Credentials and Professional Experiences:

 Dr. Ddungu is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and clinal supervisor in the state of Maryland. He holds a master’s degree in Education and Clinical Mental health counseling from Cleveland State University, Ohio. Dr. Ddungu earned his doctor of philosophy degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University. He is currently teaching as adjunct Assistant Professor at Concordia University-Irvine. Dr. Ddungu is passionate about teaching new counselors in practical and connective ways and strives to mentor students in their personal development and professional identity. Dr. Ddungu’s training background includes: Working with the adolescent juvenile offenders, their families, social services and legal entities, inpatient treatment for individuals and families struggling with addiction and substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS. Dr. Ddungu is thrilled to join Breakthrough Counseling Service as a licensed professional counselor. He is also passionate about volunteering for his community and serves in volunteer groups and on local boards to help promote change in his community.

 Approach: 

Dr. Ddungu’s personal mantra is for living a genuine, purposeful, happy and passionate existence and one in which guides his clinical practice with clients. No doubt life can be hard. It can strip away our self-worth, feelings of hope, compassion for others, and our ability to find joy and happiness in life. So long as you have “hope” and are willing to do some “work” and trust the “process”, He is here to support you while developing a therapeutic alliance that is based on safety and non-judgement to achieve your therapy goals.

 Dr. Ddungu has specific interests in treating those afflicted with Interpersonal issues, Addiction and Substance Abuse, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, HIV/AIDS, Faith issues, Codependency and attachment issues, Trauma, Parenting issues, Group, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder, and childhood disorders of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therapeutic theoretical approaches: Dr. Ddungu uses integrated approach of systems theory, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, client-centered, interpersonal psychotherapy, gestalt, multicultural therapy techniques, and motivational interviewing approaches to help the client move toward their ideal self.