, struggling to form or maintain healthy, supportive friendships. These difficulties are frequently linked to challenges with executive functioning—such as trouble with impulse control, emotional regulation, and perspective-taking—which can impact their ability to navigate social situations successfully.

Substance use and anxiety frequently occur alongside these issues and are addressed as core parts of treatment, depending on their severity and influence on the student’s overall functioning.

Education &
Prior Work Experience

Co-Founder of Second Nature, Devan Glissmeyer has worked with adolescents in treatment for over 25 years, 24 in nature-based therapy. Prior to founding Second Nature, he taught college psychology and communication courses. Devan waited tables as a college undergraduate and ran a landscaping business during junior high and high school, where he employed many of his friends and regularly cared for 40 homes per week during peak summer season.

Devan began his studies at the University of Utah where he received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He attended Ball State University in Indiana and received a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. He returned to Utah and completed his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Brigham Young University. Devan’s doctoral studies focused on family systems and adolescent development and treatment. His doctoral research focused on the influence of parental and peer relationships on maladaptive behaviors (e.g. substance abuse, oppositional defiance, and mood disorders). He began working with adolescents during graduate school as a front-line residential staff member. It was during this work that he began to focus singularly on adolescent development and treatment.

Strengths

Devan’s strengths lie in his clinical training in adolescent development and family therapy. He has empathy for students being away from home and those struggling with social limitations. Devan is able to deliver clear expectations and boundaries with focus on accountability, improved self-care, and work ethic. He also focuses on emotional development and competence of students. After initially engaging students in the program, Devan challenges them to focus on identity development – who they want to be. He is able to manage challenging family dynamics well. Devan knows the importance of flexibility with substance issues and the importance of realistic commitments with them.