Dragan David Pecirep
D. David Pecirep completed his undergraduate studies in 2007 at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI. He majored in Political Science and spent summers interning in Washington, DC for two congressmen and a senator. During these years, he developed an admiration for philosophy which included the philosophers Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. When studying the great minds of stoicism, it did not occur to David that it would impact his future professional life.
During his senior year of college, Dave went on his second deployment with the US Army Infantry accompanied by fellow soldier, Kevin Goins, the illustrator of Pepino the Spikey Stoic. While on a mission, Dave was wounded by a suicide bomber and had to begin his journey back to the States. For his participation in combat operations Dave was awarded, among other medals, the Combat Infantry Badge, a Purple Heart, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.
After recovery and graduation, he was honorably discharged from the Army and spent three years researching post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and Yale University in New Haven, CT.
Looking for a change in career, Dave enrolled in the graduate counseling program at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in New Britain, CT. Dave graduated in 2017 with honors earning a Master of Science Degree in Counseling. Prior to graduation Dave studied mental health in Ireland, taught children in Nepal, and completed his practicum at an inpatient substance abuse facility.
In 2020 after proposing to his wife, Dave opened his own private practice, Beacon Counseling in Southington, CT. Beacon Counseling provides mental health treatment under the therapeutic modality of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) overlaid with stoicism. While Dave’s clientele encompasses all ages, families, and couples, he specializes in treating middle and high school aged kids. In 2023 Dave was awarded a grant from the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust to teach a four-week course to the community regarding parenting with a CBT perspective.
Dave is wrapping up 2023 with publishing Pepino the Spikey Stoic while expanding his practice. He looks forward to writing his next book and continuing to find ways to help his clients and the community.
