Education

Undergraduate studies (B.A.) at University of Southern California

Graduate studies (M.S.S.W.) at University of Tennessee Knoxville, College of Social Work

Licensure

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

State of Tennessee, License # 7306

My name is Dan and I'm a therapist.

As a transgender and non-binary person, I had a hard time finding my path, and I had a hard time finding people who could guide me. Getting quality support changed my life. I decided to become a therapist myself, in hopes that I could pay it forward, and make the journey easier for others.

My work with clients focuses on empowerment, exploration, and following your inner guides. I love to learn, and I love to share insights, skills, and nuances about mental health with people. Though there is certainly a teacher inside me, I believe that my most important job is deep listening.

My time in LGBT communities has enriched my understanding of communication, consent, and the frequent need for clarification of observations. We do not always see one another clearly! We have so many chances to self-correct and double-check, and I am all about that.

My own experiences of being pregnant and parenting two small kids have been extremely humbling. Though I was initially hesitant about connecting with parents as a queer person, I was surprised to find that working with other parents is something I truly enjoy. Raising kids is infinitely complex and challenging, and good help is hard to find. We need advice, with sound judgment, but without being judged as a "bad parent." Conversations about parenting have been some of the most fruitful and engaging I have had. I like to get creative about family therapy, so it can be approachable, effective, and bring family members to common ground. I have experienced the kind of family therapy that is poorly timed, poorly facilitated, 100% confrontation and crying, and that has helped me understand what NOT to do.

I have worked with LGBT teenagers and young adults since 2006, and continue to love the openness and primal anarchy of this stage of life, especially for those of us outside the binary. Supporting youth and families who are going through a gender transition is something I'm well prepared for. Trans and non-binary teens & young adults are a significant percentage of my clients. More than half have been hospitalized for mental health treatment, and more than that have experienced suicidal thoughts and/or self-injury. For trans youth, I have experience with the many social, legal, and medical changes that may be desired, the nuances of determining the appropriate timeline, and managing all the expectations and fears along the way. I have sought out professional training and consultation on these topics, so I do not rely solely on my personal experiences as a transgender individual.

As a social worker, I am trained to look closely at how our social groups impact each of us. I keep in mind the influences of society on mental health, including the racist foundations of the USA, the ableism of our economy, modern trends in tech, and the ever present gender-binary. In my view, untangling these influences is essential to our process of healing.

"I know there is strength in the differences between us. I know there is comfort, where we overlap." - ani difranco

I hope that therapy can become a place of comfort and strength for you.