Share via email
Hi, I’m Dan. I know that sometimes life can be tough. We all have struggles. Regardless of how big or how small, I want to help you. I know from my own personal experiences how life-changing therapy can be. It can be a gift and I want to help pass that on to you. I received my Master's in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I worked for 3 years prior as a Behavior Therapist for adults and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I previously worked full-time as a school-based counselor, working with adolescents from the ages of 5-18 and working part-time at a private practice as a psychotherapist. Most recently I worked as a full-time psychotherapist at a private practice where I did individual therapy with children, adolescents, and adults, family therapy, and couples therapy.
My approach
I take a very eclectic approach, combining the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, and Psychodynamic Theory with a Person-Centered orientation.
My focus
I believe in meeting clients where they are on their therapeutic journey. I don't believe in an "ideal client" but more about putting in the necessary work. As long as effort is being put in, I believe any client is an ideal client.
My communication style
I believe that I am both empathetic and direct in my communication approach. I will address certain things with clients in a very upfront manner while maintaining a soft tone and composure. I also believe in being very transparent about my own life and experiences and how they might relate to the client. I believe in creating an environment where the client and therapist feel like equals. I have often found that this helps in building rapport with my clients.
My journey to mental healthcare
I, like many therapists before me, became a therapist because I went to therapy myself. I found that therapy played a significant role in healing past wounds and developing me into a much more confident person. After going to therapy, I found that my friends and family would often come to me with questions and advice. I found myself being much more approachable and even attempting to mimic some of the things I thought my therapist would do. I had a newfound passion for wanting to help others as I was helped by a therapist. After getting my Bachelor's Degree, I spent time working as a behavior therapist before applying to graduate school for Social Work. After receiving my Master's in Social Work, I worked at a community mental health center. During my time there, I was trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. After getting licensed, I worked full-time at a private practice working with adolescents, couples, and adults.
My goals for you
My client's therapeutic goals are my own goals. I want them to thrive and progress in whatever goals they set forth. I believe in making therapy a very collaborative approach that starts where the client is at.
My first session with you
I believe in making the first session as comfortable as possible. I allow the client the freedom to talk about what troubles them or about who they are as a person. I also believe in building rapport and getting to know one another. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship starts with building a strong rapport between the client and the therapist.
