Mark West

I am Deven West, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I am dedicated to improving the mental and emotional well being of my clients. I focus on supporting my clients through their personal healing and progress. My priorities are to create a safe and conducive environment for my clients to trust the therapeutic process. I help support the therapeutic journey of my clients by learning important interactions of thoughts and emotions, managing negative narratives, working to address maladaptive behaviors, and understanding relationship dynamics with others.

My approach

I like to focus on the core tenants of Cognitive Behavioral therapy and Dialectical Behavioral therapy. I operate from a strengths perspective and working with my clients at their pace. I am trained and have experience working with clients in Brain Spotting and Couples and Family therapy from the Gottman Institute.

My focus

Although I have experience working with a variety of clientele, I typically work with individuals, couples, and families. I have experience working with clients overcoming addiction, mood disorders, neurodivergence, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and marital issues.

My communication style

I like to create a calm and welcoming environment that is suitable for trust in the therapeutic relationship. I believe that clients are capable of healing and possess useful insight. I respect client's opinions, perspectives, and self determination. I welcome feedback from my clients. I respect diversity in culture, beliefs, and identities. I strive to create an environment for self discovery and open dialog.

My journey to mental healthcare

Becoming a therapist and working with individuals, couples, and families has been a desire of mine since high school and college. My Social Work undergrad was at Weber State University and I went on to my graduate program at Walla Walla University in Missoula, Montana. Post graduation, I worked as a Psychotherapist under supervision in Montana and Utah. I became fully licensed in Utah. I worked in a variety of therapy settings such as drug rehab, group therapy, and individual therapy.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting starts in the first session by exploring client's expectations and personal goals of therapy. I like to create and monitor a treatment plan with my clients to keep them informed and in control of their therapeutic process. I prioritize my client's desired directions in therapy. I use the SMART method to help create realistic goals.

My first session with you

In a first session, it is important to build rapport by briefly explaining confidentiality and mandatory reporting, striving to understand unique issues and struggles that led them to therapy, and exploring client's expectations and goals for therapy. Then we address a treatment plan to work towards goals and healing.