(he/him)
New to Grow
👋 Hi, I’m Don Patton, I’m a licensed mental health therapist specializing in substance use, co-occurring mental health conditions, and the patterns that keep people stuck despite wanting to change. My background is primarily in residential treatment, where I’ve worked closely with individuals in early recovery navigating high risk transitions, emotional instability, and repeated relapse cycles. That experience has shaped how I approach therapy. I’ve seen firsthand that insight alone is not enough. Many of the people I work with are intelligent, self-aware, and capable, but continue to struggle when it comes to applying that awareness in real-life situations. My work is focused on closing that gap. I tend to be direct, structured, and practical in session. I will challenge thinking patterns that are keeping you stuck; while also helping you build tools that are realistic and usable outside of therapy. At the same time, I understand that change requires trust, consistency, and a space where you can be honest without judgment. My goal is not just to help you understand yourself better, it’s to help you create measurable, sustainable change in how you think, respond, and move forward.
You already know what’s going wrong, the patterns, the triggers, the decisions you regret, but in the moment, something still takes over. Whether it’s substance use, anxiety, anger, or relationship patterns, you may find yourself repeating the same cycle despite genuinely wanting to change. Insight hasn’t been the problem. Follow-through has. I specialize in helping individuals break those cycles, especially in early recovery or during high risk transition periods, by targeting the exact thought processes and behaviors that keep them stuck. My approach is structured, direct, and focused on real change, not just talking about problems. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help you identify how your thinking drives your behavior, especially in high pressure or emotionally charged situations. In our work, we focus on: Identifying the specific triggers that lead to relapse or emotional escalation. Breaking automatic thought patterns that override logic in the moment. Strengthening emotional regulation and impulse control. Building practical, repeatable strategies you can actually use outside of session. I have extensive experience working in residential treatment with individuals navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. I understand how different things feel once you leave a structured environment and have to apply these skills in real-world situations. This is an active process. I will challenge patterns that are keeping you stuck while also helping you build a system that supports long-term stability.
I have worked extensively in residential substance abuse and mental health treatment settings, helping individuals stabilize, develop coping strategies, and transition into lower levels of care. This experience allows me to quickly identify relapse risk patterns, emotional triggers, and behavioral breakdown points — and address them in a focused, practical way.
I’ve worked extensively in residential treatment, guiding individuals through the early stages of recovery, relapse prevention, and emotional regulation. At the same time, I understand the importance of integrating therapy into everyday life and building skills you can use outside of session to strengthen relationships and manage stress, freeing you to live more authentically.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful or distorted thought patterns that contribute to distress and unhealthy behaviors. I often guide them through tools such as thought records, behavioral experiments, and coping skills practice. I focus on showing the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and I provide practical strategies clients can use to challenge negative thinking and respond in healthier ways.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
I use REBT with clients to uncover irrational beliefs that drive unhealthy emotions and behaviors. I help them recognize rigid “musts” or “shoulds” in their thinking and replace these with more flexible and rational alternatives. I emphasize that while people cannot always control what happens to them, they can learn to change how they interpret and respond to challenges. This approach allows me to support clients in developing resilience and greater self-acceptance.
Motivational Interviewing
MI is useful to explore and resolve a client’s ambivalence about change. I rely on open ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to draw out their own values and motivations. Rather than pushing for change, I focus on strengthening their intrinsic motivation so that they feel ownership of their decisions. This collaborative and non-confrontational style helps clients move from uncertainty toward commitment to positive change.
Trauma Informed Care
All of my therapy utilizes trauma-informed care, I prioritize creating safety, trust, empowerment, and choice in the therapeutic relationship. I am always mindful of possible triggers and take care to avoid re-traumatization. I approach treatment with sensitivity to a client’s past experiences while working to help them regain a sense of control and resilience. By integrating trauma awareness into all aspects of care, I create an environment where clients feel secure enough to engage fully in the therapeutic process.