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John Dwyer, LMHC - Therapist at Grow Therapy

John Dwyer

John Dwyer

LMHC
35 years of experience
Virtual

Hello! My name is John G. Dwyer. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Certified Addiction Counselor in the state of Florida. I have over 35 years experience providing counseling services to clients of all ages, backgrounds and cultures. I am experienced and familiar with specific challenges which clients deal with such as grief issues, depression, anxiety, relationship and family issues. I am also experienced in assisting clients to deal with problems in their careers and professions. I worked with clients in person in both inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse program. I am also experienced in working with clients remotely on an internet platform. My general goals are to empower clients with better coping skills, discover both their strengths and weaknesses, and change certain self-defeating behaviors and thinking patterns which contribute to undue stress, frustration and lack of fulfillment in their life goals. My methods include supportive counseling, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and development of strategies to deal with stress and stabilize their moods. I will be glad to meet with you to assist you in resolving your issues. I am available Mondays through Saturdays in the morning, noon and evening hours. I am looking forward to meeting with you. Thanks for reaching out!!

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

During my first session, I will briefly become acquainted with clients by asking them in what part of the nation/world do they reside; I will advise them that I reside in Florida. I may make a few comments about the distance of our locations and about the weather differences or similarities. I would advise them about my qualifications and years of experience. I would ask them what they hope to achieve from counseling services and how they are feeling today. I would also ask what they would like to discuss today and how I can be of help. Furthermore, I would advise that at today's session, I plan to mostly ask questions about what their main issues are at this time and how we can incorporate these issues into beginning a treatment plan.

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

I seem to have a style which helps to form trusting bonds with clients by putting them at ease and assuring them that they can be candid and honest in expressing their concerns and needs. Clients have commented that I listen well and express empathetic support. I seem skilled in helping clients recognize their strengths as well as their self-defeating patterns in beliefs systems, attitudes and behaviors. My experience in working with clients of all cultures and nations has helped me to develop confidence in my competence to be a source of comfort and insights to clients.

About John Dwyer

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Adlerian

Adlerian Therapy is based on the concept that people have a basic desire to belong with others and to feel significant and accepted. People need to grow up with the concept that they are accepted, lovable and capable. Emotional difficulties, such as depression and anxiety and resentment develop when these basic needs are not met. Other possible development difficulties include vague sense of identity, low self esteem/confidence and poor social skills and poor abilities to develop healthy relationships. Thinking errors and faulty belief systems can also develop which result in unrealistic expectations of self and others, inferiority complexes and social anxiety. The counseling process should address helping the clients to identify their faulty belief systems and self defeating ways of relating to others. Counseling should also educate the clients on more positive ways of thinking and improving social and relationship skills. I have used this method to help clients identify certain thinking errors such as Social Anxiety and Perfectionism. I have taught clients to use methods such as Mindfulness to ease social anxiety and Cognitive Behavior methods to change beliefs which lead to perfectionist ways of thinking.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

ACT is an adjunct Cognitive Behavior Methods aimed at enhancing our ability to cope and enjoy life more fully. Rather than suppress or avoid stressful events, ACT emphasizes Acceptance and Mindfulness as more adaptive responses to certain episodes in life. It is designed to help us experience thoughts, feelings and emotions in more flexible ways. The therapist provides worksheets and assigns activities for clients and encourages them to discuss their responses and experiences with therapist. I use it to teach clients to use Mindfulness exercises to control negative emotional states such as angry, anxious or depressed moods.