Dr. John DeGaglia

Choosing a psychotherapist is a deeply personal decision, and Dr. John DeGaglia approaches therapy as a practice grounded in focused communication. He believes that by adjusting the way people talk about their experiences, their thinking can shift, behavior can change, and sustained, healthy patterns can emerge. That process often begins with a single step.

Dr. DeGaglia’s professional path began last century with graduate study and licensure. He spent many years working with incarcerated individuals, learning firsthand that being physically free does not always mean one is no longer constrained. For over a dozen years he worked within a Native American community, serving people of all ages and often collaborating through an interpreter. From that work he transitioned into substance abuse treatment and served as clinical director at several programs, viewing sobriety as a day-to-day process similar to therapy - perfection is not the goal, but excellence is attainable.

As a former first responder, Dr. DeGaglia also spent more than a decade assisting that community with critical incident stress, and he earned a doctorate based on the collaborative research produced during that time. He regards support for first responders as a kind of ministry of presence, and he values moments when the most meaningful therapy can be simply being with someone without saying a word.

Dr. DeGaglia is based in Florida and brings 25 years of experience to his work. He is licensed to practice as a mental health counselor in Florida and as a professional clinical counselor in California. His areas of focus include stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and depression. He encourages anyone seeking help to continue searching until they find the right fit and welcomes the possibility that their paths may cross.