Donald Ford, LMHC
CBT-focused counselor for trauma, addiction, and relationships
- Trauma informed support
- Addiction and eating concerns
- Relationships and communication
About Donald Ford
Donald Ford, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Certified Master's Level Addiction Professional who has spent more than a decade helping people understand and work through a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. His background includes diagnosing and treating substance use and other addictions, eating disorders, trauma-related symptoms, depression, anxiety, and challenges with self-esteem. He also has extensive experience supporting individuals affected by long-term relationship trauma and abuse, where distress can show up as persistent shifts in mood, thinking patterns, and day-to-day functioning.
Across his career, Donald Ford has worked with individuals of all ages, including those facing severe and persistent mental health symptoms, psychosis, and complex behavioral or relationship difficulties. His experience spans multiple levels of care, including private practice, long-term residential treatment programs, and psychiatric hospital settings, which informs a steady, adaptable approach to meeting clients where they are.
In therapy, he emphasizes respect for each person’s perspective, needs, and challenges. He often works from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework, a structured approach that helps clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and build practical coping strategies. He is also certified in Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR), a guided therapeutic procedure designed to help reduce the emotional impact of overwhelming events. Depending on a client’s goals, he may integrate additional approaches such as Client-Centered, Solution-Focused, Interpersonal, and Gestalt therapy to support meaningful, goal-oriented progress while also addressing the underlying experiences that contributed to current distress.
Across his career, Donald Ford has worked with individuals of all ages, including those facing severe and persistent mental health symptoms, psychosis, and complex behavioral or relationship difficulties. His experience spans multiple levels of care, including private practice, long-term residential treatment programs, and psychiatric hospital settings, which informs a steady, adaptable approach to meeting clients where they are.
In therapy, he emphasizes respect for each person’s perspective, needs, and challenges. He often works from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework, a structured approach that helps clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and build practical coping strategies. He is also certified in Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR), a guided therapeutic procedure designed to help reduce the emotional impact of overwhelming events. Depending on a client’s goals, he may integrate additional approaches such as Client-Centered, Solution-Focused, Interpersonal, and Gestalt therapy to support meaningful, goal-oriented progress while also addressing the underlying experiences that contributed to current distress.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Donald Ford have?
Donald Ford has 13 years of experience providing mental health counseling.
Is Donald Ford a licensed therapist?
Yes. Donald Ford is a licensed therapist with the credential LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor). His license is FL LMHC MH12129.
In which languages does Donald Ford provide therapy?
Donald Ford provides therapy in English.
Where is Donald Ford located?
Donald Ford is located in Florida.
How can I work with Donald Ford as my therapist?
You can work with Donald Ford through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing you to choose the format that best fits your needs and schedule.
Does Donald Ford work with international clients?
Yes. Donald Ford works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Donald Ford cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Bringing Evidence-Based Therapy Online
Donald Ford draws from approaches that balance insight with practical skills, which can translate well to online therapy with licensed professionals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, then practicing new ways of responding. It is often used for concerns like anxiety, depression, stress, and the ripple effects of difficult life experiences.He also incorporates Client-Centered Therapy, which prioritizes a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients can clarify what matters most to them. This approach can be especially helpful when self-esteem, grief, relationship strain, or major transitions make it hard to feel grounded. Mindfulness-based strategies may be included as well, helping clients build awareness of what is happening in the moment and develop steadier coping when emotions feel intense.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Therapy can be collaborative, with goals and pacing shaped by the client’s needs, preferences, and what is most helpful over time.
Online therapy adds flexibility without losing structure. Sessions can take place through video calls or phone sessions, and clients can also use live chat or text-based messaging, which can be useful for busy schedules, travel, or continuing support between appointments.