Dottie Fuentes

LMHC, 20 years of experience
No reviews yet

New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

With over 20 years of experience in mental health, I bring a compassionate, positive, and practical approach to therapy. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can openly explore the challenges you’re facing and identify meaningful, achievable steps toward the life you want. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices, and I believe progress happens when you feel both supported and empowered. We will work together to navigate difficult seasons, strengthen your coping skills, and build confidence in your ability to handle what comes next. Even in life’s hardest moments, I bring steadiness — and sometimes a bit of humor — to help you feel more comfortable, capable, and understood.

Get to know me

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

Your first session is designed to lay the groundwork for meaningful and effective therapy. From the moment we begin, my goal is to create a calm, welcoming, and emotionally safe environment where you feel comfortable sharing at your own pace. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and it’s important that you feel respected, heard, and supported from the very beginning. In this initial meeting, we will talk about what brings you in, what feels most pressing or overwhelming right now, and what you hope will be different as a result of our work together. We will explore both current stressors and relevant history, while also identifying your strengths, supports, and the resilience you already carry. The first session is also a time for clarity and structure. I will explain how I approach therapy, including how I integrate evidence-based practices such as DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused strategies into our work. We will discuss confidentiality, expectations, scheduling, and what steady progress can look like. Therapy works best when it feels collaborative rather than directive, so we will begin identifying goals together and discussing practical next steps. You will leave the first session with a clearer understanding of where we are headed and how we will move forward. Equally important, this session is an opportunity for you to learn about me. Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and you deserve to feel confident in that choice. You will get a sense of my style — warm, grounded, and practical — and how I balance compassion with forward movement. I welcome your questions about my experience, approach, and what working together will look like. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and I want you to feel that our work fits you. Establishing a trusting, collaborative relationship is essential because meaningful change happens within the safety of connection. Trust allows honesty. Honesty allows clarity. And clarity allows real growth. From the start, we operate as a team: you bring your experiences, goals, and insight; I bring clinical expertise, structure, and tools to help you navigate challenges more effectively. Together, we build a foundation strong enough to support deeper work. When trust is established and collaboration is clear, the real work can begin — steady, purposeful progress toward feeling more confident, capable, and aligned with the life you want.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strength as a therapist is my ability to build a strong therapeutic alliance that truly facilitates change. Research consistently shows that the relationship between therapist and client is one of the most powerful predictors of meaningful progress, and I take that responsibility seriously. I work intentionally to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and understood from the very beginning. I am skilled at creating an environment where individuals feel supported — even when the conversations are difficult. Growth requires honesty, and I recognize the importance of not avoiding the hard discussions. Whether we are addressing patterns that no longer serve you, navigating painful experiences, or examining choices that feel complicated, I approach these moments with clarity, kindness, and compassion. You will never be shamed or judged, but you will be gently challenged in ways that support your goals and align with the life you want to build. My interactions with clients are grounded in steadiness and encouragement. I strive to ensure that you feel both supported and empowered — capable of doing hard things with the right tools and guidance. Over the years, I have had the privilege of walking alongside individuals during some of their most difficult days, and many of those therapeutic relationships have remained meaningful and lasting. I consider it an honor to be trusted with your story and committed to helping you move forward with strength and confidence.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Life transitions can feel overwhelming. Pregnancy, postpartum changes, shifting identities, parenting stress, and children growing more independent often bring unexpected emotions — anxiety, guilt, irritability, sadness, or simply feeling unlike yourself. You may be managing work, relationships, and family while silently wondering why it feels so hard. You don’t have to navigate this alone. I specialize in supporting women through life’s evolving seasons. Whether you are preparing for motherhood, adjusting after a baby, or redefining yourself as your children grow, therapy can help you regain clarity and confidence. My approach blends Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. Together, we will strengthen emotion regulation skills, challenge anxious or self-critical thoughts, and build practical strategies that fit your real, busy life. Sessions are collaborative and focused on helping you feel better — not just talk about why things are hard. I am warm, grounded, and direct. I believe therapy should feel supportive and practical. You’ll leave with tools you can use immediately, along with a deeper understanding of yourself. Choosing a therapist matters. With years of experience helping women build resilience during complex transitions, I offer a steady presence and evidence-based skills to help you feel more confident, calm, and capable. Life is busy. You deserve to feel steady within it. If you’re ready for support, I’d be honored to work alongside you.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I use DBT because it empowers clients with concrete skills to navigate stress, communicate effectively, and move toward the life they want

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use CBT because it helps people understand what’s getting in their way and learn simple, supportive skills that make life feel more manageable and hopeful

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I use Solution‑Focused Brief Therapy to help clients focus on what’s working and create small, meaningful shifts that lead to real progress.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.