Derek offers a multifaceted approach to therapy at Fortitude Wellness Collective. Derek’s experience in both non-profit organizations and outpatient settings has been highly influential in his therapeutic approach, providing an intersectional understanding of how the environment and systems we exist in affects everyone as an individual. This appreciation for intersectionality helps him understand the unique challenges clients face as well as the root causes of their challenges.

Derek’s therapeutic practice works with individuals to address clients’ feelings of depression, anxiety, trauma, and other maladaptive behaviors or thought patterns inhibiting an individual’s ability to function. Derek addresses these presenting problems with empathy and mindfulness, emphasizing trauma-informed approaches and evidence-based practices such as DBT, CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Derek appreciates the importance of providing a safe space for his clients in their therapy journey. He also understands the vulnerability involved throughout the therapeutic process, and aims to provide a judgement-free, reassuring therapy experience.

Derek aims to provide clients the therapeutic tools and means by which to implement positive, productive changes and empower his clients to lead better lives. His overarching goal as a therapist is to improve his client’s emotional quality of life on their own terms, and to provide a personalized therapeutic approach for his clients that speaks to their unique needs. Derek’s experience and therapeutic approach make him a capable resource for those seeking to start or resume their therapy journey.

*Under the supervision of RaShonda Riley, LICSW