John Dlugosz

John Dlugosz, LCSW, LISW, is a licensed clinical social worker who brings decades of experience supporting children, teens, adults, couples, families, and veterans as they navigate mental health concerns and the real-life challenges that can feel overwhelming. Alongside his clinical work, he identifies as a Christian, a husband and father, and a veteran, and he thoughtfully integrates his lived experience with a strong academic foundation that includes doctoral degrees in Education and in Religious Sciences and Counseling, a Master of Social Work, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

In the first session, John prioritizes the therapeutic relationship, focusing on getting to know the client and building trust. He listens closely, asks open-ended questions to better understand what a person is experiencing, and welcomes questions so the work feels clear and collaborative from the start.

John’s approach emphasizes helping people recognize their own strengths, identify root causes contributing to distress, and build practical steps forward. He often draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), using a client-centered, holistic, strengths-based, and trauma-informed lens. Sessions may include tools such as reframing unhelpful thoughts, guided discovery, journaling or thought records, relaxation strategies, goal setting, and behavior activation, along with an emphasis on developing a comprehensive self-care routine and understanding why it supports lasting growth. For clients who want it, he also offers Christian counseling that integrates evidence-based therapy with Biblical principles and a Christ-centered worldview, treating faith as a potential source of resilience and direction. John is especially well-suited to work with people who are seeking change, clarity, and a way forward when hope feels hard to find.