512-338-0555
CLIENTELE
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People
David's clients are a broad spectrum currently, including lesbian, gay, bi, and straight individuals and couples. His therapeutic experience includes artists, musicians and other entertainers, aviation professionals, medical field professionals including medical doctors and nurses, public safety (EMS and firefighters), legal (attorneys and law enforcement), educators, MBAs, tech industry employees (programmers and managers), and mental health field professionals.
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Academic and Professional Background
Having previously been a journalism major and editor, David became an Emergency Medical Technician at a hotline, drug crisis, and indigent clinic when he learned basic counseling techniques as part of his job. He first pursued a Master’s Degree (University of Arizona) in Counseling, specializing in family therapy and agency work. He then achieved a Ph.D. (University of Florida) in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Psychology, having trained in student mental health centers, a panic and phobia clinic, and community mental health. Dr. Garrison’s Veteran’s Hospital internship specialized in sex therapy and alcohol treatment units. Other work experience included group counseling with a special needs populations (Jewish Federation of Chicago) and police psychology including being a member of hostage negotiation teams.
Life member, American Psychological Association; Texas Psychological Association
Orientation Approach With People
My style is to be direct but tactful. I will refer to research, theory and clinical experience within the counseling session. You can ask me what I am thinking about you or for clarification about what I say when we talk. I am interactive, while you will still do most of the talking. If you have trouble talking or consider yourself either shy or introverted, I might help you, without telling you what you should be thinking, feeling, or doing. Any time we spend on your past is about how it affects you now. Emotions are important, but we are not going to just sit and share feelings and call it a success. We will define the meaning of your success together. You can define your own pronouns. You do not have to make a specific commitment. You may want to leave the first appointment to decide if you want to come back. You won’t be pressured. I won't make you attend my therapy group since I don't conduct any. You can stop when you feel finished. If you have any questions about my style or related psychotherapy concerns please ask.
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I have professional experience in a variety of settings, including academia, organizations (including business, government, hospitals) and private practice, resulting in becoming an integrationist to best fit each person. Psychotherapy is a creative process.
Early training was in Gestalt and Adlerian Individual Psychology, with recent influences including attachment based approaches such as Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Marsha Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy, solution focused and communications styles. I bend toward compassionate, emotion and thought focused, culturally sensitive philosophy and mindfulness/meditation techniques.
Photo by Tomek Baginski