TESTIMONIALS:

Derik is a wonderful therapist who has helped me through a traumatic experience that left me feeling confused, scared, and like that I would never feel "normal" ever again. Before our sessions, I knew I needed to seek help, but blamed myself for how I was feeling and this made me reluctant to seek counseling. However, at our first session Derik made me feel comfortable, heard, and helped me see that I was not to blame for the trauma that I had experienced. Derik is extremely knowledgeable, thoughtful, and understanding. Numerous times he has been able to walk me through how trauma affects the body and mind and has helped me employ strategies to counteract this. Through our continued sessions I've been able to understand how what I went through affects me, how to move past it,  and how to get back to feeling like my old self. I can honestly say that I feel like a brand new and more confident person since working with Derik and would recommend him to anyone who feels like they need to talk to someone.

- RM, Philadelphia

I started seeing Derik in June 2019, and his refreshing, conversational tone helped me feel at ease in a brand new city. From encouraging me to “be nice to myself” to sharing concrete CBT strategies that successfully got me out of debilitating thought patterns, I would recommend anyone to see Derik who’s trying to figure out life in a healthy way.

-AB, Philadelphia

Derik was so helpful to me during such a chaotic time in my public interest career. He's more woke than your average white guy, very non-judgmental, and has a lot of experience in his field. Highly recommended!

-L, Philadelphia

Derik is the best therapist I’ve ever had! I was able to make a lot of progress with him in a short period of time (about 6 months). Our conversations lead me to think about my life in a new perspective by showing me there was so much more I didn’t know about myself. Those things being the root of why I felt the way I did. It’s like I had my “aha moment” with him. He was both sympathetic and straight and honest with me when it came to bringing me back to reality. I feel like he was the realist therapist I’ve ever had. He could relate to me and my lifestyle, a quality in a therapist I didn’t realize could be so valuable. I highly recommend Derik for anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD and feelings of isolation/paranoia.

— ML, Pennsylvania

I am a black, HIV positive male who has worked with Derik for several years. I find Derik to be consistently professional and conscientious. In my treatment, I am able to see clear progress and development in my therapy goals and feel both encouraged and supported in the process. Additionally, I have found Derik's approach to be respectful and clearly focused on my particular challenges and issues. I recommend him highly.

— MR, Philadelphia

“Derik has helped me improve my true sense of self, as well as my marriage.”

“Derik has allowed me to be specific and vulnerable when confronting my mental health needs. He acts as a partner and works with me to create valuable time. I enjoy the balance of activities, CBT practices, resources for review, and space simply to share Derik provides. Working with Derik, I am empowered to resolve my challenges and come to resolutions organically. Likewise, I have seen Derik’s commitment to his clients in emergencies. As appropriate, Derik is available in between sessions to discuss resources or arisen needs. Above all, I look forward to my time with Derik every week!”

— MF, Philadelphia

Derik is the first therapist that I have worked with, and right from the start he has made me feel comfortable and has truly helped me recognize that what I am going through is normal, and has shown me ways to cope. He has continuously checked in and genuinely asked how I am feeling. He really shows many reasons why not to give up, and is willing to walk through things with you to help you understand and to overcome any troubles you experience. I will continue to meet with Derik because of how personable he is, and how welcoming he has been since we have began working together, especially being that I am a part of the LGBTQ community it's very calming that he is open to many different things and does not discriminate no matter your background or preferences.

— BMK, Philadelphia

I consider myself lucky to have had Derik as my therapist for over a year. He has helped me explore and understand my sources of anxiety, both internal and external. He has greatly improved my ability to handle stressful situations, from significant traumatic life experiences to everyday difficulties. My self confidence has grown, as has my outlook overall. In short, I am happier, and I highly recommend him as a therapist.

— NT, Philadelphia

Derik has helped me improve my true sense of self, as well as my marriage. I’m so thankful that I found Derik as he supported me as a middle aged African American professional woman, married, mother of 4 sons during the time of the coronavirus. Derik has helped me with individual therapy as well as 5 months of couples counseling. Derik is an empathetic listener and helped both my husband & I fully hear and listen to each other. We’ve had the best communication in our 16 year marriage since we started seeing him. I highly recommend Derik for all ages, races, professions and aptitudes for therapy. He will help you help yourself.

— NS, Philadelphia

I have been working with Derik for almost 2 years now and I am so happy with the relationship we have built and the positive changes he has brought to my life. He is always convenient with my schedule, easy to reach ALWAYS, laid back and relaxed sessions where I feel comfortable enough to really dive into why I see him.. I can count on him to give me the support and confidence I need. Throughout my life I have seen countless therapists and doctors and the relationship & progress we have made in such a short time is priceless to me.

— CL, Bucks County, PA

I started working with Derik several weeks ago, and I am already so grateful for his support. Derik is an attentive listener and a compassionate therapist. I was nervous about starting therapy again due to some poor experiences in the past, but from my first meeting with Derik, I knew that this experience would be different. In our very first session, Derik took the time to acknowledge the differences in our backgrounds and made it clear to me that he wanted me to feel safe and in control of where our sessions would go. I'm grateful for the tools Derik has already given me to process experiences in my past and how they impact my present circumstances. I always leave our sessions feeling understood and supported. Working with Derik has been an incredibly bright spot in a very difficult year!

— ER, State College, PA

Derik has been a fantastic therapist. Insightful, compassionate, and helpful. He got me through a tough period and I would highly recommend his skills to others.

-RJ, Philadelphia

Derik is a fantastic therapist. The genuine support and compassion he provides has helped me persevere through a particularly stressful period in my life. Derik offers astute observations, underscoring bigger picture themes from the details I share. The increased clarity and peace of mind I have received is invaluable. I am grateful to be able to do the work with Derik.

— EG, Ambler, PA