- Stress and anxiety
- Addiction support
- Grief and loss
About Donald
Donald Essex is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California with 12 years of experience helping people handle major life stressors. He focuses on practical steps for stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes. He speaks English and works from a values-driven approach that encourages honesty and self-understanding.
He frames therapy as a partnership and adapts conversations to each person's situation. Sessions aim to make daily life more manageable by clarifying goals, building coping skills, and addressing patterns that get in the way of progress. He emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion while keeping things straightforward.
His background includes work with substance use and addiction concerns, mood disorders, and grief. He also supports people dealing with relationship patterns such as attachment and abandonment issues, codependency, communication and control problems, and commitment concerns. He has experience with chronic illness, caregiver stress, and neurodiversity including autism and Asperger syndrome.
Donald helps people process difficult emotions and plan practical next steps. He adjusts treatment to each person’s needs instead of using a one-size-fits-all model. He aims to help clients live, love, and laugh more often despite life’s challenges.
To begin, he asks people to complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule sessions according to availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time, and cost varies with location and therapist availability.
How evidence-based techniques translate to online care
Donald’s description emphasizes evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Two common approaches that fit that description are skills-focused cognitive work and structured coping strategies. Cognitive work helps people notice unhelpful thinking patterns and try different ways of thinking, which can reduce anxiety and help manage mood swings. Structured coping strategies teach concrete tools for stress, cravings, or intense emotions so people can use them when challenges arise.Another helpful approach is problem-focused planning that breaks big life changes into small, manageable steps. This kind of work helps with grief, life transitions, and the ups and downs of recovery from addiction. All of these approaches focus on actions someone can practice between sessions as well as topics discussed in session.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to choose approaches that match goals, needs, and preferences. He adjusts the plan as progress is made so the work stays practical and relevant.
The practical benefits of online therapy include easier scheduling and fitting sessions into a busy life. Confirm current session options before booking, since formats are not specified in the profile. Many people find that remote sessions reduce travel time, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and make it easier to keep regular appointments during life changes.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes, plus related issues like attachment, codependency, and chronic illness.
What is his therapeutic approach like?
He describes therapy as a partnership and tailors conversations to each person. Sessions focus on clarifying goals, building coping skills, and planning practical steps.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 12 years of professional work experience in mental health and has supported people with mood disorders, substance use, and grief.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, practicing in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start therapy with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.