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I've been working with clients now since the 1980's, having worked with thousands of people over the years. I'm most invested in helping people to find their own strengths that have become hidden under the problems they're wrestling with, and, perhaps like you may be feeling, where they've tried lots of different solutions that may or may not have been helpful, and feel pretty frustrated and stuck right about now.
If we do move into working together, we'll talk about what these problems are doing to impact your life, and work to find the times you've been able to take action in ways that are more preferable to you, rather than be forced into what these problems want you to do. I know how difficult such problems can be, and I'll work really hard to help you move into a place where the effects shrink down to manageable size, and you'll be moving your life back into your own hands as quickly as possible.
I hope that sounds good to you. I've committed to helping people in this way for over 36 years.
My experience as a therapist is very much focused in helping you to feel more empowered and actively changing your life for the better. My most important training and practice models of therapy are called Narrative Therapy, Solution-Oriented Therapy and Family Therapy. They are great ways to work through challenging issues that so many of us face, and I've spent several decades now teaching these models to therapists and graduate students and interns. I love these ideas and approaches, and love how they help, and I've dedicated my life to working with people through these ways of practicing therapy.
I also try to have fun in my work with my clients, especially because problems tend to make everything so 'serious', and having fun, therefore, is a way to engage these problems in a whole new way.
As for you, I would request that you come to work with me if you really want to dedicate yourself to this work, and to working together. If you are just trying out this service for a month to see if you want to make use of it or not, or just "shopping" for a therapist, it's okay with me if you choose someone else to work with. I'm interested at this point in my career in working with people who are actually willing to commit to the work. So please come to work with me to make your life better, and not if you're just "trying it out". Thanks for your discernment.
And even if all you feel inclined to do is use the Messaging format, and no conversations, that's fine with me too. I've been writing letters, emails and text messages to clients for years, and have had many clients here on BetterHelp who have only utilized that service. Since first discovering Narrative Therapy as a wonderful model to work within in 1989, the art of therapeutic written communication has been an approach I've steeped my practice in as well. So, it will still be a valuable experience for you, if you're game for a "literary journey" together!
Looking forward to meeting you soon.
As to using this platform for your counseling, I'm open to video or phone calls, instant chat messaging and using the messaging system for asynchronous connections. My therapy office hours are 11am to 4pm Mountain Time, Monday through Friday, and if you don't see a spot on my Schedule page to pick out a session, you can message me and we'll figure out a time that works for both of us, if possible.
Warmest regards,
Don
Professional experience
35yrs in practice
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, Blended Family Issues, Commitment Issues, Communication Problems, Control Issues, Divorce and Separation, Emptiness, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and Shame, Isolation / Loneliness, Life Purpose, Men's Issues, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Post-traumatic Stress, Self-Love, Sexuality, Social Anxiety and Phobia, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Donald McAvinchey. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Don rocks! Hes sincerely interested in my well being
Written on Aug 09, 2022 after therapy with Donald for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and addictions
Don continues to be a strong counselor for me and has helped me work through my tougher issues this year. He's a wonderful listener I always feel safe sharing with him. Thanks, Don!
Written on Sep 28, 2021 after therapy with Donald for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, and adhd
Don has been a huge support to me over the last 12 months and continues to be. I massively value his expertise, guidance, understanding and compassion. I would have no doubt in recommending him to anyone who needs support. Im not sure how I would've got through the last 12 months without his care, understanding and help. I very much look forward to continuing our work together - the journey continues and I'm very glad to have Don guiding me through mine.
Written on May 25, 2021 after therapy with Donald for 1 year on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Don is the best. I'm extremely grateful to have found him. Before I started working with him, I had pretty much given up on therapy and the hope that it could help me.
Written on May 07, 2021 after therapy with Donald for 3 years and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
I feel so lucky to have found Don on this platform. I tried a few other therapist before I got to Don and really he has made a huge impact on my personal growth. I've been writing to Don for almost a year now, and I can't believe what a different place I am in my life now. It was changes I was ready to make, but when I started with Don I was in the thick of all the hard stuff, feeling incredibly overwhelmed and struggling with myself and my relationship. Don always replies in a timely manner - especially when I was going through very difficult stuff he would reply daily - always hears what I'm saying and helps me through different ways of looking at things, and helping me feel strong, intelligent and worthy. I am extremely proud of myself with all the work I've done to be in a healthier mental state and life in the last year, and I really feel so lucky to have had Don's help through it all. I highly recommend Don if you're ready to really look inside and start facing your struggles and finding solutions. Don is a therapist who cares and has lots of great advise and resources to offer you.
Written on Apr 12, 2021 after therapy with Donald for 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, and coping with life changes
I don't think I need help anymore but still can't wait to talk to Don. He's great.
Written on Nov 10, 2020 after therapy with Donald for 6 months on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, anger management, coaching, and adhd
Donald was very effective in helping me in a crisis situation by actively listening, asking insightful questions, and respectfully showing a different perspective that helped me make progress in processing a traumatic situation. I feel that I'm on the path to find new balance, regain control over my emotions, and finally let go past experiences that felt like a heavy burden for a very long time. I am happy with the results and would definitely recommend Donald and BetterHelp to others.
Written on May 13, 2020 after therapy with Donald for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and coaching
Donald made me feel at ease while discussing my issues and guided me through figuring out what it is I need to work on. He made it feel like a safe place to talk and work through things. He also shared about his background so I know more about who I am talking to!
Written on Apr 15, 2020 after therapy with Donald for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and grief
He is the best. Don asks all the right questions to get me thinking and get curious about my thoughts and feelings. I feel as though I have come a long way from when we first starting working together. Don is easy to talk to and always responds in a timely manner and shows care and concern for my needs.
Written on Jan 17, 2020 after therapy with Donald for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Donald is just the best! I'm sticking with him until he stops counseling! A perfect match for me!
Written on Nov 02, 2019 after therapy with Donald for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Donald has helped coach me into fixing myself in ways I never dreamed.
Written on Sep 16, 2019 after therapy with Donald for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and anger management
Donald is a very patient professional. It is a pleasure to be able to share with him what had happened in my life. I wait for his questions and feedback. I usually try to implement them and report to him to him how successful I was in doing so. Thank you, Donald!
Written on Aug 26, 2019 after therapy with Donald for 6 months
Don has been a great help. I have talked to him over the years and he is very quick to respond and understands what I need. He’s thoughtful, helpful and very knowledgeable.
Written on Jun 17, 2019 after therapy with Donald for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Don has helped me understand myself, my relationships, and helped me change the way I dealt with so many things. He is someone I could talk to about absolutely anything. He has helped me understand and overcome many fears from struggling with anxiety, past abuse, insecurities, and self esteem issues that I have battled with alone for a very long time. He helped me find my happiness again, that I knew deep down was still there. His caring nature makes it very easy to talk to him. I am so very grateful for him and his help and support.
Written on Jun 12, 2019 after therapy with Donald for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Donald was very helpful. Throughout the written messages, I could feel there was genuine care, patience and interest when I was seeking more knowledge and understanding of myself and above all, help. To deal with paranoia, job related issues and relationship issues, he has a positive approach and discussions focused on the subject. He doesn't send homework for you to do, instead takes his time to understand with the discussions, and it's greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much Donald McAvinchey for exceptional mind and care.
Written on May 08, 2019 after therapy with Donald for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
I sincerely appreciate this counselor's input on my anxiety and think he has given me many helpful tools to deal with it on a regular basis.
Written on Feb 22, 2019 after therapy with Donald for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I hesitate to use the word "life changing," but it's close. Don helped me at a very low point and turned things around for me, and by extension, my family and everyone with whom I interact. He's a gifted therapist and special human being who listens fully and guides with compassion and patience. I never felt judged, only supported. I really do feel lucky to be working with him. Being able to see him online through Betterhelp has been a game changer, too. I couldn't be more satisfied or happy with the experience.
Written on Feb 12, 2019 after therapy with Donald for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, and self esteem
I appreciate that Don is very professional and intuitive. He is able to guide me through the goals that I am hoping to reach.
Written on Feb 11, 2019 after therapy with Donald for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Don is a very talented counselor that reached out to me in such a way that I felt very comfortable and hopeful that he would be able to help me. Considering this is the first time that I have reached out, I would consider that quite an accomplishment.
Written on Jan 22, 2019 after therapy with Donald for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I have tried to find a therapist who understands all the particularities of my situation, of my needs and desires, and of my shortcomings and strengths, for a really long time. I saw 5-6 therapists who failed to "get me". Don McAvinchey succeeded in a very short time to understand exactly who I am and what I'm about, while asking me exactly the right questions and giving me the kind of feedback best suited to help me. I can only conclude that he has a very keen sense of observation, a commitment to really do what it takes to really help his client have a better life, an impressive capacity of insight, and a solid respect for his clients. There is no one-size-fits-all kind of therapy and Don is fully receptive to the client's needs, while not imposing any specific type of therapy and/or advice. In short, he is just extremely good at his job - a real professional and human being.
Written on Jan 03, 2019 after therapy with Donald for 3 weeks on issues concerning coping with life changes
Don listens to you, then asks the right question to help you find answers within yourself. During our sessions, I know I can tell him anything, and his response is always insightful, supportive and kind. He helps you see the good in you, even when you insist not to see it! :)
Thank you, Don.
Written on Dec 30, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, and coaching
Don was very understanding and supportive during the hard time in my life. He provided me with support and a great insight in my situations and how to manage them. I will continue to use Don going forward for a while till I am strong on my own two feet.
Written on Dec 20, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Great counsellor who leads you to your own understanding rather than just giving advice. Thank you for your help, Don.
Written on Dec 20, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 6 days on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Getting paired up with Don was the best thing that could have happened to me. I was having at least 1 panic attack a day on top of all the anxiety for at least a year. Not even 3 months in and no more panic attacks or even anxiety.
The best thing about talking with Don is that you feel like you are talking to a friend. What more could you ask for?
Written on Sep 21, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Donald has been an absolutely incredible help getting me through a period in which a traumatic brain injury led to some unexpected changes in my behavior. Besides a rehabilitation clinic years ago, I had never consulted with a professional like Donald. He has given me the attention I needed, asked all the right questions, and gave me tools to work on myself. Tools that helped much sooner than I ever expected. An independent neurologist also agreed with the tools Donald had given me, only confirming that which I already knew: Donald is a very experienced and caring professional. On top of all that, he's an incredibly likable and interesting man to talk with. I thoroughly enjoyed our sessions and hope to continue consulting him for quite some time to come, he makes me not just hopeful for a bright and happy future, but downright certain.
Written on Sep 20, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 1 month on issues concerning trauma and abuse, self esteem, and anger management
Don is a competent and professional individual. His conversation skills and emotional support skills are world class. I hope to continue sessions.
Written on Aug 29, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 2 weeks on issues concerning trauma and abuse, intimacy-related, and anger
I absolutely am the most grateful for Donald. He listens, replies with questions that always make me think in the right direction, makes me feel very comfortable, and is overall a genuine counselor that I am very happy and proud to be paired with. I can speak my mind without being judged, and I get replies with care. I cant ask for better. Thank you, Doc.
Written on Aug 16, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship, and trauma and abuse
I know it takes time to find the right counselor, thankfully Don is the one I have needed. Great counselor, great man, I am truly blessed and grateful for being matched with him.
Written on Jul 28, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 7 months on issues concerning depression, relationship, and self esteem
Don is the best councelor I have ever had, who listens carefully and asks all the right questions. He immediately nailed the style of counceling that fits to me best and responded very quickly and - most important - thoroughly to my problems.
In fact, his counceling has helped me that much that I am happier than ever before in life and decided to pause therapy for a while. Don has a very gentle but specific way of asking questions, which led me to realize, analyze and solve my issues by myself. At the same time, he has a great amount of empathy and compassion and made me feel understood at all times.
A huge recomendation for this six-star-councelor!
Written on Jul 09, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship, family, grief, eating, and self esteem
I have been extremely pleased with all the services my counselor provides. He is professional, punctual, compassionate, communicative, and full of empathy.
Written on Jun 22, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 3 weeks on issues concerning addictions, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related, and anger
Over the last few months, Don has helped me work through several issues that had become holdups in my life. As a result, I feel I have made significant progress and am moving in a more positive manner towards the future. Don's style is to gently guide the conversation by asking questions and probing deeper into areas he thinks need more discussion. He is always positive and encouraging, and I've finished each session feeling optimistic. He has also suggested a number of practical ideas to bring what we have discussed into my everyday life.
Thank you for your support and guidance Don!
Written on May 15, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 4 months on issues concerning self esteem
An amazing experience! Together with Don, I was able to turn my life around 180° and to get to a place of self-acceptance and growth. Don is very caring, supportive, and shows a real interest both during sessions and in-between. By combining deep and meaningful conversations with practical tools, growth was imminent.
Very recommended for anyone who wants to change their life for the better.
Thank you, Don! :)
Written on May 03, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 4 months on issues concerning depression, addictions, self esteem, and anger
An excellent counselor, who is not only terrific at his job but a very accommodating person.
I have only been with Don a month but feel much better for it. He is non-judgmental and really listens to what I am actually trying to get across.
I was only suffering mild depression symptoms but none the less I would highly recommend Don to anyone.
Written on May 01, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, grief, and self esteem
I’m grateful for finding Better Help and especially for Don. I feel he really cares about his work and helping others. He offers great Information and even offers things to research and look into for further guidance. I really appreciate his help and would highly recommend him.
Written on Apr 19, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship
Don has shown considerable knowledge in his field as well as compassion and understanding for my issues.
Written on Feb 24, 2018 after therapy with Donald for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship, sleeping, and self esteem
Don is empathetic, a great listener & strategic about helping in the short term as well as long term. I highly recommend him.
Written on Dec 28, 2017 after therapy with Donald for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship
Instead of picking at old wounds, Don made me concentrate on my strengths in my present life. It gave me a boost of confidence and the right focus. I liked a friendly tone of our conversations and the uplifting effect they had on me. I felt supported and encouraged!
Written on Nov 23, 2017 after therapy with Donald for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, self esteem, and career
Donald is always very responsive and is on your side. I feel like he roots for me even when I can't see anything positive. Talking with him has been very insightful and calming. I feel comfortable bringing anything to the table during our sessions.
Written on Nov 13, 2017 after therapy with Donald for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, intimacy-related, self esteem, and career
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