Donald Rindfuss , LCSW

Donald Rindfuss is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with about 15 years of experience helping people move toward value-driven, more balanced lives. He combines clinical training and personal experience to support individuals facing addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, and a range of life transitions. He earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, graduating magna cum laude and as a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, and holds additional certifications in substance use and mental health treatment.

Over his career he has worked extensively with people struggling with substance use, homelessness, and veterans adjusting to post-service life. He recently retired from the Veterans Administration after many years of service and has provided therapy in inpatient drug rehabilitation and community settings. His clinical toolbox includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, EMDR-informed techniques, and mindfulness practices drawn from a background in yoga and meditation. He also identifies as a certified yoga instructor and a Certified Advanced Addiction Counselor, and he often integrates breathwork and mindfulness to address anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.

Donald describes his therapeutic style as laid back and approachable, and some people have found his presence to be calming. He aims to tailor care to each person’s goals, whether through brief intervention or longer-term work. Although mostly retired, he maintains flexible response times and prefers early mornings, later afternoons, or evenings, with occasional later appointments available by advance scheduling.

Therapeutic approaches for online recovery and resilience

Donald draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people change unhelpful patterns and reconnect with what matters to them. ACT focuses on clarifying values and taking meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings arise, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. CBT addresses the links between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, offering practical skills to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Mindfulness Therapy is another cornerstone of his work, using simple awareness and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation. These practices often complement talk-based techniques and can be especially helpful for grief, trauma-related symptoms, and relapse prevention. Donald approaches treatment collaboratively - he helps clients explore which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Donald is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for people with busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or mobility limits. Remote sessions make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to use brief check-ins or longer sessions as needed while working with licensed professionals who tailor care to each person’s situation.