About Drew
Drew is a compassionate therapist providing strengths-based counseling for individuals seeking healing and personal growth. Guided by the social work principle of "person in environment," Drew considers the full picture of each client's mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual. He integrates EMDR therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and faith-based practices to support clients navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, and life transitions. Drew's calm and collaborative style empowers clients to rediscover resilience, restore balance, and live more fulfilling lives.
Credentials & Education
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern — Florida | License #ISW20358
M.S.W. (Clinical Concentration) from Florida State University
Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Video Introduction
Who Drew Supports
Drew works with:
Young adults on the autism spectrum — providing therapy for ASD, case management, and transitional life support including social skills, executive functioning, and life transitions
Individuals processing trauma and PTSD — using EMDR to help clients reprocess traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress
Adults navigating grief and loss — processing bereavement, traumatic grief, and difficult life events with compassionate, evidence-based support
Faith-based trauma counseling — integrating spiritual principles with EMDR and trauma-informed care when desired
Individuals facing major life transitions — career changes, relocation, relationship shifts, or identity exploration
Families supporting loved ones on the autism spectrum — providing collaborative family support and guidance
Drew’s Approach to Therapy
Drew blends evidence-based trauma protocols with a person-in-environment, strengths-based approach. His sessions are compassionate, structured, and tailored to each client's unique circumstances and values.
He focuses on:
Processing trauma using EMDR — helping clients reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer trigger the same intense emotional and physical responses
Supporting individuals on the autism spectrum — addressing social skills, executive functioning, life transitions, and co-occurring anxiety or mood concerns
Building emotional regulation skills using Dialectical Behavior Therapy — teaching mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional control
Reframing unhelpful thought patterns with CBT — addressing anxiety, depression, and emotional distress
Considering the whole person — mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual aspects of each client's life
What Drew Helps Clients With
Drew supports Tampa clients experiencing:
Trauma and PTSD
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Grief and loss
Life transitions and adjustment
Faith-related concerns and spiritual questions
Social skills and executive functioning challenges
Drew’s Background & Training
Originally from Michigan, Drew began his career as a Christian campus minister at the University of Florida, where he discovered his passion for helping others through life's most challenging seasons.
His professional experience includes:
Working in Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) settings supporting clients facing trauma, mood disorders, and anxiety
Serving as Director of Admissions for a long-term residential program for young adults on the Autism Spectrum
His advanced training includes:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma processing
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focusing on mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression, and trauma
Faith-based counseling integrating spiritual principles with evidence-based practice
A Message From Drew
"Whether you're navigating autism, processing trauma, managing grief, or seeking support grounded in faith, therapy should feel like a collaborative partnership. My goal is to meet you where you are, honor what matters most to you, and help you rediscover the resilience and balance that's already within you."
Ready to work with Drew?
We invite you to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with us to begin your healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMDR and how does it help with trauma?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional or physical reactions. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help your nervous system integrate distressing memories. Many clients experience significant relief in fewer sessions than traditional trauma therapy, often without needing to discuss traumatic details extensively. EMDR is particularly effective for PTSD, complex trauma, and single-incident traumas.
Can you integrate faith into EMDR trauma therapy?
Yes. Drew can integrate faith-based elements into EMDR when desired, such as incorporating prayer, scripture, or spiritual resources as part of the healing process. Some clients find it helpful to invite their faith into trauma processing—whether that's asking for God's presence during sessions, exploring how trauma has impacted their spiritual beliefs, or using faith as a source of strength and meaning-making. This integration is always client-directed and respects your beliefs without imposing any particular theology.
What does therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) look like?
Therapy for ASD focuses on the unique challenges and strengths of individuals on the spectrum. This might include developing social skills, improving executive functioning (planning, organization, time management), processing sensory sensitivities, managing anxiety or co-occurring mental health concerns, and navigating life transitions (school, employment, relationships, independent living). Drew's experience as Director of Admissions for a residential autism program means he understands the systemic challenges and transitional support needs of young adults on the spectrum. Therapy is tailored to each person's developmental level, communication style, and goals.
How does DBT help with emotional regulation?
DBT teaches concrete skills for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, and responding to situations more effectively. The four core skill modules—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—provide practical tools you can use when overwhelmed, triggered, or facing conflict. Rather than just talking about emotions, DBT gives you actionable strategies to interrupt emotional spirals, calm your nervous system, and make choices aligned with your values rather than your impulses. It's particularly effective for people who feel emotions intensely or struggle with emotional control.
Can EMDR help with traumatic grief?
Yes. EMDR is highly effective for processing traumatic grief—grief complicated by the traumatic circumstances of a death, unresolved trauma related to the relationship, or grief that feels "stuck" and overwhelming. EMDR helps reprocess both the traumatic aspects of the loss and the painful memories associated with it, allowing you to grieve in healthier ways while reducing the intensity of trauma symptoms like intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or emotional flooding. Drew is pursuing additional credentialing in Grief and Trauma Counseling to provide specialized support in this area.
Can you help families supporting someone on the autism spectrum?
Yes. Drew provides collaborative family support, helping parents, siblings, and caregivers understand autism, develop effective communication strategies, manage challenging behaviors, navigate systems (school, medical, social services), and address their own stress and emotions related to supporting a loved one on the spectrum. Family involvement is often essential for creating meaningful, lasting change and ensuring everyone feels supported.