Daniel Downey,Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Hello, I’m Daniel Downey, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist based in St. Louis, Missouri. I provide mental health services to individuals across the state. My practice has two main areas of focus. The first is working with individuals experiencing anxiety and related diagnoses such as obsessive compulsion (OCD), phobias, panic issues, and depression. My second area of focus is working with young adults experiencing difficulties with major life transitions, including those related to gender identity and sexuality. I incorporate cognitive behavior theory (CBT), solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy approaches.

My therapeutic approach is eclectic, incorporating several different approaches, although most are variations of CBT. While original cognitive-based therapy is most often employed, I also borrow from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy as well as solution-focused therapy. I have found these most helpful in assisting clients to reach a higher quality of life.

Over the years, I have taken cues from my client populations to inform me as to where my strengths are and with whom I am most productive as a therapist. Depression and anxiety and related disorders including OCD in adults is an area that I have accumulated a wealth of experience and assisted individuals toward success. Along with this population, I have enjoyed having had the chance to work with many young adults in overcoming obstacles of major life changes and transitions. This includes assisting in finding validation and acceptance with gender identity and sexuality.

My communication style is enthusiastic, welcoming, non-judgemental, patient, genuine, while also being assertive and educational. This mix of styles allows me to build strong, trusting working alliances without judgement.

This might sound like a cliche, however it is completely true. I cannot remember a time, even before kindergarten, that I was not concerned with suffering and feeling responsible and compelled to become an adult that would be able to help relieve suffering. Growing up,my heroes were Gandhi and Mother Theresa. As I grew up, I discovered that I made people comfortable to talk about difficult issues and I was able to establish trust quickly. I became interested in anxiety disorders as I learned that therapy was more effective than medications and I could have a real impact helping people improve their quality of life and in many cases, also decrease a significant amount of suffering.

Having each person set goals for therapy is essential. I have found it beneficial for clients to first set goals without influence from me and then assist in translating broad goals into smaller steps that do not feel as overwhelming.

The first session typically includes a conversation during which I will explore the reasons an individual is seeking therapy, along with discovering the client's strengths and obstacles. I will ask many questions although the pace will be adjusted so that no one feels overwhelmed. It is important for each client to know that they will set the pace and I will not expect anyone to discuss anything before they feel that they are ready.