Donald Gidney

My name is Donald R. Gidney. I have over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am currently licensed to practice in N.C. as an LCSW & S.C. 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.

My approach

I use a person-centered & Adlerian 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.

My focus

I have a strong clinical background working with Veterans, geriatric, LGBTQ, dual diagnosis, severe mental illness (SMI), incarcerated individuals, substance abuse, and other populations. I have extensive knowledge & experience treating anxiety, panic attacks, depression, substance abuse, phase of life issues, stress, adjustment disorders, anger, dual diagnosis & PTSD.

My communication style

I am very laid back, non-judgmental & love to laugh. I provide a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment. I provide active listening & make sure that the clients that I work with feel understood respected & empowered every session. I believe in working together with the client to establish collaborative goals & empowering them with a deeper understanding of who they are & what they can accomplish.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have always enjoyed helping others, & have often been the person other people talk to about their problems. People have always told me that I'm easy to talk to & a good listener. I am fascinated by psychology and how people think, in addition to how the subconscious mind works, and the connection between thoughts, thinking & feelings. I enjoy empowering & helping people gain insight into their problems & themselves so that they can live a better quality of life. I also enjoy watching people learn & grow in addition to being able to guide them on their journey to better mental health.

My goals for you

I typically address goal setting with the client after hearing their story & having a good understanding of their problems. I then engage them in a discussion about what they want to accomplish by attending therapy or how they would like for their lives to be different. From there I work with the client to formulate treatment goals for therapy, discuss the importance of active engagement in therapy & work on goals in between sessions for best outcomes.

My first session 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.