PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

DR Portrait of Desireah Riley
Online therapist

Desireah Riley

Helping parents find clear next steps

Credentials
LPC, LMHC
Experience
4 years
Licensed in
Texas, Washington
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Desireah

Desireah Riley is a licensed counselor who uses a person-centered approach first. She focuses on practical changes people can make in their daily life. Her work often addresses relationships, family concerns, grief, addiction, and self-esteem.

She presents herself simply and directly so parents can quickly see what to expect. She uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to help people spot unhelpful thinking and try different behaviors. Dialectical behavior therapy skills are added when strong emotions or regulation challenges get in the way.

Background and approach

The Gottman Method informs her work on communication and relationship patterns. Desireah has four years of clinical experience and holds the Licensed Professional Counselor credential and the Licensed Mental Health Counselor credential. The Texas LPC number is TX LPC 84713 and the Washington LMHC number is WA LMHC LH61506169.

She practices from Texas and offers sessions in English. In sessions she aims for clear, practical steps. Parents often value straightforward strategies they can use between meetings.

She pays attention to attachment, blended family dynamics, and caregiver stress when those issues come up. Her additional focus areas include body image, codependency, commitment and communication problems, trauma-related dissociation, disruptive mood regulation, divorce and separation, fertility concerns, and forgiveness work. She also addresses drug and alcohol addiction and family problems tied to those issues.

Approaches that translate well to online family work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so people feel heard and understood. It helps parents and caregivers make choices that match their values and family needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches concrete ways to notice thoughts and try different actions; it is useful for managing anxiety, low mood, and habits that affect parenting.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will review goals, try methods, and adjust based on what helps most. That collaborative process means techniques are tailored to the family's priorities and the parent's strengths.

Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit busy lives. These formats make it easier to schedule around work and childcare and to follow up with short messages between sessions. Licensed professionals can guide skills practice, coach communication, and suggest small changes that families can try at home.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Desireah address?
She works with addictions, relationship problems, family issues, grief, and self-esteem. Additional focuses include attachment, blended family issues, caregiver stress, body image, and fertility concerns.
What is her therapy style like?
Sessions are grounded in a person-centered stance with practical exercises. She uses techniques from CBT and DBT and applies them to everyday parenting and relationship situations.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has four years of experience working with people on relationship and personal challenges. That background informs her use of structured tools and communication work.
What credentials and location are on file?
She holds LPC and LMHC credentials. The Texas LPC number is TX LPC 84713 and the Washington LMHC number is WA LMHC LH61506169, and her practice is based in Texas.
Which languages are offered and can she see international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options allow for flexible ways to connect around busy schedules.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Specific pricing is provided during the signup process.
How do I begin working with Desireah?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Next step

Talk to Desireah

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point