About David Hernandez
Meet David Hernandez, LCSW
Licensed Psychotherapist · CBT Specialist · Founder of Stoa Life
Before becoming a therapist, I spent over two decades on the front lines — first as a Navy Hospital Corpsman and then as a law enforcement officer in Connecticut. I know what it means to operate under pressure, carry invisible weight, and feel like you’re supposed to keep going no matter what.
After retiring from law enforcement, I immersed myself in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) because I saw how powerfully it creates real, lasting change. I earned advanced certifications from the Albert Ellis Institute and the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists. I weave Stoic philosophy with CBT to help high-achieving professionals and adults build clarity, calm, and resilience.
My approach is structured and practical, but always honors the emotions you bring into the room.
Who I Work With
- High-achieving professionals under pressure
- High-functioning adults dealing with anxiety, anger, trauma or toxic relationships
- People who want practical tools and progress — not labels or jargon
“David is the kind of counselor who actually makes a difference. From the very first session, he told me, “We all basically know what’s wrong—let’s get to work.” That directness set the tone, and it worked.
He helped me unpack things that had been sitting heavy for years—PTSD, personal issues, professional strain. No fluff, no runaround. Just solid work that changed how I think and function. He made me a better version of myself—not just as a person, but as a physician.
When I things got tight and I was struggling to pay, he kept showing up. That kind of integrity is rare. He also introduced me to the writings of Marcus Aurelius and Gnostic thought—ideas that reshaped how I see struggle, meaning, and truth.
The guy is sharp, grounded, and real. I owe him more than I can put in a review.”