Daniel Watts, MSW, LGSW

I provide adult and relationship therapy with a focus on reducing the effects of trauma, depression, and anxiety. I work with individuals, couples, throuples, and polyams in order to heal, heighten a healthy sense of self, with a sex-positive and informed lens to improve intimacy in its many forms. I collaborate with those who are struggling in multiple stages of life: sexuality, coming out, gender-curiosity, transition, loss of a loved one, of a dream, and strained relationships. Let's explore how to tap into your potential to create your distinct identity and fulfilling connection with others.

I respect and honor the space where you hold pain, confusion, anger, discouraging memories, sadness, disappointments. Through slowly building trust, guided mindfulness, somatic approaches, modalities old and new, and humor, we can forge a path that feels right for you. I will help you calm the body, access the sources of conflict within, and make choices and decisions which align with your hopes and goals. Lived experience in many of these areas creates a genuine sense of my wanting to hear your story, what has brought you to this moment, and where you would like to go. The details of our lives are often painful, and you are not alone. Each of us has a rich history. Each is unique. We possess unmistakable character and yet can still feel lost. Working side by side, we can find the you that you like best.

This is not old world therapy. This isn't 'the expert fixing the broken.' You are not broken! You have everything to heal already inside you. We just need to spend time finding it within you and then work together to bring it to the surface. I am dedicated to inventive ways to bond, address depression, anxiety, trauma, queer integrity, substance use, and the grief and loss associated with many stages in life. I would like to get to know you, reveal what you have enjoyed, and how to reclaim that enjoyment.

I rely on the wisdom of multiple modalities and healing practices, including: Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, Integrative Relationship Therapy, Queer-Affirming care, Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Polyvagal theory to address the root of trauma, grief, and loss in order to form wonderfully beautiful bonds. Humor isn't an official modality, though is extremely useful in growth. There is no rule that says therapy has to happen within four walls! It can, it just doesn't have to. I offer virtual and in-office sessions. Depending on the work we are doing, what the immediate needs are, we can walk and talk, meet at a nearby park or lake, investigate a hiking trail, all the while respecting your right and need for privacy and confidentiality. Let's get creative! With a combination of mindful, somatic and body-settling exercises to calm the autonomic nervous system, as well as cognitive processes, we can explore all of you.

We will find your self-empowerment, despite law-makers who target and attempt to demean WHO WE ARE. Perhaps, we redefine our relationships with religion, family, partners, and colleagues. Now is the time to learn how to be comfortable in our own skin. I challenge the notions our society places on us, oppressions steeped in ableism, heterosexism, racism, gender and sexual conformity. We will identify and articulate your strengths. We will build on what already makes you strong.
We typically accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthPartners, South Country Health Alliance, and UCare insurance plans. However, PLEASE CALL our office and/or your insurance to verify coverage. Please contact me directly at daniel.watts@nystromcounseling.com, or call call my mobile, 651-321-4099, for more information.