HISTORY
The story begins when Donald an evening job at the New Haven Juvenile Detention Center while completing in undergraduate college degree in psychology. There he experienced troubled youth going from the city streets to residential centers where their lives were turned around only to be sent back to their families and again end up in detentions centers or even worse.
“I knew if I was ever going to assist young people I needed to also assist their families,” Don recalls. Training in marriage and family therapy was his next direction, with graduate training and post-graduate education, as well as systemic constellations facilitation training.
NOW
As a Bowen, Family Systems trained therapist I am dedicated to helping individuals, couples and families with the belief that you, the client, hold the source of your own strength and resilience. My role is to help you re-connect to that source of your inner strengths and potential, and to build your unique future that is free from the constraints of the past.This philosophy is evident in every aspect of my process, from having you, the client, determine your future, and in insisting that you claim powerful reasons for your own goals.
I have been a trained marriage and family therapist for over 40 years, with a background in Gestalt Therapy, Family Systems Thinking (Bowen Theory), and Systemic Family Constellations as a facilitator, in this healing modality developed by Bert Hellinger. This method assists couples address the hidden dynamics in our families. Often past traumas and misfortunes play out as reactivity in marriage and family life. Through the Family Constellations, balance, respect, and love are restored, leaving the partners free to transform their marriage.
In addition I use IMAGO intentional dialogue skills which allow for the couples access to healing and growth through a powerful listening process. Throughout my career I have assisted thousands of couples preparing for marriage, as well as, those married who experience difficulties and set-backs.
I am committed to helping any couple enhance their relationship to have the marriage they desire. On a personal note: I am married 50 years. My wife and I have six children, eleven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.