About Derek

Derek is a licensed therapist in Idaho and Utah. He has been working with people in a clinical setting since 2008. Derek has had the opportunity to work with folks in inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, family intensives, and couples/relationship retreats. He's been working in private practice since 2019, and is passionate about providing quality care to a variety of different people. Derek attended the University of Utah, where he completed a Dual Bachelors Degree in Social Work, and Environmental Sustainability, as well as a Masters in Social Work, with an emphasis in mental health counseling. Derek has completed professional training in a variety of clinical modalities, such as IFS, ACT, EFT, EMDR, and is Gottman level 1 certified. Derek works with individuals and couples in Idaho and Utah. 

Derek grew up in the Utah mountains, and that is where he feels most at home. When Derek isn't working, he can often be seen roaming around in the Tetons with his partner, daughter, and big giant Australian Shepherd.  

Derek’s Philosophy

Derek believes in the power of relational, existential therapy. The process of developing a safe, honest therapeutic relationship can be a potent post-traumatic healing experience. Therapeutic relationship building, self understanding, self-compassion, and skill building combined tend to offer a lot of symptom relief, as well as a clearer path forward. Derek is passionate about understanding people in their context. How they have adapted out of necessity to navigate systems and relationships in their lives. He works to assist clients in better understanding the historical function of their patterns, as well as helping them build the necessary skills to be able to adjust them to be more helpful in their current context. Derek is neurodivergence affirming, LGBTQ affirming, and works well with people who are feeling unsure of the process or have had a negative experience in a therapeutic setting. 

Contact Derek at derek@rootedtherapycoop.com.