Philosophy of Counseling

I believe that everyone has the potential to have a life worth living. It is my goal to assist you in creating that life through the identification of patterns of belief, thinking, feeling, and behavior that keep you from realizing it, here and now. I guide you through a holistic and multidimensional process, helping you to eliminate unproductive and ineffective patterns, to integrate body, mind, and spirit, and to live fully in the present, the source of joy and peace. I dedicate myself to helping you realize your highest potential, creating the life you want, a life worth living.  I specialize in working with people who have long-standing problems in functioning and relationships due to trauma-related symptoms.

Education and Experience

David is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. He has experience working with teens and adults in recovery from addictions, people who struggle with emotional and relational problems stemming from trauma, adult sex offenders, children with adjustment issues, couples, and people in crisis. David has a background in education, with 14 years teaching at the elementary level. David has studied closely with therapist and author Pia Mellody and pioneering addiction specialist Dr. Patrick Carnes.  David trained with Dr. Marlene Steinberg in using her structured clinical interview for dissociative disorders, and with Kathy Steele in integrating EMDR therapy with phased treatment of dissociative disorders.  He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida, and a registered clinical supervisor in Florida.

CSAT Certification by IITAP

The CSAT, Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist, and CMAT, Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist designations are awarded by the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP). David was awarded these certification after completion of a rigorous and thorough training regimen that includes both theoretical and experiential components, followed by 30 hours of supervised practice. As a sexual addiction and multiple addiction specialist, David uses a unique synthesis of humanistic, cognitive, and behavioral systems in a clinically proven task-centered approach to recovery from compulsive and addictive behaviors.

Intensively Trained in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

David completed intensive training in DBT in 2013.  He offers DBT informed therapy, facilitates a DBT Skills group, and offers DBT coaching calls.

EFT Trained

Emotionally Focused Therapy is a research-supported, evidence-based therapy model based on attachment theory, and concepts of creating and deepening connection between partners. David has completed the basic and extended training modules.

EMDR Trained, Levels I & II

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a recognized effective treatment for PTSD and trauma. David completed this training in 2011, through the EMDR International Association, and includes this powerful healing modality when appropriate for clients for whom trauma plays a role in the addictive process. David continues to attend advanced EMDR training focusing on somatic interventions, and incorporates EMDR into a multi-dimensional therapeutic approach

Post Induction Therapy

David has completed training in the Post-Induction Therapy model with Pia Mellody, the originator of the model and senior fellow at The Meadows treatment center in Wickenberg, AZ. This model powerfully guides the individual through a process of eliminating trauma-related reactions and moving into healthy moderate patterns of thinking and being. 

Professional Associations

David is a member of AMHCA, the American Mental Health Counselor’s Association; EMDRIA, EMDR International Association; FMHCA, Florida Mental Health Counselor’s Association; GMHCA, Gulfcoast Mental Health Counselor’s Association; IITAP, the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals; ISSTD, International Institute for Study of Trauma and Dissociation; MHSWFLA, the Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida; and SASH, the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health.