About Me
Who am I?
I retired from the U.S. Army 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 PTSD, 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 assault, 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 (34), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in oncological social work and private practice, and my son (25), 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. Yes, I have the alphabet of stuff after my name and the training and experience to back it up... but I'm also a human being that lives an imperfect life. I’ve had some serious challenges in my past that I was able to overcome. That's what I "bring to the table" for every session to help get you headed in the right direction. You'll never get anything less than my full attention and best efforts, I promise you that.
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)
--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!