Derrick McCluskey
About
*Action-oriented Therapist* Most anxiety and depression evolve from procrastination, which leads to inaction. I have the ability to help people who are looking to take action on their goals which require behavioral change. Change becomes natural once a person understands their unintentional programming from childhood and decides to work on their discipline. Discipline is simply your ability to prioritize the needs of your "future" self ahead of your "present" self. I do not prescribe medication; however, I can refer you to a Grow Provider if need be. I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts and I love helping people reach their maximum potential! I spent 23 years in the military travelling the world before I retired and decided to commit the rest of my life toward helping others. I have been providing therapy successfully for over eight years with many successes for clients who are looking to do the work necessary to live their best life. You can read my reviews on healthgrades.com that have been posted by former clients. If you are ready to put in the effort, you will make progress!
I spent 23 years in the military travelling the world before I retired and decided to commit the rest of my life toward helping others.
First session
In the first session, we will go over your concerns and explore your goals. Most times, I use the first session to offer coping skills for clients to practice, as well as a book selection that will best aid them in their self-discovery.
Strengths
My greatest strengths as a provider are my diverse life experiences, extensive education and proven track record when it comes to helping people change their behavior and take action on their goals. I use a framework of evolutionary psychology for clients to understand where they might be getting their urges and motivation from. I like to have people take a personality test and learn about attachment style so that they may better understand their behavior in the relationships in their life that greatly affect their mental health.
Ideal clients
The clients I am best positioned to serve are the ones who are willing to do the necessary work outside of session. I request that all clients utilize bibliotherapy that I recommend, which are simply books that further assist a client to make the life changes that they deem necessary. The books I recommend are specifically designed for the individual that I am working with. My experience has shown me that this approach helps the client to have 24/7 access to reflective self-awareness. Whether in session or out, the book(s) will help anyone who is interested in growth.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I am a therapist who works to empower each client by building their self-efficacy and confidence. My average client finds a quicker ability to grow through the direction of the ACT model that focuses on a person taking action on their goals and values.
Existential
This is a good addition to the ACT model when clients are working to cultivate their purpose.
Narrative
This is another highly effective therapy that allows the client to process internal trauma by externalizing it through writing. I have used this therapy to augment ACT as a way for each individual to address their own life experience through narrative. Some individuals even choose to turn their work into publishable stories.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
All clients will benefit from learning and practicing mindfulness skills that will reduce anxiety.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions235 Greenfield Rd, Deerfield, MA 01373, 4