Derek's Story

Professional Experience

Derek has devoted his career to providing effective and compassionate mental health care. Specializing in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy, Derek employs a diverse range of therapeutic modalities to meet the unique needs of his clients.

Derek's career began with roles that honed his skills in both individual and group therapy settings. He has extensive experience in managing complex mental health cases and creating personalized treatment plans. His commitment to evidence-based practice ensures that his clients receive the most effective and up-to-date treatments available.

In addition to his clinical expertise, Derek has a strong background in leadership and mentorship, having served in supervisory roles where he guided and supported mental health professionals. His ability to lead with empathy and professionalism has earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and clients alike.

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Derek's educational background is comprehensive. He completed his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He is certified as an EMDR therapist and has extensive training in various therapeutic modalities. Derek has also served in the United States Marine Corps and the Nevada Army National Guard, experiences that contribute to his disciplined and empathetic approach to therapy.

His approach to client care is characterized by a deep commitment to understanding each individual's experiences and needs. Derek believes in the power of therapeutic relationships and strives to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can openly discuss their concerns and work towards their mental health goals.

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Specializations

Rogerian (Client-Centered) Therapy: A non-directive approach that fosters a supportive and accepting environment, enabling clients to explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): An advanced therapeutic approach designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories, helping clients process and integrate these experiences.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): A future-focused, goal-directed approach that emphasizes solutions rather than problems, empowering clients to envision and achieve their desired outcomes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented therapy that helps clients understand and change their thought patterns and behaviors to manage stress and anxiety effectively.

Motivational Interviewing (MI): A client-centered counseling style that enhances motivation and commitment to change by helping clients explore and resolve ambivalence.

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Areas of Focus

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• Stress and Anxiety Management: Developing tailored interventions for individuals dealing with high levels of stress, enabling them to manage their anxiety and maintain well-being.

• Trauma and PTSD: Providing specialized treatment for trauma, helping clients process traumatic experiences and regain control over their lives.

• Performance Optimization: Implementing techniques to enhance cognitive and emotional performance under pressure, allowing individuals to excel in demanding environments.

• Work-Life Balance: Offering counseling focused on achieving a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life, promoting overall well-being and satisfaction.

• Young Professionals and Senior Executives: Supporting young professionals looking to advance their careers and senior executives addressing anxieties around work-life balance and work-related stress. This includes personalized strategies to navigate career challenges and maintain mental health in high-pressure environments.

Therapeutic Approach

Derek's therapeutic approach is centered around three fundamental principles crucial for effective therapy:

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Rapport and Trust: Building a strong therapeutic alliance is the cornerstone of effective therapy. Derek strives to create a safe, empathetic, and supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and respected. This foundation of trust allows for open communication and facilitates meaningful therapeutic work.

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Accurate Problem Identification: Utilizing his expertise and extensive training, Derek is adept at identifying the underlying issues that contribute to his clients' distress. By accurately diagnosing the root causes, he can develop targeted and effective treatment plans that address the specific needs of each client.

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Objective Beneficial Outcomes: Derek's ultimate goal is to ensure that the time spent in therapy is objectively beneficial. He focuses on achieving measurable outcomes, such as reducing symptoms, improving daily functioning, and enhancing overall quality of life. He continuously tracks progress and adjusts treatment plans as needed to ensure that clients experience tangible benefits from therapy.

Commitment to Treatment Outcomes

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Derek is deeply committed to providing therapy that not only addresses immediate concerns but also leads to long-term improvements in mental health. His goal is to help clients achieve tangible outcomes, including:

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• Symptom Reduction: Effective management and reduction of symptoms related to stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma, leading to a more stable and fulfilling life.

• Improved Daily Functioning: Enhancing clients' ability to function effectively in their personal and professional lives, allowing them to thrive both at work and at home.

• Empowerment and Resilience: Empowering clients to build resilience and develop coping strategies that support sustained well-being, enabling them to navigate future challenges with confidence.

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Working with Licensed Professionals and Executives

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As a mental health therapist, Derek understands the unique challenges faced by licensed professionals and executives, such as airline pilots, doctors, police officers, lawyers, and senior business leaders. These individuals often have specific concerns about confidentiality, documentation, and the potential impact of therapy on their careers. Derek's approach is designed to address these concerns and provide a safe, supportive environment for licensed professionals and executives to receive the care they need.

Confidentiality and Privacy: Maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and privacy is paramount in Derek's practice. He is committed to ensuring that all client information is securely protected and handled with the utmost discretion. Licensed professionals can feel confident that their privacy is respected and that their participation in therapy will not adversely affect their careers.

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Trust and Rapport: Building trust and rapport is essential, particularly for those in high-stakes professions. Derek strives to create a therapeutic environment where licensed professionals feel comfortable and supported. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, he aims to build a strong therapeutic alliance that facilitates effective therapy.

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Personal Experience

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Beyond his professional achievements, Derek is a devoted Christian, father, husband, and community member. His personal experiences have shaped his empathetic approach to client care. As a father, he understands the importance of balancing family responsibilities with personal and professional aspirations. As a husband, he appreciates the importance of supportive relationships in maintaining mental health.

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Derek has faced his own personal challenges, which have given him a profound understanding of the resilience required to navigate mental health issues. This personal insight allows him to relate deeply to his clients, offering not only clinical expertise but also genuine empathy and support.

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Derek's dedication to his faith in Jesus has become a significant aspect of his life, guiding his principles and practice. His belief system inspires him to provide compassionate, nonjudgmental care to all his clients, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.

Personal Interests

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Derek enjoys spending time with his family and exploring new places. He finds joy in outdoor activities such as swimming, live sporting events, concerts, gun range, and traveling. The mountains hold a special place in his heart, providing a serene escape and a connection to nature. Derek's commitment to his clients is driven by his belief in the power of compassionate care and evidence-based practice. He is dedicated to helping his clients achieve their mental health goals and improve their overall well-being.