Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships
Hi there! Welcome to the BetterHelp community.
*I am only taking short term clients on Fridays currently.*
My name is Riley Dean and I am a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois and Michigan. I have been trained in psychodynamic therapy, and I typically practice using an integrative psychodynamic framework combined with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Prior to becoming a therapist, I have 5 years in crisis counseling with young adults and families, assisting with a large variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, LGBTQ issues, family dynamics, abuse, substance abuse, poverty, and more.
In my therapeutic relationships, I am person-centered and I meet folks where they are at, so how I work greatly varies with who I am talking to. I would describe myself as laid back, easy to talk to, and passionate about mental health issues. In both running my practice and in my personal life, I try to live through a transformational, anti-oppressive, feminist lens. I use they/she pronouns.
Whether you decide we are a good fit or you go with another excellent BetterHelp counselor, I truly hope you find the help you are looking for. You are not alone in this, and just this step of looking for a counselor is huge step in the right direction. I so look forward to the possibility of working with you!
Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
Riley Dean welcomes people to the BetterHelp community and is currently accepting only short-term clients on Fridays.
Riley is a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides services in Illinois and Michigan. They hold a clinical social work license in Illinois, which authorizes practice as a clinical social worker in that state.
Trained in psychodynamic therapy, Riley works from an integrative psychodynamic framework and commonly blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into their work. Before becoming a licensed therapist, Riley spent five years in crisis counseling with young adults and families, supporting people through issues such as depression, anxiety, LGBTQ concerns, family dynamics, abuse, substance use, and poverty.
Riley’s approach is person-centered and adaptable, meeting each person where they are. Colleagues and clients find Riley laid back and easy to talk with, and they bring a strong commitment to mental health to both clinical work and daily life. Riley practices through a transformational, anti-oppressive, feminist lens and uses they/she pronouns.
With three years of professional therapy experience, Riley aims to support people through meaningful change. Whether someone chooses Riley or another counselor, they hope every person finds the help they are seeking and recognizes that taking the step to look for a therapist is a significant move forward.
Many people ask whether connecting with a therapist online can truly help. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or navigating life transitions, online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions.
One major benefit is flexibility – people can choose the format that best fits their routine and comfort level, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. This adaptability makes it easier to maintain consistency and fit therapeutic work into a busy life.
Licensed professionals provide online therapy, and if someone decides they need a different match, they are able to switch therapists at any time. For many individuals, remote therapy offers a practical, effective option for addressing everyday mental health needs and cultivating lasting change.
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