Derek Tywoniuk (he/him) is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor who holds a Master of Science in Counseling, with an Option in Rehabilitation Counseling, from California State University Los Angeles.
As a therapist, Derek works from a trauma-informed foundation, utilizing mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches adapted to the needs and goals of each individual. His years of experience in the mental health field include working with LGBTQ+ folks, people examining their relationship with substance use and addictive behaviors, co-occurring mental health conditions, artists and musicians, and people with disabilities. Above all else, Derek aims to work collaboratively with each client to help them connect with and live by their own values.
Prior to working in the mental health field, Derek studied and worked professionally in classical and contemporary music, and holds degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music (BM), Colburn School (MM), and UCLA (PhD). He continues to perform and compose as time allows, and finds that many of the lessons he learned in his musical and academic life have parallels in recovery and psychotherapy.
In his spare time, Derek enjoys cross-stitch, CrossFit, concerts, contemporary art, reading, tattoos, memes, baking, and most of all, spending time with his husband and their two tuxedo cats.
