Hi, I'm Donavon. I am a counselor with almost 20 years of experience. Some words that folks have used to describe me are encouraging, supportive, compassionate, and understanding. One of the things I feel I am especially good at is helping people find the connections to the origins of their problems. Do I spend days or weeks having you relive the past? No. But, being able to understand how your problems or negative coping strategies of today developed, is an important step in doing things better in the present.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
First, things first... I want to know who you are as a person before we get into what brought you here. I always spend a few minutes getting to know you before we jump in. I also share information about me and my background. The counseling process is most effective when both parties know and trust each other. And, beyond dipping into the reason for your visit, during the first session I want to know what you're hoping to gain from the experience. Even if you can't fully articulate your goals, that's OK. But, starting the first session with some general idea of where we're going sets the stage for growth and keeps us on track.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My experience is my greatest strength. I will always be the first person to admit I don't know everything, I have been working with people in a helping capacity since 1995 - many years before I became a counselor. Although I learn something new almost daily, the depth of my experience is significant and I do my best to impart the knowledge I have gained throughout my career with everyone I work with.
About Donavon Kirby
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is at the core of what I do, but I blend it with compassion, understanding, and encouragement.
Psychoeducation
I believe everyone is on a developmental journey through life. We can often find ourselves stuck in our jobs/careers, relationships, troubling family dynamics, financial setbacks and a myriad of other life challenges that we haven't encountered before. Although I would never pretend to know everything, I have worked in human services settings, educational institutions and various counseling capacities for nearly 30 years. I use this experience to make make sure each client learns as much as possible about how to address their challenges with techniques, or strategies that can improve their situations as much possible. Additionally, I provide education about local resources and support services that can offer additional help whenever I can.
Existential
How is something as seemingly impractical and academic as existentialism helpful in approaching and resolving real-world problems? You may not have thought much about this philosophical concept, but you've felt it every time you've come to a crossroads in your life or been thrust into a life changing challenge. How we make meaning of life events and how we make meaning from hurtful life experiences is important. Helping individuals make meaning of things that seem tragic or meaningless, and helping individuals change their point of view so their resilience is increased is always one of my goals.
Grief Therapy
Grief and loss, whether it is over the loss of a loved one, or a relationship, is one of the main things that bring individuals into a counseling relationship. Sorting out the complex feelings or grief and loss is something many of us need help doing. I approach grief and loss counseling gently and with a high degree of support and care. Although there is no timetable to come to terms with loss, the sooner you begin the process if processing your feelings and taking small steps forward, the better.
Eclectic
Eclectic means I operate from several theoretical positions and use pieces of each that make sense for a person or a particular problem. One of the things that make me unique is that I mix in far more coaching than most counselors. Having someone who can get you to dig inside yourself to find your own answers and who can offer suggestions and encouragement is very powerful - especially if you're stuck in a situation you can't see your way out of.
