Don Bentley

My name is Don Bentley, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). My general approach to therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. Additionally, I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. My practice has been focused on helping clients deal with anxiety, trauma, and PTSD. I also have an extensive background in substance use disorder.

My approach

My primary approach is using Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. Combining these two modalities with Trauma Therapy, I believe that the client can develop a plan to move forward and resolve the issues that are causing hardship in their lives. Everything is tailored to the needs of the client.

My focus

Most of my practice has focused on adults 18 years and up, and I have worked with teens as well. My work with adults includes anxiety, substance use, marriage and other relationships, gender-affirming, PTSD, and parenting issues. I have worked with teens suffering from anxiety and social issues with great success.

My communication style

I am personable, calm, and encouraging. I listen to the client without interruption, encouraging them to share what they are dealing with. I encourage my clients to trust that I have their best interests at heart and can provide guidance and comfort during their time with me. I don’t judge. Every client is unique in their own way and that makes their needs special. Helping the client find a new path in their life is what is most important.

My journey to mental healthcare

I am a US Air Force veteran. After I left the Air Force, I was offered an opportunity to go back to school to train to become a Drug and Alcohol counselor. I was excited about the possibility of helping others learn what I had learned through personal experience about sobriety and recovery. My main exposure in that area of therapy has been men and women who were mandated by federal courts, county courts, and Child Protective Services to attend therapy. I then went on to receive a master’s degree in counseling and became an LPC. This gave me a wider scope for helping others. My own trauma and recovery experience led me to pursue this vocation. This is my calling.

My goals for you

Goal setting for each client is unique. There isn’t one template to help all people. During the goal formation portion of therapy, it is my practice to listen, take notes, and observe. When the client is finished, I convey what I have learned from them, and start the goal-setting process by asking questions. The answers to those questions, plus input from the client help with goal formation. Ultimately the client will identify the issues they want to work on and through therapy, additional goals can be identified and added to the program. Clients have goals, but it is their input that will develop a program that will help them resolve their issues.

My first session with you

Clients should expect a very relaxed approach to therapy with me. I am here to help guide them to a better place in their lives. During the first session I listen but I also ask questions to help me understand the needs of the client. Together the client and I determine the issues that need to be the primary focus. It is also a time for me to get to know the client, but also for them to get to know me. Establishing a strong therapeutic relationship is important, and it begins with the first session.