My name is Donald R. Gidney. I have 12 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am currently licensed to practice in North Carolina as a LCSW & South Carolina as an LISW-CP. My areas of expertise include anxiety, stress, depression, substance abuse, phase of life issues, anger management, dual diagnosis, communication skills & PTSD. I use a person-centered & approach to therapy starting with engagement which involves developing a relationship, building rapport & hearing the client's story so that I can gain an understanding of presenting problems. Then I conduct a thorough assessment which includes exploring the client's past/childhood to gain an understanding of their present challenges. I then provide insights, psycho-education & assist them with understanding their problems, developing their strengths, learning new ways of thinking & behaving so that they can overcome life's challenges. My primary therapy approaches are Motivational Interviewing, Adlerian & Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapies.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session is spent building rapport & engaging with the client in a general conversation about whatever they would like to discuss. I typically ask questions to ensure that I have a good understanding of the problem. If time allows I will do an assessment of the client's past/childhood to help gain deeper insight into the client's core beliefs, thinking, past events & behavioral patterns that may be contributing to presenting problems.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a therapist my strengths lie in my ability to blend evidence-based approaches to provide a holistic and individualized therapeutic experience. With mindfulness, I help clients build awareness and acceptance of their thoughts and emotions, promoting emotional regulation and stress reduction. Through CBT, I guide clients in identifying and challenging negative thought patterns to create healthier behaviors. My DBT skills enable me to support clients in managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal relationships through practical skills like distress tolerance and emotion regulation. Using MI, I assist clients in exploring their ambivalence and building intrinsic motivation for change. Additionally, Adlerian therapy allows me to understand a client's unique life perspective, early experiences, and goals. This integration of approaches allows me to tailor my therapy to each client’s needs, fostering growth, resilience, and meaningful change.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
An ideal client for therapy for me is one who is motivated, has a growth mindset and is ready to engage in the therapeutic process, open to exploring their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and willing to actively work toward personal growth and change in between sessions. They are committed to taking responsibility for their own healing, open to feedback, and show persistence in overcoming obstacles. An ideal client is one that is also proactive in setting goals, eager to learn new things, and actively applies what they’ve learned in therapy to real-life situations. They come with a genuine desire to improve their mental well-being and make positive changes in their life.
About Donald R Gidney
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Adlerian
I have 10 years combined experience, training and mentoring with Adlerian Therapy. As an Adlerian Therapist I understand the importance of listening, creating an empathetic and supportive relationship with my clients. I also explore early life experiences and help clients connect the dots with current problems to help break free from old ways of thinking and behaving that no longer serve them. Adler emphasized the therapist’s role as a partner in the client’s journey of self-improvement, and this mutual respect forms the foundation of successful therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have 12 years of experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I’ve developed a deep understanding of how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, and how changing unhelpful patterns can lead to meaningful improvements in clients' lives. In my practice, I use CBT to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles. I work collaboratively with clients to set practical goals, teach them effective coping skills, and help them build healthier thought patterns. By empowering clients to recognize the power of their own thoughts and actions, I guide them toward lasting change and greater emotional well-being.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
With 10 years of experience in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I’ve honed a comprehensive approach to helping clients manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and develop effective coping strategies. In my practice, I focus on teaching clients the core DBT skills of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. I work with individuals to help them balance acceptance and change, encouraging them to embrace their current feelings while also taking steps toward healthier behavior patterns. By offering both individual therapy and skills training, I have empowered clients to navigate difficult emotions, improve their sense of self, and build more fulfilling, balanced lives.
Motivational Interviewing
With 14 years of experience in Motivational Interviewing (MI), I have developed a strong ability to support clients in exploring and resolving ambivalence about change. In my practice, I use MI techniques to create a collaborative, non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard and understood. I focus on eliciting client's own motivation for change, helping them clarify their values and goals, and fostering their intrinsic desire to take action. By using open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations, I guide clients through the process of overcoming resistance, building confidence, and strengthening their commitment to making positive changes in their lives.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I have 12 years of mindfulness experience, I have integrated this practice into my therapeutic approach to help clients cultivate greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. I teach clients how to stay present in the moment, observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, and create space between their reactions and responses. By incorporating mindfulness techniques like breath work, body scans, and mindful awareness exercises, I guide clients in reducing stress, managing anxiety, and developing a deeper connection to themselves. This practice helps clients build a more compassionate relationship with their experiences, allowing them to approach life's challenges with greater clarity and calm.