Daniel Goldman, Ph.D.
(pronouns: he / him / his)

I became a psychologist because I understood at an early age that all people experienced suffering, no matter what their circumstances. While clinical psychology has a historic focus on the treatment of mental illness, I broke with this tradition to promote my philosophy that psychotherapy can instead be utilized for promote mental health for everyone, including those who do not struggle with mental illness. As such, most of my clientele are high functioning and simply want to learn to be happier and more fulfilled, less weighed down by past events and by current stressors, more successful in relationships and careers, and more resilient and adaptive to life’s inevitable struggles. Effective therapy treats the person, not just the problem, and starts with a safe, non-judgmental, supportive environment. I will offer you an individualized treatment plan based on your unique needs.

In line with my emphasis on the pursuit of mental health (which applies to everyone) over the treatment of mental illness (which only applies to some), I focused my research and study as a graduate student in the emerging field of positive psychology. Positive psychology recognizes the innate ability of people to heal and grow when they identify the tools to do so, and goes beyond merely treating psychological injuries to pursuing higher levels of fulfillment and meaning in life. As a graduate student, I conducted experiments, published scientific papers, and presented at academic and professional conferences on topics such as mindfulness meditation and forgiveness.

Through my vast professional experience, I have developed an understanding of my strengths as well as my weaknessness. I have come to see how my own background leads me to see the world differently than others. I have learned about my biases, my insecurities, and my blind spots. I know which types of problems I am good at fixing and the ones for which I don’t have the best tools. If I believe that I don’t have the best tools to help you with your needs, I will be honest in telling you so and will offer to help you find a therapist who is right for you.

Beyond all of that, I’m a lot like you. I face problems in my own life that I don’t know how to solve. I struggle with change. I don’t always believe in myself. I feel anxiety down to my bones. I have been hurt in relationships and I too have hurt the people I love. I have felt deep pain when no one else knew or understood. I know shame intimately. I have been in therapy myself, and know how scary it can be to ask for help and how difficult it can be to find the right therapist.

My impact on this world is small but can still make a difference. In the end, I hope to leave the world a little better than I found it.