Therapist William Dougherty Photo

William Dougherty, LPC

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Relationships Anger management
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

I have always seemed to be in a helping position. Before graduating high school I started work at a large veterinarian hospital/boarding kennel in Blue Bell, PA as an animal health technician and then the hospital administrator, where I stayed for over 15 years.

I decided to return to school to pursue a degree in psychology and have been in the mental health field since 1998, working for such organizations as Special Equestrians as a side aid volunteer assisting people with physical and/or mental health disabilities and Lenape Valley Foundation as both a house advisor and a Partial Hospital Program group therapist for people with severe and persistent mental illness. I also worked for Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for their Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Program where I was a counselor for people addicted to heroin. I recently worked for Catholic Charities in NJ in the roles of therapist for the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program working with kids diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence, as well as a clinical supervisor for the Comprehensive Family Treatment of Addictions Program (CFTA). This led to the position of Program Director for CFTA, the Therapeutic After-School Program (a therapeutic group for kids ages 8-12) and an In-home therapy/case management program, while also carrying a small direct-service caseload at my private practice. Finally, after taking the position of Service Area Director, with responsibility for 13 substance abuse, mental health and social service programs, I realized that I was moving further and further away from my original ambition of providing one to one service to clients. This realization led to my decision to get back into direct service.

The ability to provide a safe environment for people to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences is essential to effective counseling. Studies have shown no one therapeutic modality utilized by therapists is superior to another; rather, clinicians themselves ultimately determine whether treatment will prove effective. It’s not about the model being used; it’s the relationship between the counselor and client. This principle guides my work, in that I strive to provide a client-centered, strength-based counseling setting to individuals, couples and adolescents for issues related to addiction, anxiety, career or relationships.

I look to my clients to be the experts of themselves, which encourages them to guide the therapy where it needs to go. What I offer is a space to gain insight in order for that insight to become the catalyst for change. I believe that once a person sees their truth, they have no choice but to accept that truth…though we often do our best not to. Each of us develops psychological schemas that teach us how to interact with people and the world. When we grow accustomed to a certain pattern of behavior, however, we look to repeat it, even after it’s outlived its usefulness. Addiction, for instance, is a maladaptive coping skill that worked at one time but does no longer.

With a background in English literature, I bring a decidedly post-modern perspective to my therapeutic approach. One of the concepts I utilize is Narrative Therapy, which encourages and compassionately challenges clients to be mindful of the story they’re telling to better utilize their strengths. This theory acknowledges the power of language, in that not only does the language we use reflect how we feel, it also affects how we feel. Therefore, the words we choose to use can help to manifest the changes we hope to bring about. The idea is to encourage the use of more positive words as opposed to negative words while telling our life story. I have found this approach to be remarkably effective in helping clients confront the challenges of their lives in order to bring about lasting and meaningful change. Other approaches and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, and Systems Theory.

I find it satisfying to be part of helping people discover who they can be and realize that perhaps they’re more than who they thought they were. Ultimately, if each of us can achieve balance and make our own little corner of the world a little bit more satisfying and a little safer, we help to create a better reality for all of us.

Degrees and Credentials
Bachelors Degree in Psychology/English Literature from Arcadia University in Glenside PA
Masters Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from La Salle University in Philadelphia PA
PA Board Licensed Professional Counselor
PA Board Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
PA Board Certified Clinical Supervisor
PA Board Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling
NJ Board Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor
NJ Board Licensed Professional Counselor
NJ Board Certified Clinical Supervisor
Member of the Psi Chi, Phi Theta Kappa, and Sigma Tau Delta National Honor Societies.

Modalities and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, Mindfulness, and Systems Theory.
I have experience in dealing with:
Relationship issues
Anxiety/stress
Chemical addiction
Gambling addiction
Compulsive behaviors (such as sexual “addiction”)
Anger Management
Codependency
Self Esteem
PTSD

Professional experience

16yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Addictions Relationships Anger management

Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Depression, Codependency, Communication problems, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Fatherhood Issues, Forgiveness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis

Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

License information

PA LPC PC006310

NJ LPC 37PC00408700

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for William Dougherty. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

William has helped me reduce my anxiety and stress through adjusting my perspectives and expectations. Improving myself has helped me refocus and diffuse outside stress and set new goals. I feel like he is connected to me and his guidance is every day practical. I am lucky to have such great support and I am grateful for finding his expert help when I needed it most!

Written on Jan 08, 2022 after therapy with William for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting issues

I've been working with Bill for a few years now and he has helped me in so many different areas of my life. He is always holding space for me to dig deeper, discover new things about myself, and ultimately be who I want to be. He's taught me important life lessons while giving me the ability to discover myself in the process and connect the dots in ways that resonate with me. I truly appreciate all of his help and feel he is the perfect therapist for me.

Written on Nov 28, 2021 after therapy with William for 3 years and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties

William has been a constant for me during an uncertain time. He challenges me to think differently and brings a unique perspective to our conversations.

Written on Jun 27, 2021 after therapy with William for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, coping with life changes, and adhd

Very helpful counselor. I get some useful takeaway from nearly every encounter. I would recommend him.

Written on Feb 06, 2021 after therapy with William for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, and coping with life changes

William truly listened to me and helped guide me by asking thought-provoking questions. I never felt judged when interacting with him and I recommend him if you need a person who would listen to you and steer you toward positive thinking.

Written on Jan 24, 2021 after therapy with William for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, self esteem, and career difficulties

Very knowledgeable and professional

Written on Dec 08, 2020 after therapy with William for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue