Dorothy Charest

Dorothy Charest is a licensed counselor with nearly two decades of clinical experience working with people facing depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use concerns, and relationship and family conflicts. She combines a depth of experience treating sexually compulsive behaviors - more than 11 years - with broad practice in mood disorders, anger management, grief, parenting challenges, intimacy-related concerns, and career or self-esteem difficulties.

She earned her degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia in 2003 and maintains professional currency through ongoing trainings and workshops, including certification as a clinical trauma professional. Dorothy also holds certifications specific to addiction and sex-offender treatment: she is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor through the Virginia Board of Counseling, a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the Virginia Certification Board, and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider through the Virginia Board of Psychology.

Dorothy is licensed to practice in both Florida and Virginia. She holds a Florida mental health counselor license issued by the Florida Department of Health (Florida LMHC, license MH17918) and a professional counselor license issued by the Virginia Board of Counseling (Virginia LPC, license 0701004762).

Her clinical approach draws on evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, schema therapy, humanistic approaches, and solution-focused brief therapy. She emphasizes tailoring treatment to each person in a non-judgmental, supportive environment, recognizing that therapy can be both challenging and rewarding. Dorothy commends those who take the first step and welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively through that process.