My name is Denise Dugan your Whyscounselor. We often question "why" when life hits us hard. We try to make sense of of what doesn't make sense but don't know how to find the answers. What if I told you the answers to the "whys" may not ever be answered but you can manage how those unanswered questions have affected you. Have you ever thought that if only this person would change or if I could stop feeling so anxious, frustrated, and sad things would be better? Life can be hard and challenges can steal our hope for changes to take place. What if I told you that there is one thing you can change that will affect everything else in your life and that is the way you see yourself? I want to help people dealing with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues and are motivated to do the work it will take. I want to help people find the tools to manage symptoms to cope with everyday life challenges and make the necessary changes in their behaviors and lives that reflect how they want to show up. I can help you develop a healthy relationship with the most neglected relationship you have and that is with yourself. Our work together will be discovering and developing pathways to a healthier relationship with yourself first in order to have healthier relationships with others and to make the necessary changes you need to make. Allow me to help you to manage the "whys" in your life. My educational background includes a M.S. in Counseling Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology from California Baptist University in Riverside, CA. I am trained in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT or Tapping), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

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

In our first session, I discuss what brought you to therapy and I take the time to learn about you as a person. I want to create a safe space for you by earning your trust. You will be asked about the issues that brought you to therapy and how you would like your life to look after therapy is over.

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

One of my biggest strengths is believing in people. I really love seeing people grow and learn to better care for themselves.

About Denise Dugan