Donald Ford, LMHC
CBT-focused therapist for addiction, trauma, and relationships
- Addiction and recovery support
- Trauma and anxiety care
- Relationships and communication
About Donald Ford
Donald Ford is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Certified Master's Level Addiction Professional who has spent more than a decade diagnosing and treating a wide range of concerns, including substance use and other addictions, eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and challenges related to self-esteem. He has extensive experience supporting people who are coping with long-standing emotional and thought patterns that can develop after relationship trauma and abuse, and he has worked with individuals across the lifespan, including those facing severe and persistent mental health symptoms, psychosis, and significant behavioral or relationship difficulties.
His clinical background spans diverse levels of care, including private practice, long-term residential treatment programs, and psychiatric hospitals. Across settings, he emphasizes understanding each person’s perspective and tailoring treatment to fit unique needs and goals.
Donald often works from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework, a structured, skills-based approach that helps clients notice unhelpful patterns in thoughts and behaviors and practice new ways of responding. He is also certified in Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR), a therapeutic procedure designed to help people desensitize painful experiences and lessen the impact of overwhelming events. Depending on what a client is working through, he may also draw from Client-Centered, Solution-Focused, Interpersonal, and Gestalt orientations, with attention to both present-day goals and the underlying experiences that contribute to ongoing distress. His areas of focus include addiction, eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationships, and communication concerns.
His clinical background spans diverse levels of care, including private practice, long-term residential treatment programs, and psychiatric hospitals. Across settings, he emphasizes understanding each person’s perspective and tailoring treatment to fit unique needs and goals.
Donald often works from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework, a structured, skills-based approach that helps clients notice unhelpful patterns in thoughts and behaviors and practice new ways of responding. He is also certified in Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR), a therapeutic procedure designed to help people desensitize painful experiences and lessen the impact of overwhelming events. Depending on what a client is working through, he may also draw from Client-Centered, Solution-Focused, Interpersonal, and Gestalt orientations, with attention to both present-day goals and the underlying experiences that contribute to ongoing distress. His areas of focus include addiction, eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationships, and communication concerns.
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 therapy and mental health support.
Is Donald Ford a licensed therapist?
Yes. Donald Ford is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. License number: 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, depending on what fits your needs and what is available.
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 based 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 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.
Online therapy grounded in practical, skills-based care
Donald Ford draws from structured and supportive approaches that translate well to online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns in thoughts and behaviors that may be keeping stress, anxiety, depression, or addictive cycles going, then practicing new skills that better support day-to-day functioning. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds concrete tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be especially helpful when feelings escalate quickly or relationships feel hard to navigate. Client-Centered Therapy brings a steady, respectful foundation that prioritizes the client’s perspective, pace, and goals, helping therapy feel collaborative and personally relevant.Finding the right fit is part of the process. Donald works with clients to clarify what they want from therapy and then adjusts strategies based on what is most useful, whether the focus is coping with trauma, strengthening communication, managing cravings, or rebuilding self-esteem.
Online therapy also offers flexible ways to connect. Sessions can happen through video calls or phone sessions, with options for live chat or text-based messaging. This range of formats can make it easier to stay consistent, fit support into a busy schedule, and choose the style of communication that feels most comfortable.