Dorcas Patterson

LMSW-C, 5 years of experience
Rated 5.0 stars out of 57 ratings
Empowering
Warm
Direct
VirtualAvailable

My name is Dorcas Patterson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist. I specialize in working with teens, adults, and seniors who struggle with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, self-esteem challenges, trauma, and domestic abuse. My goal is to support you in reducing symptoms, becoming more assertive, learning how to set healthy boundaries, and improving your relationship with others, but most importantly, with yourself.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

I help clients by using a blend of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy, along with my clinical training and lived experience, allowing for an authentic and compassionate connection. This is a space to be yourself and grow into who you want to be.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strengths as a therapist are empathy and compassion—I understand the importance of feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. I use a blend of clinical experience including Cognitive Behavioral/Processing Therapy, and Compassion Focused therapy, as well as lived experience, allowing for an authentic and compassionate connection. I love to help clients become more assertive, learn how to set boundaries and improve their mood and relationships. This is a space to be yourself and grow into who you want to be.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

In our first few sessions, you can expect a safe, judgment-free space where you can share at your own pace. I listen, ask questions, offer feedback, I also believe humor can be a powerful part of healing, supporting growth along the way. If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to reach out and begin your journey toward healing and growth!

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Domestic Violence
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
Other specialties
Career Counseling
Child or Adolescent
Coping Skills
I identify as
Black / African American
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
Michigan
Accepts
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients break free from unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving. Together, we look at how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected, and identify ways to shift them so you can feel more in control. CBT is practical and goal-oriented, which means you’ll leave sessions with tools you can start using right away—like strategies for managing stress, calming anxious thoughts, or building healthier habits. My goal is to make the process collaborative and supportive, so you feel empowered to make real and lasting changes in your life.

Culturally Sensitive Therapy

I use a culturally focused approach to therapy that honors and respects your unique background, values, and lived experiences. Culture shapes how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we cope with challenges. In our work together, I create a safe, affirming space where your identity, traditions, and story are not only acknowledged but celebrated. By integrating cultural understanding into therapy, we can explore how your strengths, history, and community connections can support your healing and growth. My goal is to help you feel truly seen and understood while working toward the changes and goals that matter most to you.

Motivational Interviewing

I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to support clients who feel stuck or unsure about making changes in their lives. Instead of telling you what to do, MI is a collaborative style of therapy that helps you explore your own motivations, strengths, and goals. Through open conversations and guided reflection, we’ll work together to uncover what matters most to you and how to take steps in that direction. This approach is especially helpful when you’re feeling ambivalent about change—it empowers you to build confidence, clarify your values, and move forward at your own pace.

Cognitive Processing (CPT)

I use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) as a structured, time-limited, evidence-based treatment for clients with PTSD and trauma-related difficulties. I collaborate with clients to help them understand how trauma has affected their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, and I guide them in identifying and challenging unhelpful “stuck points” related to safety, trust, power/control, esteem, and intimacy. Sessions typically follow a clear protocol with worksheets, between-session practice, and active skill building, while remaining flexible and client-centered. The goal is to help clients develop more balanced, accurate beliefs about the trauma and its impact, reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall functioning.

Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 7 ratings

2 ratings with written reviews

November 18, 2025

She is overwhelming with suggestions and open minded. I appreciate the way she listens and leaves me with options to help me to over come.

Verified client, age 65+
Review shared after session 6 with Dorcas

October 31, 2025

Dorcas made me feel like I wanted to open up and speak to her about everything I have been holding inside of my head; in one conversation.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 1 with Dorcas