Donald Goodman, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Experienced Therapist Working With:
Individuals, Couples, Families, Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Looking to Reconnect with Your Partner?
Let me help the two of you build a stronger, happier, and healthier relationship.
Are you lost due to an addiction or other critical issue?
Together, we can get you on the Road to Recovery.
Are you concerned about emotional/psychological issues related to your child?
I can help you resolve whatever it is.
About Me
Donald Goodman, LCSW
Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling and Individual Therapy
Starting marriage and couples counseling or individual therapy is challenging. I truly believe that the only obstacle to overcoming challenges in life is commitment. My mantra for success is, “In order to reach my goals, I am always willing to get up earlier and stay up later.” This basic principle is my commitment to a healthy life. I don’t always believe that it has to be difficult. However, I am always prepared to work as hard as I have to in order to reach my goals. As a therapist, I guide my practice in the same manner. You may come to me with a very serious challenge that takes time to address or your challenge may be resolved in only a few sessions. Together, we will determine which route is best for you and work towards achieving your goals.
The most important part of marriage counseling and couples therapy is making a connection with the client. As a father, husband, professor, and therapist, I pride myself on my ability to empathize with others. What I believe separates me from other therapists is the careful attention that I pay to this connection. When I enter a session with a client, I am present with them the entire time we are together, and all of my attention goes into trying to understand their situation. Once the session is over, my attention to the needs of my clients do not cease. Whether it is returning a phone call in a timely fashion, keeping a scheduled appointment, or being flexible with a client’s life circumstances.
Please feel free to browse my site, it is filled with many useful resources regarding couples and marriage counseling, individual therapy, stress management, abuse and crisis concerns. I am here to help!
Clinical Focus
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Have you found yourself at a point in your life where you feel that you may have a problem with alcohol or other substances? Perhaps, your loved ones have expressed some concerns for your well-being, or you have suffered legal or professional consequences due to substance misuse.
Grief/Loss/Abandonment
I believe that the idea of loss is foundational to therapy. Many of the issues people face can be traced back to improperly grieved loss, in some form or another. The idea of grief and loss is often avoided because it is unpleasant. Those experiencing loss tend to want to get back to their lives leaving these old wounds open. In order to make room for change, one has to mourn the loss of the old to make room for the new. There is no miracle to this process, just talk therapy. In my experience, I have seen how simply talking it through provides you with the opportunity to heal from the pain of the loss. There is nothing dysfunctional about feeling the pain of grief, loss, or abandonment. Quite the contrary, it is the way to move through the pain and heal the wound. Sometimes, healing requires someone experienced guiding you through it. Everyone mourns the loss at their own pace. Your ability to access your pain and grief will dictate the time frame needed for a full recovery and a new beginning.
Depression
Children and Teen Issues
I have been working with youth for over 25 years. I have seen everything from high functioning autism to conduct disorder. Whether you are struggling to get your child to follow directions or get them off of heroin, the chances are that I have worked with that issue many times. I started my career working with youth and I will continue to work with this special population as long as I am in this field.
Youth Sports and Parenting/Family Dynamics
Individual Therapy
Individual counseling sessions provide an opportunity for you to dig deep into your past, heal traumas, learn new coping skills, let go of guilt and shame, and make important life decisions. In my private practice, I have helped many people find their purpose and overcome setbacks. I am pleased to be of service to individuals who are looking to make positive changes in their lives and discover their true potential. I am confident in my ability to provide an open, nonjudgmental, and supportive approach in the therapeutic relationship with my clients on an individual basis. I believe my job is to guide you to the answers within yourself. I use eclectic techniques that are rooted in a variety of evidence-based practices and tailored to fit each individual client.
Couples Therapy
Sexual Abuse
Domestic Violence
I believe that you are the expert on your own life and each case is different. For example, some people cannot use drugs and alcohol and others are able to use in moderation. I offer a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore such issues and provide experienced advice for the direction you choose to take. I believe that together we can develop a treatment plan that is best suited for you.
My Book
Do Good Therapy – Infidelity
From my years of experience working with couples, I have produced a book entitled Infidelity. In it, I demystify the complicated nature of extramarital affairs, be it emotional or physical, and offer a practical 10-step approach to cope and move towards healing and stability.
What My Clients Are Saying
Articles
When Is It Time For Couples Therapy? | Santa Clarita Couples Therapy
In the mental health community, there’s a term commonly used called “Self Regulation." While there are some interchangeable words that mean the same thing, it’s pretty much just as it sounds. It’s your ability to self soothe, self regulate, or manage your emotions in...
You posted WHAT on Facebook? | Therapy Santa Clarita
In today’s world, I understand the power and value of social media, and everyone’s need to be heard. However, I’m regularly surprised, and periodically cringe at what people are willing to say publicly. I refrain from judgment, certainly understand, and relate to the...
The Zone of Communication | Couples Counseling Santa Clarita
When communication is poor relationships suffer the most while talking about areas that produce high conflict. I consider these areas “hot topics”. However, some couples can’t even communicate about simple subjects because their unresolved issues and resentments bleed...