Denise Santos, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Denise Santos

Denise Santos

(she/her)

LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual

Hey there! Are you feeling a little overwhelmed lately? You’re not alone. Maybe you’ve been juggling a million things, second-guessing yourself, or trying to keep everyone else happy while quietly burning out. If that sounds familiar, I see you and I’d love to help. I work with millennials, professionals and creatives who are ready to stop running on autopilot and start feeling more connected, calm, and confident in their own skin. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, going through a big life transition, struggling with boundaries, or just feeling “off,” we’ll work together to make sense of it and create space for something new. In our sessions, you can expect compassion, curiosity, and maybe even a little humor when it fits. I use an integrative approach rooted in evidence-based practices like CBT, but I also bring creativity and flexibility into the process because therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are you. This is your space to breathe, reflect, and grow. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to show up and we’ll take it from there, together.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, you can expect a warm, welcoming space where you will feel heard, respected, and understood. We’ll start by discussing your goals for therapy, the challenges you're facing, and any specific concerns you have. I’ll guide you through an initial assessment to get a better understanding of your unique experiences and needs. Together, we’ll explore the best therapeutic approaches to support your level up, whether that's working on anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or personal development. You’ll leave feeling more clear about the process, with a sense of hope and direction for the journey ahead. My goal is for you to feel supported, empowered, and confident about your healing.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a therapist, one of my key strengths is creating a safe, trusting space with a compassionate and mindful approach. I integrate holistic, cognitive, and trauma-focused techniques, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs. My focus is on strengthening your resilience, providing you with the tools to navigate life’s challenges, heal from past experiences, and promote lasting personal growth. Together, through a collaborative approach, we’ll make meaningful progress toward building the life you envision.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

If you are seeking a compassionate, inclusive, and empowering approach to therapy you are in the right place! I am best positioned to work with individuals from all walks of life. As a therapist, I have developed a profound understanding that each person’s needs are deeply personal and shaped by their unique circumstances. It has reinforced the idea that individuals cannot be reduced to labels based on age, ethnicity, culture, religion, or sexual orientation. My approach is ideal for those who are ready to embrace change, build resilience, and gain deeper insight into themselves to create lasting, meaningful transformation.

About Denise Santos

Denise Santos offers therapy covered by Parkland Community Health Plan - Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Texas.

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a core approach in my practice, and I use it to help clients identify and change negative thought patterns that affect their emotions and behaviors. By challenging distorted thoughts and replacing them with more balanced perspectives, clients can improve their mood and coping skills. I also use behavioral techniques, like behavioral activation, to encourage positive actions and help clients build healthier habits. CBT empowers clients to develop practical tools to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and other challenges, leading to lasting positive change.

Narrative

Narrative Therapy is an approach that views clients as the authors of their own stories. In this therapeutic method, I help clients reframe and rewrite the narrative they have about their lives. We explore how they perceive their problems and identify the influence of external factors, such as culture, family, or past experiences, in shaping their story. By separating the person from the problem, clients can gain perspective, empower themselves, and find new ways to move forward. In my practice, I guide clients to reshape their story in a way that reflects their strengths, values, and aspirations, helping them build a more positive and empowered future.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented approach that focuses on finding solutions rather than delving into the past. In my practice, I help clients identify their strengths, resources, and previous successes to create a vision for their desired future. We work together to set specific, achievable goals and develop practical steps to move toward them. By emphasizing what’s working and focusing on small, positive changes, clients are empowered to overcome challenges quickly and effectively.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a transformative approach that explores the connection between your thoughts, language, and behaviors. In our sessions, I help you understand how your mind works and how your language and actions influence your emotional and mental state. By identifying unhelpful patterns, we work together to reframe your mindset and create new, positive strategies for handling life’s challenges. Through NLP, you’ll gain greater self-awareness and empowerment, allowing you to break free from limiting beliefs and step into a more confident, fulfilled version of yourself.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach designed to help you build skills to manage intense emotions and improve relationships. In our work together, I will guide you through four key areas: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT is particularly helpful for those dealing with strong emotional reactions, self-destructive behaviors, or relationship challenges. With DBT, you'll learn how to accept yourself as you are, while also working toward meaningful change, fostering a sense of balance, self-compassion, and control in your life.