Derrick dos Santos, MA, LMHC

“I offer a supportive space to explore your internal experience, leading with curiosity and acceptance as we work together toward meaningful, achievable change.”

Schedule a Consultation with Derrick

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Training & Certifications

Individual Therapy

I view therapy as a collaborative space to increase awareness of current patterns while strengthening connection to a values-based life. My approach is grounded in evidence-based modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which provide structure while we engage with curiosity, insight, and meaningful change.

For symptoms related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I utilize Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help process experiences and identify thought, emotional, and behavioral patterns that may be maintaining distress or keeping you feeling stuck in recovery.

For individuals navigating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), I incorporate Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to create a gradual, structured, and supportive approach to facing intrusive thoughts and reducing compulsive behaviors.

Teen Therapy

Adolescence is often a period of identity exploration, shifting peer dynamics, and increased pressure around the future. Many teens experience challenges related to self-concept, emotional regulation, and belonging during this stage of development. I aim to provide a neutral, nonjudgmental space where teens can safely explore their thoughts, emotions, and evolving sense of identity.

Drawing from DBT, CBT, and ACT, I support teens in building emotional awareness, reducing negative self-talk, and strengthening interpersonal effectiveness and coping skills while fostering a stronger sense of self.

Couples Therapy

In couples work, I integrate principles from the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help partners recognize persistent interaction patterns that contribute to conflict, disconnection, or emotional distance. Together, we focus on improving communication, conflict navigation, and co-regulation while fostering deeper understanding, shared meaning, and a more secure emotional connection.

Family Therapy

Families function as interconnected systems, where each member’s experiences, responses, and roles influence the whole. In family therapy, I focus on identifying relational patterns, communication cycles, and emotional dynamics rather than viewing one individual as the source of concern.

I provide a structured and balanced space where all parts of the family system are acknowledged and supported. Drawing from CBT, DBT, and systems-informed approaches, we work to improve communication, strengthen emotional regulation, and shift patterns that contribute to ongoing conflict or disconnection, with the goal of fostering greater understanding, flexibility, and connection across the family unit.