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About Me

Davis VanderVeen, PhD
Licensed Psychologist

Hi, I'm Davis. I'm a clinical health psychologist, meaning I work with people on making behavior changes to manage health conditions and help to improve how they cope with challenging medical conditions. This is an area I've always been passionate about because of how close I've been to my grandma over the years. She always puts others first even though she deals with chronic pain and fatigue stemming from several medical conditions. 

I have a deep understanding of the "wear and tear" that comes from your body doing all sorts of confusing things. You wake up assessing whether it's going to be a good day or not, constantly waiting for the next symptom to hit, and planning your life based on things you can and can't do if symptoms come up. 

A woman I was working with recently shared with me that she is constantly thinking about whether something is going to affect her sleep or cause a non-epileptic seizure (PNES). When she's at the grocery store, driving her kids to school (or calling a friend to take them), or at the ballet on a date night. The constant alertness of these symptoms leaves room for little else. 

My approach to treatment involves a lot of education around your health condition and it's impact on your mind and body, introducing strategies for you to take home and practice, and getting you unstuck and back in the driver's seat. If this feels like a good fit, schedule a free consultation and we can get started right away. 

When I'm not working, I enjoy being very active. I am passionate about being active. I was born and raised in Michigan, moved to Utah for the first time in 2017, and have been here full time since 2019. I enjoy playing tennis and golf, skiing, hiking, and anything to spend time in the mountains. 

For those interested in my educational and professional background, here is a bit more information:

Clinical orientation: I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness approaches

Clinical experiences: 

University of Utah Pain Management Center, licensed psychologist

University of Michigan Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, concussion clinic, postdoctoral fellow

University of Michigan Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, MS clinic, postdoctoral fellow

University of Michigan Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, spinal cord injury service, postdoctoral fellow

University of Michigan Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, brain tumor clinic, postdoctoral fellow

University of Michigan Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, neurology rehabilitation clinic, postdoctoral fellow

SLC Veterans Healthcare Administration, Medical Psychology, Pre-doctoral intern

SLC Veterans Healthcare Administration, Neuropsychology, Pre-doctoral intern

University of Utah, inpatient rehabilitation, Pre-doctoral intern

SLC Veterans Healthcare Administration, inpatient addiction, Pre-doctoral intern

SLC Veterans Healthcare Administration, outpatient addiction, Pre-doctoral intern

Indiana Polyclinic, chronic pain clinic, Clinical Extern

Indiana University, Neuropsychology, Clinical Extern

Indiana University-Kokomo, CAPS program, Clinical Extern

Larue D. Carter Memorial State Hospital, Clinical Extern

Education: 

Postdoctoral training: University of Michigan, Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology

Doctorate: Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI), Clinical Psychology, Ph.D. (APA Accredited)

IUPUI, Clinical Psychology, MS

Hope College, Psychology & Neuropsychology, BA

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