David’s Why

Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my counseling practice. I grew up in two worlds, New York until the age of 13, and California afterwards. My family and I currently reside in Northern California. In my earlier childhood living amongst and with a diverse group of people and cultures was extremely valuable, and helped me to develop more awareness, comfort, and empathy for those different than me. Being a healer, guide, and teacher is aligned to my core values and how I want to be in the world, and from a very early age wanting to be helpful to others.

After my early college years, I was seeking to serve a higher purpose and joined the U.S. Army as a combat medic after several years of working in the counseling field with adolescents and young adults, not knowing these were the seeds of a life calling that would germinate for the next years of my life.

The next chapter in my book of life included an eleven-year career as a high school teacher, football coach, and middle school principal, only to return full circle to my passion of combining counseling with teaching, and pursuit of my license as a professional clinical counselor (LPCC). Following, I worked in the Department of Veteran Affairs for five years helping active duty, military veterans, and their family members heal from the wounds of war, military sexual trauma, and other mental health issues. My main research and work revolves around educating and assisting others who have experienced trauma and associated addiction; with a proud focus on the military, law enforcement, and first-responder communities. I also work very comfortably and well with women in my practice, and enjoy serving a diverse group of individuals.

In 2019, I launched fully into private practice, wanting to invest more time to my clients and in other areas of my professional and personal life.

My therapeutic orientation and tools are as diverse as my clients; however, I emphasize psychodynamic, narrative, and existential approaches, with a focus on the “4 Pillars” of human growth and development: Mind, Body, Spirit, and Community. In treating trauma specifically I also focus on the healing of the brain and nervous system through Brainspotting therapy and meditation practices.

My desire is to walk alongside you wherever you are in your own life supporting your growth, and positive changes.

I view life as a process not so much a destination, and like a great book with many chapters.

I am still writing mine…how about you?