Paul Dempsey

Calm guidance for practical change

LCSW Florida

Experience: 24 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Anger
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Paul

Paul Dempsey is a Florida-licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 24 years of professional experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, and changes in life and career.

Background and approach

He combines structured methods and person-centered attention to help clients develop practical coping skills and clearer thinking while also honoring each person's experience and values. His background includes work on issues such as anger management, self-esteem and confidence, intimacy-related concerns, and challenges connected to addiction and separation.

In sessions he aims to build a welcoming space where thoughts and feelings can be explored without judgment, and he partners with clients to set achievable goals. Paul uses evidence-informed strategies including cognitive behavioral techniques and dialectical skills to address patterns of thinking and behavior, alongside client-centered and trauma-focused work when appropriate.

He also incorporates motivational interviewing to support readiness for change and practical coaching around career or life transitions. Paul accepts international clients and delivers care from Florida with attention to each person's needs and pace.

Approaches that translate to online care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing practical strategies to change behaviors and emotional responses; it is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and many everyday challenges. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and empathy, helping people explore their values and build self-understanding in a respectful, nonjudgmental setting. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines acceptance with change-oriented skills like emotion regulation and distress tolerance, which can be useful when strong emotions or relationship conflicts get in the way of daily life.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Paul will work with each person to consider goals, strengths, and preferences, adjusting methods over time so treatment feels tailored rather than fixed. That shared decision making helps ensure the work aligns with what the client hopes to achieve.

Online formats - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to maintain continuity during life transitions. These options provide flexibility for pacing, frequency, and communication style so clients can access licensed professionals in ways that suit their daily routines.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Paul help with?

He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family difficulties, anger, grief, self-esteem, intimacy issues, career changes, ADHD, and related challenges listed in his profile.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

His approach blends client-centered listening with practical, skills-based methods like CBT and DBT, aiming for collaborative problem solving and clear tools for coping.

How long has he been practicing?

Paul brings 24 years of professional experience to his work with clients and has applied that background across a wide range of concerns.

Where is he licensed and what credential does he hold?

He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, credential FL LCSW SW12702.

Can non-U.S. clients work with him?

Yes, he accepts international clients and conducts sessions with people outside the United States.

What session formats are available?

Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different preferences and schedules.

How are fees handled for sessions?

Costs vary based on location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What steps are involved to begin working together?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteem Depression

Also works with

Relationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSex addictionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

24+ years

Licensed

Florida

Languages

English