About
Don's Bio
Therapy is a second career for me, having previously spent about 25 years as a director of local newscasts in Austin. I had my own struggles in midlife and emerged with a strong desire to learn to help people heal. Accompanied by plenty of anxiety, I left my cozy job and returned to graduate school at the University of Texas to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work. I could never have done it without the support of my amazing partner, a social worker herself. I like to say I married into the profession.
Since graduation, I have worked as a social worker in a Trauma 1 Emergency Department where I have supported countless patients as they faced life-altering trauma, serious illness, end-of-life care, grief and loss, suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation difficulties. What stood out to me most was how powerful empathy can be in healing and how hope emerges when we take time to genuinely connect. I strive to create a space where both patients and professionals feel seen, heard, and focus on what matters most.
I utilize a model of therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which aims to help us reframe our relationship with really tough emotions, and the mental chatter that accompanies them, so they lose their ability to control us and push us around.
Outside of work, I am an animal lover and I’m also a bit of a nerd who enjoys sci-fi, gaming, and philosophy, with a particular interest in existentialism (we can have some really deep conversations if that's your thing).
Services
Therapeutic Approach
Therapeutic Approach
Therapeutic Approach
As a social worker, my approach to therapy is deeply rooted in my profession's core values, especially the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships and social justice. I believe that these principles are essential in fostering a supportive and healing therapeutic environment.
The model I use in therapy is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which encourages clients to take meaningful actions aligned with their values, even in the face of challenges. I also draw from attachment theory which helps us understand how our early caregiver relationships serve as a sort of template for our current relationships.
Client Populations
Therapeutic Approach
Therapeutic Approach
My work in a large trauma 1 emergency department has equipped me to effectively support first responders and clients who have experienced physical and psychological trauma, including domestic violence, violent crime, sexual assault and life-threatening accidents. I approach each client with a trauma-informed perspective, ensuring that their unique needs are met with empathy and understanding.
I am committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals. I am dedicated to serving all populations and am committed to cultural competence and sensitivity, further, I consider myself an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. My practice is focused exclusively on working with adults.