Hello, I'm Derrick!

I’ve been a therapist for nearly eight years, working in a variety of settings—from in-home therapy and schools to substance abuse programs and even prison systems. No matter the environment, my goal has always been to provide high-quality care to those in need. For the past five years, I’ve been in private practice, refining my approach and identifying the specific issues I work best with.

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Over time, I developed a therapy style that integrates brief, solution-focused techniques, allowing most clients to see meaningful progress within 12 sessions or fewer. While some choose to stay longer, this structured, problem-solving approach has been the most effective for my clients.

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My training exposed me to a wide range of psychological theories, from cognitive distortions to brain chemistry imbalances to family dynamics. These models provided valuable insights, but they were often rooted in clinical settings. Once I started working directly with clients, a different realization emerged:

 

What if there’s nothing wrong with people?

 

What if the struggles we call "mental illness" aren’t signs of dysfunction but rather evidence that people are doing the best they can with the information they have? And if that’s the case, what if all they really need is new information to create change?

 

Instead of focusing solely on symptom management, I shifted my approach to helping people solve problems—and in doing so, their symptoms naturally improved. I found that most people get stuck because they are:

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1. Trying to solve an unsolvable problem.

2. Ignoring a problem that needs to be addressed.

3. Solving the right problem but in the wrong way.

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Suddenly, social anxiety became "attempting to hide the fact that I’m anxious."

Depression became "denying that I’m unhappy because others say I shouldn’t be."

Communication issues became "It’s not that I don’t agree with you—I just don’t agree with how you’re saying it."

These subtle shifts in perspective can lead to rapid, meaningful change.

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The Core of My Work

​At the core of my work is authenticity and humor. As a part-time stand-up comedian, I know firsthand how the right words at the right time can break tension and shift perspectives. I also know how humor, when used incorrectly, can fall flat. But in therapy, humor has a way of healing.

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What does this mean for you? It means I won’t just stare blankly and ask, "How does that make you feel?"—a question I personally find unhelpful. Instead, we’ll explore what the situation means to you, because meaning is what influences your choices. Understanding that can open up a world of possibilities.

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Therapy with me feels like talking to a trusted friend—except with the clarity, structure, and tools needed to create real change. While professional boundaries are important, that doesn’t mean I won’t be friendly, engaged, and fully present with you.

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I don’t speak in riddles or therapy jargon. I tell it like it is, so you can make the changes you need to build a life worth living.

 

Working Together

I primarily work with busy professionals, so I offer evening and weekend sessions to accommodate your schedule. While I don’t accept insurance directly, I provide superbills for reimbursement through your insurance company.

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You can click here to learn more about why I don’t take insurance (directly), my pricing, and available reduced-fee options.

I also offer a free 30-minute video consultation because I believe you deserve the opportunity to interview your therapist before committing. It’s a chance for us to see if we’re the right fit—I'll have some questions for you, too, to make sure we’re starting off strong.

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If this approach resonates with you, let’s connect. You don’t have to navigate this alone.  I look forward to your appointment request.

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