- Client-centered approach
- Cognitive behavioral tools
- Trauma-informed work
About Derrell
Derrell Tidwell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 42 years of experience. He practices in Washington and works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, trauma and abuse, and LGBT issues. He also supports people dealing with eating concerns, self-esteem, life changes, and coaching needs.
Derrell describes therapy as a partnership where the client is the expert on their own story. He helps clients identify strengths they already have and use those tools to address things that feel overwhelming. Sessions focus on bringing clarity to what is happening now and on practical steps a person can take between meetings.
He draws on several approaches to guide the work. Client-centered methods keep the client's perspective central. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to notice and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. Psychodynamic ideas are brought in to look at patterns that may come from past relationships or family history.
Derrell also uses solution-focused and trauma-focused ways of working when they fit the client's goals. He pays attention to issues like abandonment, codependency, communication problems, control issues, and forgiveness. Guilt and shame are listed among his additional focus areas and may be addressed in the course of sessions.
Sessions are conducted in English and Derrell notes particular experience helping people of color with family and relationship difficulties. For practical details about scheduling and how sessions are arranged, people are asked to confirm current session options before booking.
How his therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Derrell uses client-centered methods that focus on the person's perspective and goals; this approach helps people talk through painful feelings and decide what matters most to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify thought and behavior patterns and test small, practical changes; this can be useful for anxiety, panic, and low mood. Trauma-focused work addresses the effects of past harm and looks at ways to reduce its ongoing impact on daily life.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. He collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. That conversation shapes what happens in sessions and guides the steps taken between sessions.
The exact online session formats for this therapist should be confirmed before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work or caregiving by removing travel time and allowing shorter check-ins when needed. They also make it simpler to maintain regular appointments after a change in routine. Ask about the current session options so arrangements match your daily life and schedule.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
42+ years
Listed in
California, Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, LGBT issues, eating concerns, self-esteem, and life transitions.
How does he approach guilt and shame?
He treats guilt and shame as issues to be talked through using the client's strengths. Practical steps and reflection on patterns are used rather than quick fixes.
What is his background and experience?
He has 42 years of professional experience and practices in Washington with prior work in California reflected in his credentials.
Which credentials and location are on file?
He holds LCSW and LICSW credentials and is listed as practicing in Washington.
Do sessions take place in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with him?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.