Registered Social Worker

About David

When I was 20, I was happily working as a carpenter’s apprentice.  A social worker friend of mine envisioned a different career path for me, however. Convinced that I would be good with kids, my friend arranged for me to observe a residential treatment program. 

That visit started me on a lifelong path of helping others. 

Since that day, I've worked with kids in various therapeutic roles, and as a psychotherapist with adults, youth, children and families since 2007. 

Children and Youth

I'm very qualified to deal with their most challenging mental health concerns.

​With children ages 6-12, I prefer a high level of parental involvement. For the best result, it is important for parents to be able to assist children with the skills and strategies that they learn in therapy.

​Youth ages 12-18 do better with more privacy. The prevalence of serious mental health concerns among this age group is way up. For the most part, teenagers can benefit from the same methods used with adults, although more coaching is often involved.

​Adults

I provide Individual Therapy for adults with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, relationships, education and career planning.

Typically, I work together with a person over the first few sessions to come up with a plan to tackle the agreed upon problem. With difficulties that get in the way on a regular basis, it is important to have a plan and a structure to resolve the trouble.

​Of course, it is also very important to provide a safe and supportive environment for people to express their concerns. I believe a good therapist finds a way to strike a good balance between understanding and support and providing guidance and skills. 

Specialized Training in Evidence-Based Protocols

I became qualified to be a psychotherapist in 2007 having completed a Masters in Social Work with an emphasis on counselling.

At that time, I had extensive professional experience helping children and families. In order to match that level of expertise in treating adults with individual mental health concerns, I chose to obtain advanced training.

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I was fortunate to receive the guidance of a published expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dr. Janet Klosko, a founding member of the Cognitive Therapy Association, and former lead therapist at the CBT and Schema Therapy Institute of NYC, I met with Dr. Klosko weekly, and learned many of the evidenced-based methods that help in the recovery of depression, anxiety, OCD, panic and many other common mental health concerns. I gained an understanding of the importance of following a prescribed method (evidenced-based protocol) and also of the professional practice of psychotherapy.

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In addition to advanced training in CBT and Schema Therapy, I have a high level of skill in Mindfulness-Based therapies including Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I am certified as a skills-based trainer in DBT.

If you are struggling with concerns that are limiting your happiness and satisfaction with daily life, I hope that you will give me the opportunity to help you.

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I am capable of assisting you with even the most long-standing and difficult problems.

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Please reach out and schedule a time. I am currently available for both in-person and virtual sessions.​