Hey! I’m Derek. Are you someone who has intrusive thoughts, engages in compulsions, has troublesome habits, or experiences anxiety that gets in the way of you living life the way you want? I strive to make space and to learn about what your needs are, work with you collaboratively to create realistic and tangible goals, and provide feedback that is direct yet compassionate. My goal is for you to have the confidence to apply the skills and tools you gain in therapy to your everyday life. Sometimes anxiety and OCD can feel like they are taking away things we enjoy, experiences, or certain parts of our life, but I am here to help you take it back and live in a way that more closely aligns with your values! 

I received my Master’s degree from the University of Florida in Education with a Specialist’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Florida. I am passionate about providing evidenced based therapy and have received extensive training in Habit Reversal Training and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and specialize in treating OCD. Over the last 6+ years, I have worked primarily to treat various forms of anxiety, OCD, phobias of all kinds, trichotillomania, and excoriation (skin picking) . 

When I’m not working, I enjoy gardening and house plants, sports, playing disc golf, watching tv, hiking, music, gaming with friends, and spending time with my family. Clients that work with me have mentioned they appreciate my calm demeanor and approach and down to earth/relateable attitude. 

I am available to work with people over the age of 15 to treat OCD and anxiety related disorders mentioned above. Finding the right therapist for you is important and can be frustrating, but when you find the right person, it can make a world of difference. If after reading this you feel like I might be a good fit to help you, please feel free to contact me!