About Me
Who am I?
I retired from the U.S. Army in 2009 after more than 21 years of service, including deployments during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and three combat tours in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. My personal journey through combat-related PTS(D), survivor's guilt, moral injury, and suicidal ideation led me to help my Brothers and Sisters & their loved ones. I bring extensive experience and specialized training in trauma- with a focus on combat trauma, military sexual trauma, and duty-related trauma experienced by first responders. I believe in the importance of the mind/body/soul/spirit connection in making the journey toward healing.
I’m proud of my daughter who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in oncological social work and private practice, and my son who works as a landscaper and groundskeeper. I’m originally from Morristown NJ and I currently live in Bozeman, MT. In my free time I enjoy reading, meditating, and watching The Big Lebowski. I also love being in nature- whether it's backpacking, camping, kayaking, or simply exploring the outdoors.
Don McCasland, Founder of Warrior Elder Counseling Services, LLC
My Approach
You're looking for a counselor that sounds like they're "talking down to you" and uses clinical terminology all the time. One that you don't feel a connection with and feels like they aren't truly invested in you and where you're headed. You want one that's afraid to crack a joke or laugh at one of yours and says, "My goodness!" when a good old "Holy shit!" would fit the situation better. If that describes you, then I won't be a good fit because I'm about as different from that as a therapist can be.
Tell me what's going on that you want to change. You won't upset, shock or offend me, and you'll NEVER feel judged or looked down on. You'll never get anything less than my full attention and best efforts, I promise you that. That's what I "bring to the table" for every session to help get you headed in the right direction.
Education/Certifications
Bachelors of Social Work (BSW), Austin Peay State University- Clarksville, TN
Masters of Social Work {with Honors} (MSW), Austin Peay State University- Clarksville, TN
--Soldier’s Heart Healing Model Certified- Basic and Master Level- Soldier’s Heart, Troy, NY
--Certification- Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Research- California Institute of Integral Studies- San Francisco, CA
--USUI/Holy Fire III Reiki I & II Certified
--Introduction to Psychedelic Harm Reduction & Integration Therapy- Fluence International, Inc.
--Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
--Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained
--Counseling Grief Clients
--Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) Trained- CAMS-care, Bethesda, MD
--Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)- LivingWorks, Calgary, Canada
--Suicide Awareness and Prevention- Tell, Ask, Listen, Keepsafe Training (safeTALK)- LivingWorks, Calgary, Canada
Contact Me!
Interested in services or have questions? Click “Contact” below to set up a free 15-minute consultation call. All contacts are answered within 1 business day- I won't leave you hanging!