Meet Darren D. Moore, PhD, MPH, MAEd, LMFT

You are used to handling everything on your own, and you are usually good at it.

But you have reached a point where something is not working.
Maybe your relationship feels disconnected.
Maybe you've accomplished goals that once seemed impossible, yet still find yourself feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unfulfilled.
Maybe you're carrying responsibilities that no one else seems to notice.
Or maybe you have simply realized that what got you here, will not take you there. Let’s talk about it…

Therapy for individuals and couples who are no longer willing to stay stuck.

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Not Your Average Therapist

Let’s be clear! If you are looking for an average therapist, someone who will hold your hand, nod, smile, and placate you, you can find that therapist down the street. If you’re looking to be challenged and to be pushed beyond your limits, then I’m your guy. Be honest with yourself about what you are looking for. It’s okay, I won’t judge!
My job is to take you higher. I am direct, honest, and transparent. No guesswork here. I tell it like it is, but I understand nuance and complexity. I ask the hard questions, point out the patterns that keep you stuck, and hold you accountable, if you really want change.
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Let me be clear about something: You can’t reach the next level if you are not willing to do something different. At some point, you must evolve.

In our work together, I’ll push you to sit in discomfort, confront what isn’t working for you, and help you move through your emotions (not avoid them). In my therapy room, you either grow or you go! I do not waste time and neither should you. If you truly want transformative change, you will go through some discomfort, but I will help you come out better on the other side. If you are ready to face what’s holding you back, ready to become the driver of your life, and ready to move toward freedom, truth, power, and self-actualization, then I may be a good fit for you. I am like a personal trainer for the mind, and I train champions! I do not give trophies for participation. Anything you earn here comes through effort, discipline, and a real commitment to change.

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Who Am I?

Before anything, I am a husband and a father…and someone who genuinely believes in the power of resiliency. I believe life is all about recovery. We fall down, but we get up! We work hard, we push ourselves, we show ourselves compassion, and we grow, exponentially!

As someone who was born on the north side of Minneapolis, Minnesota, I know a little something about adversity. I have definitely seen it before…many times. Raised in a single parent family with limited resources, I had no option but to excel in either sports, academics, or the arts…and let’s face it, I was not about to be recruited by the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, the arts took me to Paris, Geneva, Locarno, Portofino, Tuscany, and Rome, where I stood inside the Louvre and the Sistine Chapel at the age of 12. Later academics lead me to graduate from high school at the age of 16, receiving numerous academic scholarships and other accolades. While I know about adversity, I also know about grit, tenacity, perseverance, fortitude, grace, and mercy.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, professor, higher education administrator, researcher, and consultant, I know about how depression can steal a person’s joy, how anxiety can stop one’s forward movement, how conflict can cause relationships to crumble, and how unhealed trauma can be passed down to future generations. I created I AM MOORE, LLC to combat those very things.

My purpose is to inspire, motivate, and evoke positive change in the lives of all who I encounter. The phrase “I AM MOORE,” represents my personal philosophy in life. More than just my last name, it reflects the very belief that we are more than what we have gone through, more than what has happened to us, and more than our issues, problems, or concerns. I believe that we are worthy of More…that is we deserve happiness, strong families, generational health, and overall wellbeing. In addition, I believe we all have the capacity to grow, heal, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change, when we put in the work.

Who am I? I am a husband, a father, an educator, a truth teller, and a healer. I believe that every person has the capacity to be more. No matter the setting, my mission remains the same: to help people realize their true potential, strengthen the relationships that matter most, disrupt generational trauma, and build generational health. From the therapy room to the classroom to the boardroom.

Areas of Focus

• ❤️ Couples Counseling
• 👨 Men's Mental Health & Fatherhood Support
• 🎓 Higher Education Community
• 🎖️ Military Populations
• 💼 High-Achieving Professionals
• 👶 The Journey to Parenthood
• 🧠 Mental Health Professionals
• ​🚓 Public Safety, First Responders, & Their Families
• 🌍 ​Culturally Responsive & Inclusive Therapy

Click any area above to learn more about my work with that population

What It's Like to Work With Me

Therapy is more than a conversation, it is a partnership built on trust, honesty, and the shared belief that meaningful change is possible. I believe every person has the capacity to be more. That means I don't believe your past has to define your future.

Together, we'll explore the experiences that have shaped your life and identify the patterns that no longer serve you. We will develop the insight and practical strategies to help you turn the page. Then we will begin the meaningful work of writing the next chapter of your story, one that reflects your strengths, your values, and the person you are becoming.

My approach is active, collaborative, and goal-oriented. While understanding your past is important, I believe meaningful change happens when insight is paired with action. My role is to help you gain clarity, develop practical strategies, and build the confidence to move forward with purpose.

When We Work Together, You Can Expect:

• A collaborative partnership where we work together toward goals that are meaningful to you.
• Honest, compassionate feedback that supports growth while honoring your experiences.
• Practical tools and strategies that you can apply outside of our sessions.
• A whole-person perspective that considers your relationships, culture, health, values, and life experiences.
• A strengths-based approach that recognizes your resilience and your capacity for growth.
• Accountability with encouragement to help you move from insight to meaningful action.
• A safe, respectful environment where you can be authentic, ask difficult questions, and explore challenges without fear of judgment.
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Above all, my hope is that therapy empowers you—not only to feel better, but to do better; to live with purpose instead of regret; to embrace life's challenges with courage, perseverance, and resilience; to cultivate meaningful relationships; and to live as your most authentic self.

Professional Background

Professional Experience

• More than 18 years of experience in the mental health field
• Worked with thousands of individuals, couples, and families
• Trained hundreds of therapists, physicians, and healthcare professionals practicing throughout the United States and internationally
• Associate Dean and higher education administrator
• Former faculty member, clinical supervisor, and program director
• Mental health consultant to organizations, healthcare systems, and community agencies
• Featured in more than 150 television, radio, podcast, and media appearances

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Education

• PhD, Human Development (Marriage and Family Therapy), Virginia Tech
• Master of Public Health (MPH), Harvard University
• ​Master of Arts (MA), Higher & Postsecondary Education, Teachers College, Columbia University
• Master of Science (MS), Marriage and Family Therapy, Valdosta State University
• Bachelor of Arts (BA), African American Studies, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Professional Licensure & Credentials

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – Georgia
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – Alabama
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – North Carolina
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – Illinois
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – New York
• Florida Registered Telehealth Provider
• AAMFT Approved Supervisor

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Beyond the Therapy Room

Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy serving in higher education as an administrator, spending time with my family, traveling, and continually learning. I've always been naturally curious, and I learn something new from every person I encounter. Reading, writing, teaching, mentoring, and engaging in meaningful conversations are all things that energize me. I am especially passionate about helping others recognize strengths and possibilities they may not yet see in themselves.

As a husband and father, family has always been important to me. For me, family includes my biological family as well as lifelong friends, former colleagues, mentors, and other people who have become family over the years. I value relationships deeply. Some of my favorite moments come from sharing a meal, traveling, laughing together, reminiscing about old memories, or simply spending quality time with the people I care about most.

When it's time to unwind, you'll often find me watching (or re-watching) one of my favorite television series or movies. My friends and family know that I'm likely to quote a memorable movie line at just the right moment—either to get a laugh or make a point. I also enjoy attending live plays, concerts, and comedy shows and appreciate experiences that entertain, inspire, and bring people together.

I also enjoy staying active. Running and inline skating while listening to music have become some of my favorite ways to challenge myself, clear my mind, and maintain balance. Ironically, running is something I never imagined I would enjoy years ago. Those experiences have reminded me that growth often begins just outside our comfort zones and that we are often capable of more than we initially believe.
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At the end of the day, what matters most to me is living with purpose, investing in meaningful relationships, continuing to grow, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. My hope is that the people I encounter walk away feeling seen, encouraged, challenged, and more aware of the strengths and possibilities that already exist within themselves.

Ready To Take The Next Step ?

Work With Me

​Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and finding the right fit matters. If something in my approach, philosophy, or story resonates with you, I'd be honored to be part of your journey.

Whether you're navigating a difficult season, seeking personal growth, strengthening relationships, or simply looking for a safe place to process life's challenges, therapy can provide an opportunity for meaningful change.

If you're ready to take the next step, I invite you to reach out. Together, we'll explore where you are, identify where you want to be, and develop a path forward—one that helps you build on your strengths, navigate life's challenges, and move toward the life you want to create.

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