About Dan
Dan possesses a wide variety of mental health, performance psychology, and educational experience. His experience includes many years of school counseling and wellness education at public and private high schools, “in-home” intensive family therapy, adolescent acute crisis intervention/treatment, and teaching - both inside and outside the classroom. Dan is able to utilize his accumulated knowledge and experience in private practice as both a therapist and Performance Psychology specialist, effectively. His diverse multi-dimensional background has provided valuable insight and perspective pertaining to psychotherapy, consultation, treatment planning, psycho-education, and performance psychology consultation. Dan's personal experience being raised in the presence of highly successful people/world-class athletes, alongside his own history in competitive athletics up through the collegiate level in multiple sports (and currently as an outdoor adventure athlete), has provided critical understanding of the mental & physical complexities confronting performers of all varieties, including (but not limited to) athletes as well. Dan earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Saint Michael’s College, and is currently engaged in extensive research related to Identity formation (see "Current Research" below). Dan is currently an Upper School Counselor at Catlin Gabel School in Portland, OR. Other schools and organizations where Dan has worked and/or provided consultation include Tabor Academy, Green Mountain Valley School, Mansfield Hall, New Hampton School, Northeastern Family Institute, Counseling Service of Addison County, and the former Pine Ridge School. Dan loves spending time with his family, and his interests include mountain biking, hiking, skiing, camping, adventure travel, live music, and writing.
““Due to his outstanding skill as a counselor and educator Dan was typically assigned the more emotionally challenged students and families to work with. Dan has exceptional conflict resolution skills... In fact, in my 30+ years working in this field, Dan’s work with the teenage population is the best I have ever seen. His interactive style is one of compassion, caring, and patience. His philosophy is driven by making connections, which encourages a positive and safe environment. He always established clear professional guidelines when working with the adolescent population. He is a consummate professional in mind, body and spirit!” ”
Theoretical Statement
I have training and experience in a variety of techniques, and use the most appropriate approach depending on each student’s/client's unique needs. These include an eclectic approach rooted in client-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and Existential therapy, including psychodynamic when appropriate or a combination thereof. In summary, the foundation of my approach is deeply rooted in trust and collaboration within the therapist-client relationship. I believe that both insight (understanding) and skills are necessary for positive change.
Treatment methods are relationship-based, solution-focused, strengths-based, and goal-driven, revolving around the development of a trusting therapeutic alliance derived from a culturally inclusive and holistic lens. Within that relationship, treatment work may consist of identifying areas of difficulty, sources causing emotional strain, cognitive distortions, and discovering meaning/purpose.
CURRENT RESEARCH
Dan is under contract with a publishing company to write his first book, due for release in the near future! The central focus of his book will intimately describe his lifelong experience navigating the complex process of identity formation, where as in his case was that which is often experienced by children of highly successful and/or famous parents. Having been raised in the 'shadow' of a highly successful parent/world-class athlete (father: Rico Petrocelli - Boston Red Sox), Dan has been afforded critical insight into the complex process of individuation out from under the 'shadow'. This intimate account of his story from birth to adulthood describing his relentless pursuit to formulate an individual sense of identity or 'self', separate from that of being 'the son of', is theoretically supported within the framework of his own stages of psychosocial development. Additional research will include excerpts from the stories of others who have navigated their way through similar challenges related to identity formation. Ultimately, Dan's story is one of successful outcome among so many others who have not been so fortunate in navigating similar circumstances. His hope is to provide insight to the general public, a contribution to the fields of psychology & education, and to provide viable options for those seeking to step out from ‘under the shadow’.
