LMFT, 10 years of experience
Life often brings us questions—the "whys" behind our anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles. We try to make sense of the senseless, but the answers remain elusive. My practice, WhysCounselor, acknowledges the "whys" that bring you to therapy while guiding you to discover your deeper, motivating "why"—your reason for seeking change. Here’s the truth: while we may never answer every "why," we absolutely can change how those unanswered questions have affected you. You might think that if others would change, or if your difficult feelings would just disappear, things would be better. But there is one thing you can change that will fundamentally improve everything: the way you see yourself. I work with people dealing with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues who are motivated and ready to do the work. My focus is on helping you manage symptoms and find practical tools for daily life. Make meaningful changes in your behaviors to reflect the person you want to be. Heal the most neglected relationship in your life: the one with yourself. Our work together will be about building a healthy relationship with yourself first. This is the solid foundation for having healthier relationships with others and making lasting changes. Let me help you shift from the focus on the unmanageable "whys" to the empowering "hows" of healing and growth. I hold an M.S. in Counseling Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology. I am trained in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT or Tapping), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
In our first session, we'll focus on getting to know each other and establishing a safe, confidential space built on trust. We'll start by discussing what has brought you to therapy. This includes taking time to understand you not just as someone with a problem, but as a whole person—your history, strengths, and what your life looks like right now. You will be asked about the specific challenges you're facing and, most importantly, how you want your life to look once therapy is complete. We'll start sketching out a vision for the changes you want to see.
What truly sets my practice apart is my unwavering belief in my clients. I approach every session with genuine curiosity and a deep commitment to listening without judgment. My greatest strength is seeing the potential in others, often before they see it themselves. I find immense fulfillment in witnessing people grow, evolve, and learn to better care for themselves, and I will be your most dedicated partner in that journey.
My ideal clients are people who are tired of being stuck and are ready to move forward. You’ve put in significant personal effort, trying to solve your problems, but are frustrated by repeating the same patterns of behavior. Though you may not have all the answers, you are strongly motivated to engage in the process of self-discovery and change. If you are willing to be honest with yourself and invest in your own growth and healing, you are exactly who I'm here to support.
CFT encourages clients to focus on, understand and feel compassion for themselves during negative thought processes, and focus on nurturing compassion within themselves. I help my clients to develop a more compassionate, encouraging ‘inner voice’ while developing the changes they want to make in their lives.
7 ratings with written reviews
May 21, 2025
I came to therapy for managing my anxiety and its triggers. Denise Dugan has been amazing in helping me cope and overcome re-occuring challenges that can sometime consume me and trigger my anxiety. I always look foward to our sessions and feel so much relief after. She has a warm, kind, fun personality and is very athentic, I truly feel heard by her. I feel blessed to have chosen such a great therapist. I apprecate her wisdom and guidence. I could on and on but to sum it up she is wonderful!
May 13, 2025
Denise is an authentic and empowering therapist who is compassionate while speaking her truth and expertise considerately. She is very helpful in building positive behaviors and reinforces how far I have come in my healing. She is emotionally intelligent and professional, motivating and kind.
May 1, 2025
Denise is very warm & welcoming and always understanding to anything i bring to her . i’m very blessed to have her in my life .