About Don Dressel, LCSW

In the classic fable, “The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” there are three young billy goat brothers who, after eating up all the grass in the field in which they’d been grazing, spot a lush field just across the river. There’s one problem: a mean old troll lives under the bridge and his favorite meal is — you guessed it — billy goat. In the end, the siblings are able to outsmart the troll and his greedy appetite and reach the greener pasture.

This story has stuck with me since childhood and through decades of self-inquiry and therapeutic practice. I believe life is a spiritual journey in which we all face inner and outer trolls: self-criticism, societal expectations, trauma, and more. 

I’ve been a social worker since 2005 in various settings in Missouri and California. In my own experience and in nearly two decades working with others, I’ve found this to be almost universally true:

The stories we tell ourselves and the experiences that have shaped our lives often stand in the way of crossing a bridge that leads to a life filled with greater joy, enthusiasm, and acceptance.

 

At Bridge the Way Therapy & Wellness, my goal is to assist you in addressing the blocks in your journey and identifying an authentic solution. My approach is rooted in the principles of sound therapeutic practices including (but not limited to):

 

I believe that connection with others is the single most important thing in life. I view holding space for others in a loving, compassionate, and healing way to be an honor and a privilege.

“Not the world, not what’s outside of us, but what we hold inside traps us. We may not be responsible for the world that created our minds, but we can take responsibility for the mind with which we create our world.” — Gabor Maté

My Experience and Education

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California (2017-2025)

    Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II), State of CA (2017-2019)

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri (2014-2017)

    Certified Reciprocal Alcohol Drug Counselor (CRADC), State of MO, (2012-2018)

    Licensed Master of Social Work in Missouri (2012-2015)

    Master of Social Work degree, University of Missouri-Saint Louis (2011)

    Bachelor of Social Work degree, Missouri State University (2005)

  • Behavioral Health Therapist, Manager, and Director, HealthRIGHT 360 (2017-2023)

    Associate COO and Director of Intensive Inpatient Services, AOD Counselor and Clinical Therapist Harris House Foundation (2008 - 2017)