Dorothy Charest , LMHC, LPC

Dorothy Charest is a licensed clinician who combines specialized certification and practical experience to support people facing mood, substance use, trauma, and sexually compulsive behaviors. She holds LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) and LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) credentials and is licensed to practice in both Virginia and Florida. She also holds certifications as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor through Virginia credentials, and she is a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. In addition, she has completed advanced training as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Professional, which inform her work with complex trauma and anxiety-related concerns.

With 18 years of clinical experience, Dorothy tailors treatment to each person, drawing from evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral techniques, client-centered methods, motivational interviewing, solution-focused strategies, and trauma-focused interventions. She works with a broad range of concerns including depression, anxiety, addictions, anger, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, parenting challenges, and personality or compulsive disorders. Her practice emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where treatment goals and methods are shaped collaboratively with the client.

Clients seeking support for process addictions, sexual compulsivity, bipolar symptoms, or compassion fatigue will find an approach that balances skill-building with an understanding of underlying life patterns. Dorothy frames therapy as a challenging but rewarding process and aims to guide each person through practical steps toward clearer coping, healthier relationships, and improved emotional well-being.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Dorothy Charest uses a blend of Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing to address a range of concerns. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a supportive, empathetic relationship so clients feel heard and understood; it is useful for improving self-esteem, relationships, and personal insight. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and is effective for anxiety, depression, compulsive behaviors, and mood regulation. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented method that strengthens a person’s own motivation for change and can be particularly helpful in addressing substance use and other behavior changes.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dorothy works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adapting strategies over time as progress and challenges emerge.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for those balancing work, family, and other commitments. Dorothy provides video sessions, phone appointments, live chat, and text-based messaging, allowing clients to engage in care in the format that best fits their schedule and comfort. This range of options makes consistent treatment more accessible and supports steady progress between sessions.