Therapist John ODonoghue Photo

John ODonoghue, LMFT, LCMHC

Stress, Anxiety Relationships Grief Self esteem, Motivation
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

For 25 years I have had the privilege to help people navigate difficult passages in their lives, in a variety of settings. Give yourself credit for reaching out, because a good therapist during these times can make a huge positive difference. In retrospect you may see that ill fortune, suffering and emotional pain helped you grow, and that without these challenges you may not have learned what you needed to progress. As Eckhart Tolle has said, suffering can be your greatest teacher. I did not become a therapist until midlife, and have had my own share of major life changes, transformations, suffering, and loss. These experiences have deepened my empathy and compassion, which I hope to bring to you.

I have learned that creating trust in the therapeutic relationship is a vital part of the process, and like all therapists I am sworn to hold you with unconditional, non-judgmental positive regard. I have earned two Masters Degrees (in Psychology and Counseling Psychology), and hold two licenses – Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Whether you are seeking longer term therapy to illuminate hidden patterns, or solution focused brief therapy for a specific problem, we will tailor our work accordingly to your goals and wishes. I am committed to helping you discover your ability to heal and grow, to listen to your inner wisdom, and find peace, self-acceptance, and self-confidence instead of fear.

I have expertise with relationship struggles of all kinds, including dating, and alternate lifestyles. Addiction is a special interest, having developed a comprehensive alternative addiction treatment program in India suitable for any addiction – alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, sex, polysubstance cocktails, internet addictions, and others. I am open minded and abide by the principles of Harm Reduction. As an EAP counselor, I enjoy helping people with workplace and career issues. Other areas of expertise include grief and loss, blended family issues, stress, coping with the narcissists in your life, mild depression, anxiety, social anxiety, procrastination, guilt, anger, self blame, PTSD, family conflict, highly sensitive people, spirituality (mindfulness) and existential issues.

I wish you all the best in your journey, and should you choose me, I look forward to working with you.

Professional experience

27yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Relationships Grief Self esteem, Motivation

Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Depression, Infidelity, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships

Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Imago Relationship Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

License information

CA LMFT 40935

NC LMFT 1114

NC LCMHC 8857

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for John ODonoghue. 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.

John was helpful initially but eventually seemed to care more about his work outside of counseling more, including lengthy talks about his research and the book he was writing. I could often see that he was distracted during our video sessions and repeatedly heard alerts/notifications going off on his computer during our sessions. He didn't remember that my parents were divorced, that I had brothers and that I was married even after 5 sessions. He offered to switch to zoom after a few sessions which felt odd to me. He asked for my cell phone and email. we stopped our sessions several months ago. I felt the need to write this review now as it took me a while to process this experience.

Written on Jan 16, 2023 after therapy with John for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Amazing person and specialist who helped me to overcome some of the hardest moments in my life. Witty, kind and kicks your butt. Also, very philosophical but at the same time, very nurturing and caring and great listener. Exactly what you want in the therapist! I have recommended him to couple of my friends already. Highly recommended!

Written on Jun 17, 2022 after therapy with John for 1 year on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and anger management

Great

Written on Jun 17, 2022 after therapy with John for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and anger management

He is a competent therapist and truly understands and listens to you. He also creates a good trusting environment.

Written on Jun 15, 2022 after therapy with John for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and compassion fatigue

A true diplomat, professional listener and friend. Never leans towards what I want to hear. Leans towards growth and stability. And genuinely cares and remembers. I’ve had this therapist for the better part of 5 years and I’m inconsistent with meeting because I don’t need it all the time but when I do, he’s very present and kind. I feel very lucky to have found someone who knows how to communicate with me. I’ve gone through many therapists and he’s the best out there (for me). Honest, genuine, and spirited in all the ways I need. I want to say that I wouldn’t be the person I am without him, but he would tell me that I was always that person and just needed a little push. 1000/1000 a true, committed knight fighting for people relentlessly.

Written on May 12, 2022 after therapy with John for 2 years on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes

If you're lucky enough to get matched with John do not hesitate to book an appointment. Highly recommend

Written on Jan 30, 2022 after therapy with John for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem