Derek Hopler to serve as clinical director of Bridge Counseling and Therapy Center

Bridge Counseling and Therapy Center LLC recently announced a merger between the current director, Joel Vanini, LCSW, and Derek Hopler, LPCMH, as of the first of this year. Hopler, who has been at Bridge Counseling since 2006, is coming on in a full-time capacity and will be serving as the clinical director of Bridge Counseling and Therapy Center. Both therapists are enthusiastic about the changes, which will allow them to better serve their therapeutic community.

In taking on the title of clinical director, Hopler will be responsible for the day-to-day operations, expansion, public speaking and helping educate the public about therapeutic services and techniques. Hopler is a licensed professional counselor and brings to the table more than 15 years' experience working with both children and adults. His therapeutic philosophy is that every individual deserves an unwavering respect for their individual characteristic and experiences.  He treats each person according to his or her specific needs and life circumstances, and understands that all people are as unique as the lives they live.

In treatment, Hopler creates a collaborative experience between himself and his client where individuals can safely explore areas of their lives that cause them difficulty or pain. Hopler is also a certified focusing trainer, which he uses in practice to help clients use their inner wisdom. The focusing method helps individuals develop mindfulness as well as a positive self-image. These tools serve as building blocks in helping clients heal, develop a clear mind and assert positive changes in their lives.

Hopler works with a range of ages, beginning with middle-school-aged children up to adulthood. He works with individuals, both male and female, and has a wide range of expertise including depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction and life changes. He empowers clients to take personal responsibility to move their life forward in a meaningful direction.

Vanini, owner of Bridge Counseling Center, is confident that the community will benefit from Hopler’s diversity of knowledge and new clinical capacity at the practice. “I am excited about the merger,” she said, “Derek already brings a valuable set of tools to the clients he serves, and as we continue to expand, his skill set can reach more people.”

Bridge Counseling and Therapy Center LLC is in Georgetown on Bridgeville Road. It offers talk therapy by appointment and takes self-pay patients as well as a variety of insurance plans. To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call 302-856-9190, or go to www.bridgecounseling.com.