Welcome! My name is Darian Tolson, and I am a student therapist at Horizon Family and Community Services. I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, families, teens, children, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community work through difficult life experiences. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported. I believe therapy can help people recognize their strengths, better understand themselves, and move toward healing, growth, and resilience.
My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, school difficulties, self-esteem, grief and loss, and life transitions. I use a trauma-informed and client-centered approach that allows me to meet each client where they are. My therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, and trauma-informed care. I understand that every person and family has different experiences, so I want therapy to be a place where clients can be themselves without feeling judged.
My experience working in schools has also shaped the therapist I am becoming. I currently work as a Paraeducator supporting students with extensive support needs. Because of this experience, I understand many of the pressures students face at school, including academic, behavioral, emotional, and social challenges. I also understand some of the stress parents and families experience while trying to support their children and work with the school system.
Mindfulness is another important part of my background. I am a 200-hour trained yoga instructor and the owner/instructor of B.A.M.S. (Breathing and Movement Sessions). Through my experience teaching yoga, breathing, and mindfulness, I have learned how the mind and body can work together to manage stress and difficult emotions. When
appropriate for the client, I enjoy bringing mindfulness skills into therapy to help clients slow down, become more aware of their emotions, and develop healthy ways of coping with anxiety, depression, trauma, and everyday stress.
I am currently earning my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at UMass Global. I receive weekly clinical supervision from Ashley Barnes Brown, LMFT #127661, to help ensure that I provide ethical, effective, and compassionate care. Thank you for considering working with me. I would be honored to support you on your journey toward healing, growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
