IFSTherapists

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LMHC, LPC

Dorothy Charest, LMHC, LPC

  • Experience18 years
  • LocationFlorida
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Addictions, and Relationship
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Client-Centered Therapy
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About Dorothy

Dorothy Charest is a licensed counselor with LMHC and LPC credentials and 18 years of clinical experience working in Florida. She draws on a range of therapeutic methods to support people facing stress, anxiety, mood concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, and addictive or compulsive behaviors.

Background and approach

Her background includes work with intimacy-related issues, relationship and parenting concerns, career and self-esteem questions, and conditions such as bipolar disorder, phobias, and personality disorders. Her approach emphasizes collaboration and tailoring treatment to each person's needs, using methods like Internal Family Systems, cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, client-centered care, and solution-focused strategies.

Dorothy aims to create a nonjudgmental environment where practical skills and deeper emotional work can take place, and she integrates trauma-focused interventions when appropriate. Prospective clients can expect an experienced practitioner who balances skillful problem-solving with attention to internal emotional dynamics and recovery from process or sexual addictions.

Integrating Internal Work and Practical Skills Online

Internal Family Systems (IFS) invites exploration of different parts of a person's inner world, helping to notice and relate to emotions and beliefs with curiosity rather than judgment; this can be useful for healing trauma, patterns of self-criticism, and complex emotional responses. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering concrete tools for anxiety, depression, phobias, and many stress-related concerns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, acceptance, and collaboration, providing a supportive context where clients can guide the pace and focus of their work.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process, and the therapist works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods fit their goals, preferences, and what emerges in sessions. This collaborative process allows techniques to be adapted as progress is made and needs shift.

Online therapy via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging makes it easier to access consistent care from home, work, or while traveling within the therapist's service region. These formats offer scheduling flexibility and different ways to engage with therapeutic material, supporting continuity of care and practical access to licensed professionals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Dorothy commonly address?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions and sexually compulsive behaviors, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, parenting and career challenges, and compassion fatigue.
What is her therapeutic style and approach?
Her style is collaborative and client-centered, blending Internal Family Systems with cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused methods to match interventions to each person's needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 18 years of professional experience supporting people with mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and addictive or compulsive behaviors.
What are her credentials and where is she licensed?
She holds LMHC and LPC credentials with license details listed as FL LMHC MH17918 and VA LPC 0701004762 and practices in Florida.
In which language does she provide therapy and can she see international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available for remote work?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions with Dorothy?
Fees vary by location and therapist availability, and sessions operate through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with her?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule appointments according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression

Also works with

LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Obsessions, compulsions, and OCDPersonality disordersPhobiasProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Sex addictionSexual assault and abuse

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

18+ years

Licensed

Virginia, Florida

Languages

English