At a glance
- Credentials
- LPC, LCPC
- License
- LPC, Colorado / LPC.0011730; LCPC, Montana / BBH-LCPC-LIC-72385
- NPI
- 1336394287
- Experience
- 17 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Colorado
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
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- Encouraging listener
- Values based tools
- Skill focused work
About Derek
Derek Bonds is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 17 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, grief, anger, and major life changes. He offers a calm, respectful presence and focuses on building hope and forward momentum. Derek emphasizes practical steps and honest conversation so people can move toward clearer goals and steadier days.
He earned a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and has worked across settings including schools, a college campus, and community mental health agencies. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology and counseling, supervised graduate interns working toward licensure, and managed an outpatient therapy department.
In sessions Derek treats people as the experts on their own lives. He combines encouragement with down-to-earth strategies to address motivation, purpose, and everyday functioning. He often draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques to help people notice unhelpful thoughts, clarify values, and try new behaviors.
He also uses Client-Centered methods to create a listening, nonjudgmental space and borrows Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills when people need concrete tools for emotion regulation. Motivational Interviewing is part of his approach when people want help increasing motivation for change.
Derek works from Colorado and speaks English. He has a practical focus on workplace problems, relationship stress, compassion fatigue, social anxiety, and young adult issues. He aims to partner with each person to find useful, realistic steps toward greater stability and hope.
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How Derek Uses Collaborative Approaches Online
Derek commonly draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy in his work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them while clarifying what matters most so actions line up with personal values. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and building a trusting relationship so people feel heard and can explore options at their own pace.
Motivational Interviewing is also part of his toolkit. It uses open questions and reflection to help people discover their own reasons for change and strengthen commitment when motivation feels low. Derek treats choosing an approach as a joint process and will work with each person to find what fits best given their goals and preferences.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions helpful for fitting therapy around work, school, or family schedules. Online work can make brief check-ins easier, reduce travel time, and let sessions fit into busy days while still focusing on skills, values-based planning, and practical problem solving with a licensed professional. -
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)EmptinessForgivenessIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issuesTherapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyExperience
17+ years
Listed in
Colorado, Montana
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Derek commonly help with?
He supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, anger, relationship and family strain, trauma and related mood issues. He also focuses on workplace problems, compassion fatigue, life purpose, and young adult challenges.
What is his therapy style like?
He offers a respectful, encouraging presence and treats clients as experts on their own lives. Sessions emphasize practical steps, honest conversation, and building hope toward achievable goals.
What kind of experience does he bring?
He has 17 years in the field, including work in schools and on a college campus, teaching at university level, supervising graduate interns, and running an outpatient therapy department.
What credentials and location are on record?
He holds LPC and LCPC credentials and practices from Colorado. The listed credentials are LPC and LCPC as provided.
Which languages are supported and can international clients work with him?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking to know whether in-person or online meetings are available.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
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Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers