How Derek works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LPC, LCPC
- Licensed in
- Colorado, Montana
- Years in practice
- 17
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Derek
Derek Bonds is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 17 years of work in mental health. He focuses on helping people facing stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and problems with self-esteem. He also supports those dealing with grief, trauma and abuse, relationship strain, career concerns, and life changes.
Derek uses straightforward, practical conversations to find hope and forward steps. He listens without judgment and helps people notice patterns that keep them stuck.
Background and approach
Sessions aim to build small, usable skills for managing emotions and navigating daily demands. His background includes a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Montana State University - Billings. Derek has worked in schools, on a college campus, and in community mental health agencies.
He has also taught undergraduate and graduate psychology and counseling courses. He has supervised graduate interns toward licensure and overseen an outpatient therapy department. That experience shaped a practical approach to treatment focused on skill building and real-life problem solving.
Derek often combines evidence-based tools to match a person’s situation. People who meet with Derek can expect calm coaching, clear options, and encouragement to try different ways of coping. He believes people are experts on their own lives and that hope can be found even in difficult moments.
He invites prospective clients to explore whether they would be a good fit together.
What Derek works with
Everything Derek lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Derek's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Emptiness
- Forgiveness
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Mood disorders
- Self-love
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Derek lists
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Therapeutic approaches and online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on clarifying values and taking small committed steps toward what matters. It helps when stress, anger, or a sense of emptiness make it hard to move forward. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches specific strategies to change unhelpful patterns. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and mood shifts. Client-Centered Therapy centers the conversation on the person’s experience and emphasizes empathy and support while people find their own solutions.Choosing the right approach is a team effort. Derek will talk with each person about goals, daily challenges, and what feels most comfortable. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.
Online work includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs. Video allows face-to-face conversation when bandwidth permits. Phone sessions can be a shorter check-in or work better when video is difficult. Live chat and messaging are helpful for ongoing support between sessions or quick check-ins. These options make therapy more flexible and easier to fit into busy lives.
Questions people ask about Derek
What concerns does Derek commonly help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and self-esteem problems. He also supports people facing grief, trauma and abuse, relationship and family strain, career questions, and life transitions.
What is his general style in sessions?
Derek uses a direct, conversational style and focuses on practical skills. He listens closely, offers encouragement, and helps people test small changes in daily life.
What is his professional background?
He holds a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Montana State University - Billings and has 17 years of experience. He has worked in schools, on a college campus, and in community agencies, and has taught counseling courses.
What credentials and region are listed for Derek?
He is listed as LPC and LCPC and practices from Colorado. The credential abbreviations indicate Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English. He also accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Therapy can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Derek?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.