About Doreen
Doreen Gaffney is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in Washington. She brings 11 years of experience helping people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship concerns. Her approach is warm and straightforward, and she aims to make the first step feel manageable for people who are nervous about starting therapy.
She focuses on practical conversations that address what is happening day to day. That can mean talking through panic symptoms, working on communication problems, or sorting out feelings of guilt and shame. Sessions are tailored to each person, so discussions and techniques are chosen to match what the person needs right now.
Doreen emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in sessions. She listens for patterns that keep problems going and helps people try small changes that build confidence. She also supports work on life purpose, isolation or loneliness, and mood concerns.
Over her career she has helped people with trauma and abuse, post-traumatic stress, social anxiety and phobia, and relationship struggles. She adapts pacing and strategies so therapy fits into a person's life and comfort level. Doreen encourages people to notice progress, even when it is gradual.
People who want to start are invited to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a time that fits them. Doreen works collaboratively on goals and next steps rather than pushing a single method.
Common evidence-based approaches and online therapy
Many evidence-based therapeutic techniques focus on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and on building skills to manage intense feelings. Cognitive approaches help people learn to notice and reframe thoughts that fuel anxiety or panic, and they often include practical exercises for day-to-day situations. Exposure-based strategies involve gradually facing feared sensations or situations in a controlled way to reduce avoidance and lessen panic and social anxiety over time.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work together with each person to choose techniques that match their goals, preferences, and what feels doable. Plans are adjusted as progress is made or as needs change so the work stays focused and useful.
Confirm available session formats before booking, as the biography does not specify formats. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by saving travel time, allowing check-ins around work or family schedules, and making it simpler to continue care after relocation. It can also allow shorter sessions when a quick strategy check-in is helpful, or sessions without video when bandwidth is limited. Ask about current options during the scheduling step to find what works best.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
11+ years
Listed in
Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does this therapist help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, and low self esteem. Additional focus areas include panic disorder and panic attacks, social anxiety, and mood concerns.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is direct and compassionate with a focus on practical, day-to-day changes. Conversations and techniques are tailored to each person's needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 11 years of professional work experience supporting people with a range of concerns including trauma, anxiety, and depression.
What credential does she hold and where is she located?
She holds the LMHC credential and is licensed in Washington.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not work with international clients at this time.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.