Hi, I’m David Lechnyr, a Licensed Clinical Socail Worker and Certified Gottman Therapist. My background includes evidence-based methods including Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I am dedicated to providing you the best experience possible while reclaiming your relationship. I bring a structured, compassionate approach grounded in research and real-life experience.
My Approach
My approach has been influenced greatly by the compassion of Carl Rogers, the cognitive-behavioral skills of Aaron Beck and the wisdom of Pema Chödrön. Whether you’re coming in alone or as a couple, my job is to help you understand what’s really going on, why the same painful patterns keep repeating, and what you can actually do about it. I’ll meet you exactly where you are, but I won’t let you stay stuck there.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
Why I Became a Therapist
I come from a family of mental health professionals: My wife is also a therapist, two of my sisters work in the field, and my father is a retired psychologist. But what really drew me to this work was seeing how much unnecessary pain people carry when they don’t have the right tools. I believe everyone can change and grow, but only when they’re willing to look honestly at their patterns and do the hard work of building new ones.
My Core Beliefs
I believe in honesty, structure, and compassion. Most relationship problems aren’t mysteries – they’re patterns that can be understood and changed with the right approach. I don’t think people need years of therapy to see real improvement. What they need is someone who will meet them where they are but won’t let them stay stuck there.
Training, Credentials, and Clinical Background
I’ve been practicing therapy for over 20 years and continue to find meaning in the work every day. My training includes advanced work in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and DBT-informed approaches, with specialized coursework through the Beck Institute for treating anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.
I’m a Certified Gottman Therapist and one of the few therapists in Oregon and Arizona to complete the full certification process. I integrate research-based tools with practical insight, especially in couples therapy, where structure and clarity matter most. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from Walla Walla University and am also a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW).
- Certified Gottman Therapist: Couples therapy based on over 50 years of research
- Trained in CBT for Anxiety, Depression, and Personality Disorders (Beck Institute)
- Motivational Interviewing and DBT-informed strategies for emotional resilience
