PuttingFamilyFirst

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PD Portrait of Paul Dempsey
Online therapist

Paul Dempsey

Empathetic, practical support for family challenges

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Credentials
LCSW
Experience
24 years
Licensed in
Florida
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Paul

Paul Dempsey is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Florida with 24 years of experience. He focuses on practical help for stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship troubles. He also supports people dealing with family issues, grief, career transitions, and challenges around intimacy and self-esteem.

He creates a calm, nonjudgmental space where people can talk through what matters to them. Sessions emphasize clear listening and straightforward feedback rather than clinical jargon.

Background and approach

He aims to help clients identify small steps they can use between meetings. Paul uses a mix of common approaches to match each person’s needs. He draws on client-centered work to build trust, cognitive behavioral tools to change unhelpful thoughts and habits, and DBT skills when emotions feel overwhelming.

He also incorporates trauma-focused ideas and motivational interviewing when people need help with difficult changes. Over two decades in practice have included many kinds of presenting problems, including ADHD concerns, substance-related issues, and separation or divorce. Paul pays attention to how patterns in relationships and family life affect everyday coping and decision making.

People who choose to work with him will find direct communication and collaborative planning. He helps set realistic goals and reviews progress along the way. The focus is on practical strategies to improve day-to-day functioning and family interactions.

Approaches that guide online family and personal work

Client-centered therapy focuses on building a respectful, accepting relationship so people feel heard and understood; it helps when someone needs space to talk and reflect without pressure. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical tools to shift unhelpful patterns, which is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, adds concrete emotion regulation and coping skills for intense feelings and relationship challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will listen to your goals and try methods that fit your situation. If one tool isn't helping, adjustments are made collaboratively so the plan matches what you need in daily life.

Online sessions make it easier to fit therapy into busy family schedules. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation, phone sessions remove travel time, and live chat or text-based messaging support quick check-ins or ongoing coaching between meetings. These options give flexibility so people can use the format that works best for their routine and comfort.

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 Paul commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship and family issues, grief, self-esteem, intimacy-related problems, career questions, coping with life changes, coaching needs, and ADHD. Additional areas include substance-related problems, divorce and separation, and a range of personality and attachment concerns.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Sessions emphasize straightforward listening and practical steps. He keeps language simple and focuses on what to try between meetings.
How long has he worked in the field?
Paul has 24 years of professional experience providing clinical social work services in Florida.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds the credential LCSW and is licensed in Florida as FL LCSW SW12702.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are available online?
He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
24 years
Licensed
Florida
Languages
English

Next step

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